New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-28
CALVIN S. BRICES ELIGIBILITY.
THE POSITION OF SENATOR SHERMAN.
HE WRITES LETTER FULL OF VALUABLE sUG-
GEsTIoNs-THE REPUBLICANS TO
TAKE ACTION.
'.Y TELEGRAPH TO THE rRrBuSr.J


Columbus. Ohio, Nov. 27.-The agitation in regard
to the eligibility of Calvin S. Brce to a seat In the
United States Senate started by Democrats who opposed
him at hte time OF his election two years ago, and
revived since the recent election eliminated in
ference of the Republican State Central Committee and
many Of the party leaders here tonight The meeting
called to consider in general way the policy to
be pursued with reference to contestng Mr. Brlce's
right to a seat and to discuss the future policy
Of the party I'm Ohio. Unquestionaby there
are many Democrats who believe with the
Republicans that Mr.. Brice not an inhabtnnt OF
Ohio when chosen represent the State in the Eenafe
of the United States, and who privately encouraged
the efforts of the Republicans full and legal
Investigation OF the matter. Notwithstanding this
there was wide diversity Of opinion among the Re-
publican leaders, not 30 much as to the propnety OF
securing investigation to the proper method Of
procedure.
Since the call for the meeting was issued by the
chairman, the friends of Senator Sherman and of
Governor Foraker the candidates for the United states
Senate tuve each held that the conference was against
the interests OF their respective favorte, but during
the full and free discussion tonight absolute neutral
ity was maintained by the party leaders Chairman
King dsclaimed all intention OF advancing the cause
Of either of the Senatorial candidates The conference
he sad had been called at tie suggestion of leading
Republicans, Senator sherman among the number
There was manifest disposition the part of somo
to Senator sherman because he would not con
sent to enter objection to the swearing In OF Mr.
Brice.
General c. H. Grcsvenor, for many years member
OF Congress. and others explained the Senatorial pre-
cedents showing that such course on the part oi Mr.
sherman would be contra>y to past proceedings In
similar cases. The following letter. addressed to the
chairman and written from Mansfield was read at the
meeting and fully explains Mr.. shermans position In
the matter of contesting Mr. Hrice's seat:
My frequently called TO the expedieney
the host of to
states question OF tho eligibility of the Hon. Calvin b.
Price TO seat in that body He now holds certificate
Of Ohio OF his election by the last gis
lature in due FORM and this prma face case WILL no
doubt according the uniform of the Senate, be
sworn In on day the session. and take his seat
This will the least determine his right to his seat
IL can that he rot an inhabitant OF ONO
when he was elected 1t is clear that declaration by
me or by any that he was not Osueh
an nhabitent will not prevent his taking seat and such
a declaration by would not only be futile but
emineny improper. have to pass judicaly on this
question after full hearing and trial.
1t seems to that IL the contest is TO be naugurated
before the next Legislature acts it ought to be done
by memorial of the Republican State Committee to the
Senate Such memorial would give the Senate AN OPP
portunty to institute iSquiry into the facts OF his
eligibility But in my Judgment joint reso
luton OF the two houses when they meet In January
only formal and effective way OF securing an nvest
cation. The question would then arise whether the Legis
letre may that vacancy exists by reason OF
Bfce's fnelg1balityf e6ct Sendtor III
con eonters the present and marshal the tes
timony be taken. M
The consensus Of opinion among the Republicans Is
decidedly in favor of investigation TO clear the record
of Mr. Bce. II he is entitled to the seat by virtue OF
having been an inhabitant of Ohio Mt the time OF
elec0n 1t Is desirable that the fact be established but
II the Democratic Legislature performed an unconsti
tutiona act In selecting him, then there viii be a
strong demand made on the Senate to unseat him.
Initee to investigate. and should sufficient facts be
found then the policy indicated In Senator Sherman
letter will be followed end the Legislature will
memoriaze the United States senate, setting forth
the evidence and demanding that Mr. Brice be unseaed