The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1882-05-04
HOUSE.


Chalmers came up, and the House, by yeas 81,
nays 121, refused to consider it. The follow
ing Republicans voted with the Democrats in
the negative: Bayne. Barr, Brewer, Brumm,
Erritt, Hammer, Haskell, Hill, Kasson, Kelley,
Mckinley, O'Neill, Russell, Smith of Illinois,
Shallenberger, Wadsworth, and Ward. Mr..
Jones, Of Texas, and Mr.. Wright, Democrat
and Greenbacker, voted in the affirmative. Mr..
Calkins gave notice he would call up the cleo
ton cases every morning, and endeavor to have
them considered. A resolution was adopted
requesting the President to continue his efforts
for the prompt release and prompt trial OF
American citizens Imprisoned in Ireland by the
British Government.
Mr.. Calkins called up the contested election
case Of Lynch us. Chalmers. Mr.. Randall
raised the question Of consideration and the
House decided by yeas 115, nays SO, to con-
slider, and the report was then read. The
reading Of the report consumed an hour and a
half, and at its conclusion Mr.. Pettibone, of
Tennessee, took the floor in support of the
case of the contestant, Lynch. Mr.. Atherton,
of Ohio, made long argument in favor of the
minority report, declaring Chalmers entitled to
the seat Mr.. Moore, Of Tennessee, in advocat-
ing tho seating of Lynch, protested against the
shilly shally milksop policy of the managers of
the Republican party in the House, if it had
any managers. He insisted on a vigorous
policy in regard to the contested election cases,
warning his party friends that unless they did
simple justice, and that soon, to Republican
contestants who had almost literally fought
their way to the doors Of this House, the 4Sth
Congress would ba in the hands of q round
majority of Bourbon Democrats. The matter
then went over, and the House adjourned.
The contested election case of Lynch VS..
Chalmers was resumed. Mr.. Lynch was ac-
corded the floor, and stood at the desk formerly
occupied by General Garfield. he said he re-
gretted to be compelled to say that it seemed
to be the settled determination Of the Bourbon
party at the South that there must be a CEN
tralized government or no government at all.
It seems to be determined that if it could not
destroy the government in one way it would
in another; for it was an incontrovertlble, and
indisputable fact that the sanctity and purity
of the ballot was the chief pillar Of our gov
mnmental structure. Destroy that pillar, and
the structure must necessarily fall. He
but in behalf of his country.
when he declared that this system Of election
fraud in several Southern States, through and
bv which that section has been made solid In
support of one Of the great political parties OF
the day, ought, must, and would be destroyed.
[Applause on the Republican side and in the
gafleryl Mr.. Chalmers, Of Mississippi, the
contestee, followed. Referring to the speech
of Mr.. Lynch, he asserted that it was but
repetition of what had been said time and time
who had through the public press of the coun-
try endeavored to destroy tho reputation of
the white people of Mississippi. In conclu-
sion, he said "If reason and shame have
fed to british beasts; il the sacrifice OF
Democrats is to be made, and am to be the
first victim, then say to you, Go ahead. You
have the power. II you choose to exercise 1t,
you will regret it moro than l. You may drive
me from my seat by force and place another IN
it, but whenever You look at him You Will be
ia 10, md n
science be not canker in your breast, in the
stiffness of tho night, il will haunt you with the
recollection that truth, justice, and law were
inundated, and that you were the high priests
that oficiated at the unholy sacrifice. IApplause
on the Democratic side.] The Speaker laid before
the House message from the President relat-
ing to the troubles in Arizona.
The House resumed consideration Of the
Lynch Chalmers contested election case.
Messrs. Hooker and Tucker supported the
claims Of Chalmers. Mr.. Robeson made An
argument the gist Of which was the House
having q constitutional right to determine
upon the election Of its members, had the right
and power to override decisions OF State Courts
throwing technicalities in the way OF allowing
votes constitutionally cast to be honestly
counted. The decision Of the Supreme Court OF
Mississippi that monkey-dash upon ticket
was . distinguishing mark, and that conse-
quently over two thousand votes cast Tor Mr.
lynch must be thrown out, was, in his judg-
ment, not only absurd but unconstitutional
Mr.. Carlisle, Of Kentucky, replied to Mr.. Robe.
son, declaring the principle laid down that the
House had an inherent right to override State
laws and decisions Of State Courts to be the
very definition Of arbitrary power. Under nc
other principle, however, could the contestant
be admitted to seat on this floor. Mr.. Calkins
Of Indiana, demanded the previous question
Int no vote was taken, and the House Ad
journed.
The House resumed consideration of thecon
tested oase Of Lynch against Chalmers. 4