The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1881-10-07
sENAroR pAvrn nArIs

What lie Has TO Say OF His Political
Position, and HIS Obligations 70 the
Democracy,
On'oaturiay, the 18th OF las, March SEN
ator Pendleton offered resolution organic
ing the committees OF the senate as selected
by the democratic caucus Senator Gar
and had first been put at the head Of the ju-
dietary committee, emitting him to the chair
manship, but he had declined the place,
and at his suggestion Senator Davis had
been put at the head, When Mr., Pendle-
ton offered his resolution, Mr. Davis at
once declined the craftsmanship, and at
once proceeded to explain his reasons for
declining. This explanation has as much
importance to-day as il had six
months ago, and il will be read with inter
est IN view of the probable renewal of the
contest for the senate organization. After
reciting the facts connected with his cleo
ton in 1871 by the Illinois legislature, Sen
ator Davis said; "No man ever entered
congress freer from political committal or
personal obligation than | did four years
ago. | had been identified with the repub-
llcan party, and still look back with pride
to its grand achievements. The extreme
measures after the war, tho excuses Incl
dent to civil strife drove tens Of thousands
into the liberal movement of 1872. | found
myself in company with CHARLES Francis
Murat Halstead, Stanley Matthews, Il. +.
Fenton, Jno. Wentworth, Samuel Bowlss,
Lyman Trumbull, Whitelaw Reid, Leonard
SWEET and Others known to fame, who had
been conspicuous republicans Some OF
them have returned TO the fold from which
they had separated doubtless prompted by
patriotic motives. have never acted dis
tinctiyely with the democratic party,
and unless it's methods are changed
and its wisdom is broadened there
is little prospect Of my reversing opinions
calmly formed. The country would be
materially benefited by the reconstruction
ofboth parties, especially since the errors
OF one seem to perpetuste the power Of the
other | have voted on all public measures
according to my convictions of right, and
propose to continue that course. An
honored recognition of the trust generously
contided to my keeping by the democratic
voters III 1877 requires me to sustain the
existing organization of the senate, for
which | disClaim all responsibility. Parts
Oft are neither agreeable to my taste or to
proper for me to say, whatever may be the
result that l can accept no honor
at the hands Of either side.
The country needs rest from sectional
strife. The voice of patriotism demands
peace and fraternal friendship north and
south, east and west. Every good citizen
should desire the success of the administers
ton, for we all ought to have u common in
terest in the glory and greatness Of the re-
public. Measures intended to advance
either shall have my cordial support The
president and his cabinet are entitled to a
fair hearing, and to be judged impartially
by their acts. If they fail to Justify public
confidence it will be misfortune which has
overtaken other administrations having
equally good intentions and prospects |
shall vote for the appointment of all these
wish to retain my old place on the Judi
Ciary committee, and although | am thank
tnl to my friends, | must decline Imposition
of chairman.