Towanda daily review. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1879-1921, 1881-03-14
David Davis, U. S. S.


the organization of the Committees as
proposed by the democratic caucus bnt
declined the position of chairman of the
Judiciary Committee. In announcing his
position, Mr.. Davis said: Before cast
ing my vote on this occasion it is proper
for me to state the reasons that deter
mine me, In 1877 the Legislature of
Illinois Unexpectedly elected me Senator.
L was not in any sense candidate for
that honor, and when applied to for the
use of my name l declined an answer to
the request. Numerically, the Republ-
cans were in the plurality in that Legis-
laturc and my distinguished colleague
was their candidate. The Democrats
stood next in strength and small body
of Independents held the balance Of pow
cr. The la two united and voluntarily
conferred on me the honor which | now
hold. No man ever entered Congaess
freer from political commttal or person
al obligation than l did four years ago:
| had been identified with the Republ-
can party and still look back with pride
to its geand achievements. Extreme
measures after the war and the eXcesSeS
incident to civil strife drove tens of thou
sands into the Liberal movement of 1872
found myself in company with Charles
+. Adams, Horace Greedy, Carl Schurz,
Murat IIalstead, Stanley, Matthews, r. +.
Fenton, John Wentwort, Samuel Bowels,
Lyman Trumbull, Whitelaw Reid, Leon
ard Sweet and others known to fame who
had been conspicuous Republicans. Some
of them have returnd to the fold from
which thy had separated. doubtless
by patriotic motives.
have not acted distinctively with the
democratic party and unless its methods
are changed and it's wisdom is broaden
ed, there is little prospect of my revising
opinions calmly formed. The country
would be materially benefited b. the re-
construction of both parties, especially
since the errors Of ore seem to perpetuate
the powers of the other. Standing be-
tween these two great organizations and
exposed to the carpingS of the organs of
both who hold independence a crime, is
not an agreeable position, but it has suit
ed my policy because l could not accept
either extreme. | have voted on all pub
lie measures without regard to their po-
litical origin, according to my conviction
ofright, and propose to continue that
course until the close Of my Senatorial
career. Dreams of ambition do not dis
turb my sleep When the day of retiring
comes | shall go back to private life, as |
came out of it, carrying with me the con-
sciOuSncSS of having striycn to discharge
every duty.
An honorable recognition of trust gen
erously conided TO my keeping by demo-
cratic votes in 1877 requires me to sus-
tain the existing organization of the Sen
ate, for which diSclaim all responsible
ty. Parts Of it are neither agreeable to
my taste nor to my Judgment In giving |
this vote it is proper for me to say. what
ever may be the result, that | can accept |
no honor at the hands Of either side.
Courtesy is Il powerful aid to him who |
gives and he who receives. Treat even
base man with respect and he will make
1T least one desperate effort to be respect
able. Courtesy is an appeal to the nobler
and better nature of others to which that
nature responds II is due to ourselves.
1t is the crowning grace Of culture, for
stamp of perfection upon character, the
badge Of the perfect gentleman, the fra
GRANGE Of the flower of womanhOOd i'm