The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1881-03-19
sENATOR DAVID DAVIS SPEAKS
FOR HIMSELF AND HIS PARTY.


Upon the reorganization of the
Senate on the 11:h inst. Mr.. Davis
spoke as follows:
Mr. President, before casting my vote
on this occasion, 1t is proper for me to
state the reasons that determine II. In
1877 the Legislature Of Illinois unexpected
| ly elected me Senator. was not In any
sense candidate for this honor, and when
applied to for the use Of my name declip-
ed to answer the request. Numerically the
Republicans had plurality Of that Legis-
lature, and my distinguished colleague
Mr.. Logan] was their nominee. The
Democrats stood next in strength, and
small body Of Independents held the bal.
anca Of power. The two last united, and
they voluntarily conferred upon me the
distinction which 1 now hold. No man
ever entered Congress freer from political
cOmmittals or from personal obligations
than ! did four years ago: l have been
identified with the Republican party and
Still look back with pride to its grand
achievements. The extreme measures
after the war and the excuses incident to
civil strife drove tens of thousands into
the liberal movement of 1872. | found
myself in company with Charles Francis
Adams, Horace Greedy, Carl Schurz, Stan
ley Matthews, Reuben Il. FentOn, Murat
bell, Samuel Bowles, John Wentworth,
Whitel0w Reid, LeOnord SWEET, and
others known to fame, who had been con-
spicuOus Republicans. Some of them have
returned to the fold from which they had
separated, doubtless prompted by patriot
ic motives.
l have never acted distinctiyely with the
democratic party, and unless its methods
change and its wisdom is brOadened there
is little prospect of my revising opinions
calmly formed. The country would be
materially benefited by reconstruction
of parties, especially since the errors Of
one seem unhappily contriyed to prolOng
possession of power in the other. Stand
ing between these two great oSGsnipatioesr
and exposed to the earnings OF the organs
of both, who regard Independence of party
ms crime, Is not an agreeable position TO
occupy; but 1t has suited my politics, be-
cause could not accept either extreme.
have voted on all public measures, with
out regard to their political origin, accord
ing to my convictions of right, and l pro-
pose to continue that course until the close
of my senatorial term. Dreams of ambi- |
ton do not disturb my sleep. When the
day for retiring comes | shall go back TO
private life, as came out OF 1t, carrying |
with me the consciousness of having striy- |
en- to discharge every duty.
An honorable recognition Of the trust
generously confided to my keeping by DEM
Ocratic votes in 1877 requires me to sustain
the existing organization Of the Senate, for
which disclaim all responsibility. Parts
Of 1t are neither agreeable to my taste
nor to my judgment. | do not refer TO the
of committees.
In giving this vote 1t is proper to say,
whatever may be the result, that can ac-
cept no honor at the hands of either side.
new administration is starting out under
exceptional circumstances. The States were
divided ut the Presidential cleo
ton A few thousand votes separated the
two principle candidates in poll exceed
ress are almost balanced. The country
Graves respite from angry discOrd, and
most OF all, 1t needs rest from sectional
strife. The voice of patriotism demands
peace and fraternal fellowship, North and
south, East and West. Every good citizen
should desire the success Of the administra-
lion, for we all ought to have common in
crest In the glory and In the greatness of
he republic. Measures intended to advance
either shall have my cordial support. The
President and his Cabinet are entitled to u
air hearing, and to be judged impartially
~ their acts. III they fail to Justify the pub
ic confidence, IL viii be 4 misfortune that ,
las overtaken other administrations. having
qually good intentions and prospects.
1t follows from what have said that /
hall vote for the formation of all the CON- !
nittees as reported by the Senator from
)hio, except the Committee on the Judi {
larry. l wish to retain my old place on [
hat committee; and profoundly thankful /
o my democratic friends for the distin- !
uished honor OF being placed at the head
1 that committee, l must decline that
osition. Z