Year: 1879

ture was read there was hardly Republican who
did not Join in the applause. Then each turned to
his nearest neighbor and expressed his approval in
enthusiastic words


lnprivate conversation Republicans speak Of spe-
ca portions of the message as stronger and more un-
answerrble than others, but characterize the whole
document as a model State paper, creditable to the
President who prepared it, and beneficial to the
party. General Hawley of Connecticut, said this
afternoon that the message could not have been i'm
proved.


When the Democrats first reported their military
interference BILL some of the Republicans hestated.
and expressed the fear that unless 1t accepted
the Democrats would make the Republicans appear
to be sustaining military interference to control
elections The first paragraphs of the Presi-
dents message make that impossible, and
meet the only objections to veto of
the bill that have been raised by any
Republicans. After the veto of the Army bill
leading Democrats said in public and in private
that they meant to make President Hayes put him.
self squarey on the record rs either In favor Of
opposed to the use Of troops at the polls. He had
lodged that question. they said, in his message on
the Army bill. but he would not have chance to
dodge il again. Well, the President has met the
Democrats this very question, and has done 1t In
such way as to show that he is not
AFRAID or II; ana III Is lne pdIO VI tLV
message In which he declares that he is opposed
to military interference in elections, and clearly de-
fines the circumstances under which alone the use
of force on such occasions be justified TO which
General Hawley referred in speaking of the effect
of the message upon Republicans who at first hesi-
tated as to the best policy to be pursued. lie had
opposed the acceptance Of the bill from the first,
he said, and had told his Republican associates If
they Welded to the Democrats this point that that
surrender would mark the brcaking-dOwn OF
tie election laws. General Hawley said he
never had seen the Republicans in Congress feel
more elated than now and nothing could have been
more fortunate than the introduction of the Army
Appropriation bill just on the heels of the veto mes
sage the refusal of the House to adjourn. and the
record that was then made. He closed by saying
that luck and management as well as rlght were on
the side Of the Republicans.


Another Republican said that the restatement OF
the Presidents position in regard to using troops
at the polsthat the present laws do not authorize,
and further, that they viii not be used in any
event for purposes of interference by this Ad-
mipistration-leaves the Democrats little ground
upon which to rest.their demand for the present
measure of legislation.


The Republican party was never more solid IN
Washington at any time during the war than 1t Is
tonight. Some of those who had supposed that
the President would sign the pending bill were
prepared to renew some of the old opposition of the
early days OF the Administration. This has gil
passed away this afternoon and the
message, by its strength, clearness and
uncompromisng tone, has elected unstinted
praise from those who before were ready
to criticise For the rest of the contest all feel
confident as to what the Presidents course will be.
Tie Legislative bill, if presented with the sections
repeating and amending the election law, Will Ger
tainly be vetoed. If these sections are then pre-
scnted in separate form they will again be vetoed.
he repeal Of the test-Oah for jurors Is exciting
very little attention among Republicans, and
whether signed or not, cannot raise any issue be-
tween the President and his party


While the Republicans are thus united the Dem
ocrats are divided and undecided as to the course
they ought to pursue. 1he more conservative of
them. convinced that they are beaten, and
that further attempts TO pass their pollt-
ably advise that the fight be given up,


that temporary appropriations be made and an early
adjournment secured.