HE FIFTH ME CONFERENCE.
Speeches by Charles Final Adams, jr.; Me
Godwin, Professor Sumner and Others.
AN ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE.
Briitow toil Tilden the Favorites for tlie
Presidency.
The second day's session of the Fifth Avenue Con
fereuc? began yesterduy, at ten A. M., and was very
welt attended. Tbero were more persons present tli.ui
sn the previous day, at:d some thirty or forty ol tliem
were qui delegate*. They came merely as spectators,
itid reuialued throughout the proceedings, which occu
pied the forenoon and part ol l ho afternoon. Among
those who were watching these proceedings with ap
parent interest were Hou. 'I'hurlow Weed. Ktban Allen
Uorman B. Katon aud others, llcsido those who put
In an appearance on Monday alternoon many ol the
ither delegates who had received invitations from the
ilgner* of the call came; hut as no regular list of their
tames was taken it was impossible to ascertain just
bow many of the 400 had come. St range to say, not
?no of the Uvo secretar es thought It worth while to
collate and arrange such a list until alter the mooting,
when most of the visitors had gone away,
iDd it was almost impossible to do so, when
klr. Henry Armltt lirown, o( Pennsylvania, under
oolc the ta-k uud lalleil. Of the euros handed him and
>ut In his hat nearly all were names already published
n the Hikald. The contcrcnco was a very cnthusl
istic one, anu speakers were ire<iueutly interrupted hy
Ihe prolonged plaudits of the admiring assembly. It
nay be said, on the wholo, that Hie address, which is
f iven luily below, was Just wlist Hie members lelt they
could safely Indorse, and did ro accordingly, being
anxious to slgu their names to the document. This,
however, they did not do ye.-torday, nor is it at ull
likely that they will do so hereafter. In short, tho
signers of tho original call managed things so as (o
preserve iheir Individuality at tho head ot this new
tnovetnont. Carl Scliurz of course being foremost ol
Iheiu all. The address was flashed over Ihe wires of
the Associated Press yesterday by order of tho con
'creneo, bearing the names appended below.
Some of tho members of tho conference
fondly Imagined that they, loo, would bo permitted
to place themselves id such goodly company; but the
deed was done before they could do t-o, and they were
deprived of tho pleasure of seeing themselves in print
even for ono day more. Several speeches wore mado
t>v able men, who ouuncialud Ideas that wcro vigorous
md potntod and In marked contrast to the address
which, according to Dorman li. Katon, was powerfully
ind glitteringlv general. Tho speukors were Charles
frauds Adams, Jr., Parke (iodwin, Profassor Suinnor,
Oortnau It. Eaton, Dr. Hopkins and others. Mr. Adams
avowed himself for Secretary Uristow, aud, tailing in
him, for Governor Tlldea. Mr. Hnstow was unques
tionably the choice of tho conference, whiuh hailed
?ach mention of his name with vociferous plaudits.
Two resolutions were adopted, one of which appointed
au executive coiuinitlco and tho othor pledged tho
conference to civil service reform. Tho session was a
very active ono and did not termlnalo until alter one
o'clock.
TI1K I'kOCKktll.NOa.
The coulerence was called to order at ten o'clock
precisely by President Woolsey, who annouueed that
Ihe business beloro it was the hearing uud considera
tion of tho Standing Committee's report. An address
had been prepared by It und was In the hands of Its
CI.airman. Senator Schurz, who wo.uld read It.
Tilt ADDRKSM.
Caiil Sciiikz arose and, In clear accents, readtbo fol
lowing address, issued by the conference at the fifth
Avenue Hotel to the American people:?
Kkllow Citizens?A coulerence of citizens, us
tembled in New York sincerely desiriug toi-oivetho
beat interests of ttie American people, beg leave to sub
mit to your candid consideration the lollowiug ap
peal :?
A national election is approaching under circura
stauces ol peculiar significance. Never beiore iu our
hisiory has tho public miud Lecn so profoundly agi
tated by uu apprehension of the dangers arls.ng from
the prevalence of corrupt tendencies and practices in
our political life; uud nevor has tlx.re been greater
reasou (or It. Wo w ill not display hero iu detail tho
distressing catalogue ol the disclosures which lor sov
truljears have followed one another in rupiu suc
cession aud seem to have lelt scarcely a single sphere
ol our political III e untouched. The records of courts,
of State Legislatures and of the national
Congress speak with tarrrible plainness, aud
?till they are udd:ng to tho scandalous exhibition.
While such u state ol things would under auy circum
stances appear most deplorable, It ts peculiarly so at
the present moment. We are about to celebrate the
one hundredth birthday of our uallonal existence. Wo
l ave invited the nations of tho e irth on this great an
niversary to visit our land and to wiluess the evidences
vt our material progress, as woil a- the working aud
ellict? of that republican government winch a ceututy
?go our lathers louuded. Thus the most in.-piruig
memories ol our past history are rising up belore us in
? new glow ot life, forcing upon us tin comparison of
what this Kcpublic once was, what it uusluieudoj to be
Hid w ha. It now Is; and upon this we have challenged the
ludgmeut ol civilized inatikind conjointly with our own.
There is much of whicn every American cltlseu has
lust reasou to bo proud?an energy aud thrift, a
Suwcr ol thought and action, u progressive spirit,
winch lu magniUceuce of result have omsiiippod all
precedent and anticipation; a history abounding in illus
trations al heroic patriotism, lortltude aud wisdomr a
greater ireeiloui from foreign wars and revolutionary
chitugcs uf government man most other uatlons cau
boast ot; our Kepubllc. but a century old uud Just l?
sueo from the only ureal civil conflict we have had to
deplore, so stroug in resources uud organ.zaiiou that
It stands in the lorcmost rauk of the great Powers of
the earth. And yet, uiih all these splendid re-tilts on
record, u ranuot be denied that ut uu period during the
Century how behind us the American people havo heeu
le-s satisfied with themselves a^d tUal the centennial
anniversary of tho Declaration ot Independence, in so
luany rtcpects to all Americans a day of slucerost pride
aud rejoicing, is le'.l to be iu other respects not with
out sell reproach uud humiliation. Uf this tho
corruption revealed in our political luo is the cause.
To the honor ol the American people t>o It said, every
patriotic citizen li-cls the burning shame ot the spec
tacle presented in tt e centennial year; there the me
memoes und mouuincnis ol tbu virtue.* of the past, au.l
here the shocking evidence of ihe demoralization and
corruption of the pr. scut; iheru lit* glewing eu'ogle*
pronounced ou the wisdom Mid purity ol the lathers, '
und here lu mocking contract the veidicts of courts
mid tho records of legislative bodies illustrating the
political morals ol to-day; aud this beloro all mankind
solemnly -ummoncd as a witness to the Kxtubiliou
slid a guest to the least. Never was there cause tor
keener uiorullcation, and keenly docs tt strike every
patriotic heart. How can we avert such dauger and
wipe ol sue.h shame * lJy proViug thai, although tho
?owfMMI maihniery has otne corrupt, the gr?a'.
tiouv ol tho people are* sound and strong at the core?
tri in* iidous applause)?and that they are li hotly ? e
iermtned to reiorm the abuses ol our political ilfe and
.o overthrow ai any cost tbe agencies ol ev.l that
Hand in the way.. '?n!y such an effort, well
directed and atcrnly' persevered In nntll success ts
assured, will save the good nslue of the nation, prevent
Ibe prevailing disease Irotn becoming fstal and restore
to its old streugth the faith of our own people in
their institution*. (Applause.) At the impcuJIng
national election various inesilons ol great importance
w ill i>c submitted to our judgment. The seitli merits of
the civil war, as constitutionally lixed, must bo con
icientiuusly Maintained, and at the same time tho
government strengthened in general confluence by the
strict observance ot consiuuttonal principles, and the
?ld broihcrh'od ot tiie pec pie revived l>v a policy of
mutual justice and conciliation. (A|plau?e.) Our
?oleum and olteu repeated pledge, faithfully to dis
charge all national obligations must be fulfilled, uot
only by the payment of the principal aud interest ot
our bonded deoi when due, but also the removal, not
later ttian the time provided by existing law,-ol the
torse of our redun lam 11 redeemable piner currency,
which not only Impedes tho reinrn ol true
prosperity, but has ?Im> largely < ontribuied to
the existing demoraliratb n. (Prolonged applause)
These are grave question*, and ilo ro are mo-e
a em.glit touch, were it our purpose to lay do a u a
complete political platlorm. Hut grave as lliey are.
Hill in our present situation we must, i.? American rut
ren*. recognize it us our moat pres-lng duty, to re
establish tno moral character 01 our government and to
elevate the (one ol our political hie. (Applause )
Honest roverument is tho urti condition of enduring
aation.ni prosperity. j?*?r ana freedom. W uncut the
tl< m< nt.iry virtues ot political, as well as ??tal Ire, de
say will outstrip our progress, our discussion* and
itrugg.es about other great questions und principle*
will appear Itko a mockery and larce if we pt>? n.lt our
public concerns to drill Into that ruinous anarchy,
which corruption must ii?-cf ssarny bring in its train,
because it destroy-) the confidence of Ihe people in tl-eir
sell government, ihe greatest calamity tbat cau belaii a
republic. It is a simple que*'ion ol hie or death. A
Corrupt monarch! may last by the rule of force?a cor
rupt republic cannot eudure. It is u*-icv> to eol.-o e
ourselves with the idea that the corruption among us
must be ascribed solvty to Ihe imuiedntie elli els ol tbv
civil w?r and will without an eflort a' re
lorui, soon pass away. There l* another cnuso
which ts not transitory, but threatens lo bv. o?e per
manent. It Is that system which hn? tuade the offices
ol the government ibe inero spoils ol psriy viclo'y ;
tbe sy >'.cm which distrll'Uies the plaocs ol trust and
responsibility as the ri waid id p*it> tervice and Hit
bounty uf uir?eii'ew ?l^aUU which a^ipea.s lo the ,
n.eau impulse* of selnsbnes* and creed ss ? conl'olltng
uio.ive ol polili alaii.ou; the *>sietu whicn degg?des ,
II... , vi. . vi' e in the Icvt'i ol <x mere purty ugeuey,
treating the Ulcer us the h red servaul o, the '
I artv a:..! bun lor lis support, stimulate.- corrup I
i, n'und pi:i'?? i uuder puriy protection; Hit system
wli ch hi lugs tin- organisation o! purtlet uuiler the con
trol ol their most selfishly interested and tin rehire
most active e'eineul?place holder.. aud place hunters?
tbus IcU'ling to organise a standing army ol political
mercenaries to ho p.>id out ol the Treasury ol the gov
? ruiuetit, who, hv ur^uliiMd action, eudeavor to subju
gate the wlli of lho people to their etas through the
cultivation of a tyrannical party spirit. Kvery student
of our political history knows that since spoilt sys
tem was inaugurated corruption ha* steadily growu i
fiom vcar to year, and so Ion; a* this system
I us is, with all 114 deduction.-' ulid demoraliz
ing londeucic*, corruption Mill conliuuo to
i.ri>w m In extent and power. for patriotism
mi l true merit will more and more bo crowded out of
political I lie by unacrupu ous selfishness. lhe war has
only given u sudden stimulus to thi* tendeucj. hut ,
without the war it would have growu up and will U"l i
lease to grow a- loni{ u* the hull ed "I corruption, the
spoils sv.tern lasts. lhe skill In corrupt practice* ac- |
iiu.red bv oue generation of sjioilsiiien will only ho nu
proved upon by the ue\t The result we know. We
have already renpcl so ureal a harvual ol disaster and
shame thai we repeat it haa i.ow become iho first duty ,
ol the American ]>ooplo to re-i-siabl sli Urn morul char
acter of the government by a thorough rolorui What
run we do toward this end in the impendicg national elec
tion ? In this respect, Icllow clllxeus, we con-mor It our
duty to speak very plaiuly. Never were the cause ol good
government and iho houor of the American name moro
immediately dependent on the character, abitlt) and
reputation of the men to bo selected (or the higheit
oiniief. (Applause). in view ol the grave circum- |
stances at present surroundiug u*. we declare the coun
try cannot now afford to have any twin elected to I ho
i Presidency whose very name is not conclusive ovi
ilenco of the most uncompromising deterininatlon of j
the American people to iunke this a pure government
once more. (Applause) Our duty 111 thld respect is ]
plain itnd imperlouf. It suller-i no irifliug or equivo- :
cation, the woru-out elap-irap of lair promises in
puriy DiutiorriiH will noi^atisty It; neither will mere
Hun professions on the part ol cimdidatea; not mere
words aie needed, but acts; not mero platlorm*, but
We therefore declare, and call upon all good cltizcns
to join u', thin at the coining Presidential election wo
shall support no candidate mho in public |>osliIon evor
countenanced corrupt practices or coinbtualloua, or
Impeded their exposure auil puulahment, or opposed
necessary measures ol relorin.
| We shall support no candidate who, while iiossessing ;
ofliolal lullueuce and power, haa lallel to use his op
I ortuuilies in exposing and torrectiug abuses Cuming
Vi,bin lhe reach ol til* olwervatlon, but ior
i pernoual reasons and party ends lias permitted
ihem to feater on; lor such men may bo
counted on. not to uncover and crush corruption,
hut lor the partv'a sake merely to conceal it. We
sh II support no" candidate, however conspicuous hi?
IKisiiiou or brilliant his ability, iu whom the
iiiipulesi of the party manager have . shown j
themselves predomlnaut over tho*e ol reform,
lor lie will bo inclined to contlnuo that Itwda
menial abuse?lhe employment ol the government scr
vice as a machinery lor personal or party ends. . We
shall support no candidate who, however favorably
judged by his neureat friends. Is not publicly known to
i noiidii ihudti ((Uiiiilioi ul tuiuil film cliupitctcr which
the aieru ta.k of genuine reform require*; lor the
American people culinot now uflord to risk the future
of lhe Republic In experiments on merely sup
posed virtue or rumoreii ability to bo trusted
ou the strength ol private recommendation. (Ap
plnu-o ) In one word, at present no candidate
should bo held entitled to the support of patriotic
citizens ol whom tho question may lairly be nsned, "Is
he really tho man 10 carry through u I tioroughgulng re
lorin of tho government 1 Can he with ccrtauit) lx?
depended upon to possess the morul courage ami sturdy
resolution to grapple with ubuseH which have ncquln d
the strength of established custom, und lo this end
tirinly lu rvlifll tlio prohiiuro even of Ins party (nemlnl' ' ?
Wheuever there is rootu lor such a question (anu doubt i
ua to tho answer) the candidate should be considered j
unlit lor this emergency. This is no time lor ao called
availability springing Irom distinction gamed ou fields ;
ol action loroign to tlio duties ol government, nor ior I
that mr more ilatigerous sort of availability which con* J
sicls iu this that the candidate be neither so bad as '
to repel good citizens nor so good as lo
discourage lhe hud ones. (Prolonged upplause.) j
Passive virtue in tho highest place has loo olleu been
known to permit the growth of active vice beloM-. Tho
raufr *.?? he entrusted wltu lhe Presidency this year must i
have deserved not only the confidence of houest men,
but also the lear and haired ol the thieves. He who i
manages to conciliate the thieve* cannot be tho caudi
iiuto for honest men. (Applause.) Kver.v American |
cltl/.cu who hus the luture ol tho Kepubllc and the tift- !
tionsl honor sincerely at heart should solemnly resolve j
that lhe country must now have a President whose name .
is already u watchword of reform: whoso cupaclty mid j
courage lor tho work are matters ol record ralher |
than promise; who will renoro the simplicity, inde- j
ptudoncc and reciuudo crt lhe early aduiinisirutions, aud !
w hose life will he a guaranteo of his fidelity and tltnesr? j
a luau at the more souud of whoso n-iiie eveu tha most
disheartened will take new courage and all mankind
W,U say "Tho Americans are indeed In earnest to i
resti#o the uucient purity of their government." (Ap- I
i?laUSO.)
I ki.low CiTiiKXt?The uuderilpnod, in wdarcssing j
you are not unmiatod by the ambition to form or lead \
a now political puriy. MojI of us have long been aud
st 11 an- warmIv attached to their party associations. ,
It would bo most gratifying to us to see. by parly ?
action candidates put lorward whose character and
record answer those requirement* which present
circumstances render imperative. Wo earnestly liopo |
and trust It will bo xo. We shall gladly foll.ow such a ;
lead nud muke evarv ell'ort iu our power to render It j
successiul. Hut while we are ready to accept auy aud
every good result ol party action, we ulllrui that the
moral reform of our public concern Is infinitely supe
rior in importance to ibo interests or .my political
liurty Ulad lo promote that relorin through party
action, wo shall Insist upon It at all oventa should ;
party actiou tail. Kiperlence teaches us that the
liabitunl submission oi good Citllens lo a choice ol evile ;
presented to them by party organizations Is one or the ,
most prolific causes ol corruption lu our politics.
The acceptance by tho people of the argument that
one party may be bad and still entitled to tho support ?
ol good men because the other party is st.il worse,
will induce each to consider how bad it may safely bo.
H will strengthen In each the power ol the most un
KcrupulouH element, nm! subject the will ol the people
to the subtle tvranny of organization wielded by those
who live by politics. (Applause.) To break that ty
ranny by a stem refusal to submit to aucli a choice or
evils la ibe tlrsl beginning uu tho rolorm of our politi
cal life. Without this all other slope will prove un
availing We shall sincerely rejoice to see the necea
*itv ol independent action avoided. We earnestly hope
Unit the efforts to Una eud being mado by
tho Irisnds of reform within party llnea
will be crowned with success and lhal tho just cX|>eclu- i
Hons ol lhe people mav not lie doomed lo disappoint
ment. Indeed, wu are confident il all Ihoae ??' our
lellow eilisens who in their hearts asreo with what we
have sani will only lake the courage openly to pro
claim their convictions aud purpose *ucti a manifesta
tion alone would produce an eflect sufficient lo securo
nominations and an election Inaugurating" a better j
order of things. We, therefore, appeal to all good citi
zens who hud their own sentiments expressed In this
aotlress (be they Inside or outside ol party lines), to or
Hiti/o in ttieir'recpecllve districts and couiinunicate
w.th lhe Kxecutivo Committee appoiuted at this mod
in/ so that ifticieut co operation may become possible.
Let no eflori be spared iu bringing the inlluence of ?
patriotic | ublic opnion to bear upon I hone who in ibo
customary way are soou to nominate the party candi
date*; and then, in any event, lei us be ready to do
what the iica interests or th" Republic demand.
ilur generation has to open llie second century of our
naiioual lilo, as Ibo lathers opened the first. Theirs
was the work of independence, ours is the work of
lel'ormatioD. The one is as vital now as tho oilier was
then. Now. as iheu, every true America! must have
the courage or his d?uy.
CAM. XCHCRZ. Missouri, Chairman.
MAKTIX BHIMMKR. Massachusetts.
I. K. S VtMU'ER. Connecticut.
1'aP.KK GODWIN, New York.
JUMN W. HOYT, Wisconsin.
Alter Mr. Srhurz had concluded tho conforeoce ap
plauded the address lor a iniiiuto or two, aud, when
silence was restored, Mr. Soli'TX oirerod the followiug
resolution, which had been recommended by Ibe com
mittee:?
ItooWvl. That an ?*fruliv? committee be appslntsd with
power to sd I to their nuiubsr lo earry out llie reeomussnda
liwn emboclej 1" tin- *dare??. and that this eoiumlltee be
iiimnii-te.l to use all |ir?p?r nieaii> to carry out the purp???*?
la.lK.iied In lhe oldrena'e day adopted, and alto to recoil
vet.e tliU v. nlereiice, er a larcer teeetiug of a atuiilar cliar
aclrr, if clreumstaucss rsqaira it.
On inot.on the report was adopted, and another mo
tion was tnsde to appoint under the resolution eleven
or thirteen members as an execuilvo committee.
Colonel Thomas Wkntwouth Hfoctxsos moved, as an
amen imcut, that the coiiituitieo conai*i or one mem
ber irom i ach btato represented.
Mr. Sen fa* said he had uot seen fit lo recommend
any number, as the sulectlou or tuch a committee
should be made very carelally, because tho best inter
ests ol the movement wuuld bo served by the appoint
ment ol a good conimlttoc. which perhaps oughl noi to
exceed u ne members in the outset. The rcsolutiou
provided lor tho Increase ol lhe number II a larger com
nnlteo *nou;d hereailer bo looud ueressarv alter due
deliberation.
This somewhat unparliamentary dlscu-sion was ar
rested by a member's suggestion that the resolution as
first presented should be carried before any debate ou
llie dimensions of the committee to be appointed under
II shou.d be had. The resolution was accordingly put
aud carried. anJ then a motion lo ap|>oiiil an exccutire
commute? ol nine was ...ade by a liermau delegate
lioni a Wesu rn Mtate.
Colonel II loo is box arose at this point and ollered an
atiiciiditicLl wInch calleil for ihe apjxiiultticiil ot one
member Itoiu every Slate in the I niou u|i>n the coin
niittee He did tills, ne said, feeling tolly assured
that llie tlr-l question likely lo be asked by tlie people
tf?r*ngh?M the tountrj on' reading ilio address would
be whether H wa* merely the expression ol lhe \iewa
id a lew gentlemen gathered m the conference or thai
Ota large, lass ol people in the CtitteJ >i?te?. ibo
l est ati-wer would Imi given l-y the uppoinitneul ol a
couiraltlev loinpo-i 't ol reprufeuta ives ir?nu all sec
tiom?, lusirucleo to tarry t ut the principles enuucialol
iu Ib.i lei'lr^ss. I'roiu line to HUM sporuiie mi ve
meiitswoud (Ml taking puee All over tho I ihoU, but
they wt aid lie imrci. ieval eflor.s at retoi ma|.*ry ai*
lion It wa* vital to the purposes ot tfee coiileit-bC
that it uaiiunai i iiarac.er slo w >1 given to .1* en
deavors. Tiitnlore he lnqed his amcaidmem would
he accept d
Mr. llti'lliCH Dlt4J-Vtts ol VertuoiiJ, .aid li.at
every one litwrl appreciate lhe Ch nun in's iuige?tiui
luat the whoie nuuiuwi ul lUw cvuiu><Ukt; ?uoula I/O
nine. The Chairman. Mr. Hfcert, allocJh* wty?*??
address Dresenled by hi? committee, ought to Know
best the requirement* necessary 10 Ibo lulttluieui ol
the principle* therein declared.
vi ibis point anuiber inotiou ?u made by *cme one
In" the crowd, at the far end of the room, asking that
the Comm.tle* ou Ke.oh.tion* and Addre** bo
*r?'d to act us au executive committee and add to their
numbers, il necessary. Colouel lilgglUhon, however,
ouce more |treiMJ bia amendment . .
Mr SmriM odc? more cuihiiwi tbe whole bilcb of
mol.ous which hud been spruug on the ?onlcy?nce al
thia utuo bv saying that ou tbu previous day he look
occasion to ray that the signer* of tho cail bad M-Wd
ui.nii verv lusuthcienl information in extending lntiU
t.oi.s to g'eulleu.on to aileud tnu coufereuce and take
nart In )t? deliberation*, and therefore many able por
tions were not preseut who weuld not on'y have been
oruaiuenta to tho conference but would have
aided It In arriving *1 suitulde conclusion*, rhe con
lervuce waa. therefore, very incomplete lu magui ude,
although iu proportion* and wetgut tor esceeded hi*
moet sanguine Mpoc.atmusj ?? uot
the gentleman Iron. Rhode Island. who .earned to bo
licve tlint numbers were rwjuwftto lo vttuicy tbe
< ause. Its virtue waa inherent, and II there were only
twelve geullcmen preeeul the cause would <
jusi as airoun and polenta# a maw meeting Mr.
gchurz recommended that a ^.mi-'iuee ol m\ou or
nine lie chosen to go Into eorreapondenee with person*
all over the land in order thai tbey wlghl'earnwbo
would be able and l-e*l Olted to serve. He Ioufcbt,
alter all, the uiiett oourac would bo to refer the reso
lution back to ilie committee lor thi* uurpoao
Colouel lltu?a?aos remarked that he bud, perhaps.
been mUUBderstood bv Seualor H" ??
ahow the elllcacy ol lite cause, Its depth a* well a*
breadth, and *o be had urged hie amendmcnt to the
original uiottou. The debale upon it wMMW* '?rr
norne m>nuie? longer, but waa hually *euUcd Iby Mr.
Schurz. who said:?"Well, .tale your amendment. mA^ \
h* It is not In writing. I will act MM your (otreiar}.
It might be Mid hero thai not oue ol the live aecrcia
rie* waii doing auytbtug osta.slble at thut moment.
Co ouel Higgmson then staled the following ameuded
resolution, which was unanimously adopted ?
UauklvMil Thut *n executive committee be appointed by i
11^hSi. C?u3 .S ol 'tbe preieut BumW? ^m.1^
with iiowVio iMiaw their number *1 W**l one Iron, encli
StMtf in the I'mmi, ?? f?r ?** practicable. Ui
miner be directed to um? all proper moan*to carry out ?he .
tnir- intiiciituil tli* mlilrou ?rt?t?t?d. to
Kine tbU re.Vl.reeee.ora larger ....ling o. ...u.lar
character. If clreu?ui|?BCe? renulrc It.
bHKKCIt OK I'HAKLW I'HAX.'IH AlHUS, JH
llavin" ibua lar accomplimed the purpo.es of tho
conterei.ee. and no .urther bualneaa beit^ imme.||ately .
lH.-h.re il, the Pre,Idem auggeated that ?omo ol the gin
tlemeti esprPHa their vtewa ou the lopica at heart.
s...veral t>oi?ona anouted aimuiianeooaly the name ol
Char lea Kraucis Adaios. Jr., and at tho repeat o the
Chair that geniletuau stepped to the aide ol the table, ,
ami aanl in a eleur, ringing votco:? ? r,i- i
What I have to say. Mr. Cnairnmn. in auppori of the
adur. as which baa been reported can be pui in very
k"w worda. I fhall very heartily iudor-o every ?or.l of
it. In one very important rapeel tl.U meeting w hap
uilv uultke a greai many olbcr coutereucca which it lia<
Ufeu tnv lortuno t<? atteud during the lun eight year*. :
On previous occasions I had ulwaya noticed that lbo*o
who attended 3eou.ed, tu ll.e llrnt placo. to have Home
wbal vague idea* why they had cou.e. and whet, al lael |
ihoy lout.d that oui, they, in the aecoml place weuied
very much alraid ol publicly avowiug it. Now, in
xiJ present case the aadrosH aeta lorth very I
clearly why wo are bore and what we rro .
pose IO da It very properly, however, doeatioouly ;
in general Urtus. speaking .udiviuually and lor our- ,
selves aloue, I do not see any reason why
wo anould nut be more explicit than tt is possible 10 ,
be iu any address tnlelided to tu.anale iron, us as a
bodv and I, therefore, propose to stato vvhat I tudl ,
T.uually waul with all possible precision. 1 am one of I
U.0 lloatiun vole of the couutry?an mdependon?F- i
lapplausu)?and us such 1 want to do what I can ...
ii.rilierunoe uf political aud llnanc.ai relor.u. 1 .Tf '
an honest monoy aud an Uoneat govettiment. other .
Issues must wait for other tlu.es. As a practical man I I
reooEOiee ll.e oxiatonce ol two po?erlul party ma
Cbiut* with either of which 1 can cbcorlul.y act ,
un ler certain i iruumstunces. Now I um here s.tuply
To do what I can lo bring ibo*e circuins.ancea about, i
In each puriv 1 ??e the relorm elemcuts-thoBc eh- j
menu with which 1 doalro to act-rapidly centering ,
upon certalu promiuonl party csndidates. Among
these candidatea Ihere .s oue iu especialwuotnlleoll
would gladly aud heartily cup|M>. t. 1 w ill, therefore,
Irankly ?av that I am here to do what I oan to cause
the republican parly iolh.uk that II. in the comlngeleo
tioti it wants the aidot ihe Indopeuueui voters, iheouly
way It can ue sure of getting it Is through the nomiua
uoi of Secretary Br.siow. iApplause.) If. however j
the republican parly thiuks It cau get ,
nlona wlihout ibo lioatlng vote, through tho
ad of tho ) tarty machine and the good
old war issues, or by virtue of lhat potent politf*! ,
spell supposed lo rost iu the name of Jeflorson Davis, i
then in lhat care, tl ihe democrat* uoinintvlo oovernor i
Tilden, I want to see him supported as the next beat ,
thine ?o Brisiow tu the direction ol practical reform
through parly organization. (Applause). But,
U neither parly wanU the Independent voto ajio.uh to
put lor ward candidates who only can get It, in that,
event I waul to have another Contereuce held and u
third candidate nominated lor whuin we can ul least
havo the satisfaction ol throwing a conscience vole.
Luder certain coudltions this year, 1 greatly desire, i
lor one, to have a chance to stand up aua bo counted.
I bel.evo that I havo said about all thai I have lo say.
ivom present mdlcatlou there seems reason to l.opo |
that ihe coining campaign is likely lo bo a sensible one,
and so lar auspicious to reiorm. Ills not going to ho
a "singing" campaign, uor a ''hard cider campaign, ,
nor a "tannor't" campaign, nor, thank heaven a
?wood chopper's" tatuimign. Probably wo shall uoi
bo calle i upon in it to s ay the dead and tiovv long buried
larue* of the late civil war. Our generation l.as during ,
the last tllleen year, passed througU two great phases
of national liU?the periods ol revolution and con- .
sirucllon. And now lhal we have cornu to tho
third period?that of mero ad turn 1st rat lou?Inncy the j
party leaders will Und it rather hard work to
C2y ?- UP lhat pitch of noisy en
tl.usiaaiii which drowns the voice ol reasou. (Ap
tilnuso ) As the address not loo lorcibly Mates, a gteat
luanv of us don't feel liko Hinging up our hats and slug
ini! over the preteut condinon ot po.ltica at all yc
the tnnirarv. we feel more like hiding our laces be
Inn.i our hu'iH and silently blushing. W e want to *eo .
things mended?(applauae)-noi shouted or sung over, j
To lhal eud we are here lie be democrat or be be to- .
publican, we propose this ceutenniul year to vole lor a ;
{?residential candidate ot clean hands and a pure lite
a tried man, who haa shown himsclt ready to grapple
with living Issues, instead ol raving over desd ones?
pome man who husn't degraded hiinsell a:.d his
om'e by dirty jobs or by eager e!e<tiou
oertDK in his own behalC (Applau*e.| In flue, some
li.au who. bv acts aud not worua, merely hui ?how'u
thut he appreciates tho broad distinction between pub
lic dtuv aud pariv d sClpllne. ana renard* reform aa a
matter tor worki uud not as a campaign cry. To
secure the nominatiou ol candidates ol this type by
others is what we waul lo try lor In the tirst piae?\ aud,
?aihng to get them m lhat way, then, a- the address pro
nose* let us have Ibo courage, II vvc are onlv a dozen,
to nominate ruth n candidate eu.seives. We can. by so ,
doing, ai any rale give our.olves aud our countrymeii
s chauce u. cart a conscience vote. In il.is centennial
year lor my part. Mr. President, what I ask Is lhat I
inav stand up and bo counted. (Prolouged applause.)
MR. PAHkk .ionWIN
waa the nexl speaker, aud he begau by tayiug that ho
was no politician and disdaiuod the politician a art.
Hi* own politics were soinethiug like those ol M. .
Patrick usdescrlbtd by Murk Twain, "Wherever you ;
?c-o a lo'ad or a tunke put your foot ou It withouta.sk
tnir whether ho is a republican or a democrat. As Mr. ;
Webster raid, there was always room lor Improvement
at the top. Parties could gel up higher an.l grow bel
ter always. Mr. Godwin then, *peak.ng of ihe con
dition ol parties nowaday*, *anl thai he had beam a
Lulled States Senator say these reinarkablo ?nd sad
*"\Mv"own public lile haa been a very br.ef and insig
nificant oue, extending little beyond the dura.iou ol a
sti.ule term of Senatorial oitlce . but lu that brief period
1 have seen Uve Judges ol a high courl of ll.e tailed
Male* driven Iron, olllco i>y threaU of impeucliineni lor
corruption or maladministration. I have beard ihe
taunt Iron, frienuliesl lips, that when Hie Lulled
Slates presented herself in lue fcsst to take part vwlh
Die civilized world in generous competition lu me aria
ol lite ill* only product of her in-litulloiis in which
>he stiri>**?e<l 'ill olhere btyoml <^ue^llun wee her ter
rui-tion. 1 have seett in the Mate iu the luioti lortf
moel iu povvor and wpalth lour jud?;os ot
her couru impeached tor corrupuon, and ihe
political adn.tui*tratiou ol her cbiei city become
n disarnce and a byword throughout Ihe
world. 1 haye seen the Chairman ol Ihe I ominlttee on
Milttarv Adalrs In tho House, now a distinguished
member ol t tola court, rue iu In* place ur.d deiuaud ihe
exDuUiot. ot four of his associates lor makmg .-ate ol
thoir oflicial privilege of electing the youths lo bo
euuc.iled at our grcsl millury school. When the
greatest railroad ot ihe world, binding together tho (
Continent and unitlnR the two great ?ea? which wash
our shore*, was finished 1 have seen our national
triumph and oiultatiou turned to bllleruc-s and shame
hv Ihe unanimous reiwru ol three commit.ces of Con
crev??two ot the House and one hare?thai every slep
r,f lhat nngi.lv enterprise h ut been taken iu iraud. I |
have heard In highest pla?-oa the ihan.c ess doc
trine avowed by men growu old in public olllco :
thai the true way by which power should bo
twined in the Republic Is to bribe the people with Ihe
niticua create I lor their service, and Iho true end lor
whici. it ahou.d be used wheu gaiued is ll.o promotion
ot p-elllsh ambllton aud ihe grat.OsJtiiou ol persona,
revence I have beard that suspicion haunt* the loot
su ps ol the trusted con.panious ol the I resident.
'1 bc-e lb.tic baio imsaeu into hisiory. Ihe Iiai aiu or
tho facitus or the !St*iuoBdl or the Maraulay who write*
tho innais ol our time will record thim witn hi* inex
niable t>en. Aud now, wl^n a high i.ablnol olllcer. ll.e
cou-ulutioual adviser ol the KxevUllfe, llee* irotnolllco
beiore cmirge* ... corrupilon ahull the hutonan
add th H the Senate treated the de
m .nd of the people lor iia judgment er coudomna
lloti as a farce ' _.?
Noiw.ibstaudiug thc*e burning word* ol Sen
ator II oar. shall we be diaeouraged by the
h.te unioriunate development*t No: Vte hav* Jus
III ad our title lo ??l*uuce b> our i.usi century a h.a
torv Ol all the governmei.ls >ii Christeudoin our a
has'been ihe most pacific; we have l.ad fewer insurrce
i.oi.s and rtvuiutloas tl.au auy ol the nai><>n? i?
k urone laitcly Mr. Uodwln learned lhal every Kuro
uejl. iouutry bad l.ad wi.biu the la.-i 100 years liiauy
o vie strife* . the l u tod States only one-the lato rc
b. ll. >n?wu.ch had sinngthetied rather tl.su impaired
ihe Un.on While i n.land, kranee. Husa.a, Germany
and Auslilahadoeenruiiniag up .uio their do/eo? or
foie.gu wars ihe I utted Stales hud be. u quieliy study
III' ?>iu arts ol |>e. c< t'ur use. m. u.utll coinplalued
oi'saH Mr. Godwin. Is uoi a permanent ene; u i^oniy
trLuailurv. U <im-s not iii.se iroui our lUstllUtloM. It
r m * oulv Iron, the evil mialuies of tlio bad m-n who
hi.v ei?ell >u | ow.-r. Il llwir principles .?? ch..ugcd
.. 1( Ufi ,, ted, > r .! belter :.nn ' e put in il. dr
I,(n. 'es ihe.MISW.il!.-. .red The sponker then reviewed
lue cutis .- I ha. .ead .o UMS s.au ol thing- and lb* ap^
io.ntt.ient Ml *?cti t... n t-Ulllce He observed that
vt ir ..i.bin . i men s ptii.c.p es ..nd g.vo the reiu lo
rh s in ver -len wi. n ih>- > out.try .? m a normal
,,..|r. Ilurn.g the ...f ear *1! our doc..??i00* wefu
uio.la.) i .ud Sint.e lUu. l.ute auvUi,?l-La uav? related
to cognate subjects. The neglect <of the proper i-...iti
cal education of vouug inen vu ouo ot the effects or
war it mi Ibtv were uot prepared U) grapple wH b tho
questions ho vital to their eouuiry's prosperity. Wneu
war wan waci'U by one couutry against auoiner tuo
victor usnnl'y indemnified Wiw't st ibe
the vanquish*!. In civil wars there *ui little plunder
to pay those who hail proved the victors. so lhat ?y
good'offices aioue could these ?orvanu ho remunerated.
it hail l?<:oii the luck ol the nallouul gov
ernment to have glveu good offices to incom
petcni but honest uien, and It had also been
ihe misfortune to have glvon (jood offices to bad
ami incompetent men. In the stute of thing* which
has grown nut of Ibeso misfortunes It wouid i?e a ptTU
ous nioveineut to organise a conscience party to work
in itie column residential cutupaign. Success this
tunc would not. perhaps. crown its effort* this year;
but it might lour years heuce. Hut It will be better to
Miy to Uie rival purlies now In existence, -'We desire
the public good ; we waul you to give u? honeat men,
money ami taxalIon." All partlea have such men; It
rcuiai'us only lor them to take them. Mr. Godwin
knew the democratic party had oue man who is worthy
ol it* support, because ol hm honesty, bli prolound
knowledge ol political economy. "Theu let the demo
crats," said the speaker, "glvo us that man, if it is
honest ol purjwtc! Lot the republicsus five cs
their lorcuiosl man and wo eho<>*c the butter, such a
nun carries with him the worthiest plallorin. tie
la the platform. We solicit these men. 0 ? one step
uway troin Una course anil 1 swear to God I will go to
the ballot bo* alone, with n dozen, aye, with a million,
ct people to act lor ourac.ves aud protect against the
wrong." The speaker, 'n conclusion, said that he had
nf. ..nil at the death of two or three parties that had
outlived their usefulness, and each deatli had wit
nessed the birth ol a new and vigorous party Ut to
cope with tho new issues which hud arisen. In this
way he had reen tne birlli and growth or the republi
cm party. But ho would not be sorry to ?ee it die if
it does not do its duty; in lact, he would be glad to drive
the nail into It* coffin.
th xlw ukclaratkhi or iNDSrtc!tnr.N<-?.
Kx-lWidthl Mark Hopkins was next called upon to
say a lew words. The venerable gentleman remarked
that he hnd never attended a political convention be
fore in the whole course of his lile, sud did not expect
that he would have been asked to suy anything. Ho
could not soy much at auy rate. Hut as ho was on liU
led ho would say that being perhaps the oldest man ill
the Conlerente ho remembered the tirst utterance of
the cry, ?? To the victora oclutig tb? spoils." Ho Icll
humiliated to tnluk that such a principle should havo
made so much pronn as up to this time. Ha had come
to the Cou.ercuce liecause be expected to hear a new
declaration ol independence He had heard the ad
dress and was greatly pleastd with its enunciation. Ho
was prepared to support thetn so lar as In bun lay
power to do so, and be would do bis best to forward
this movement.
noKMJty n. baton's ern?cn.
Hon. Pormau B. Katon asked tho attention ol tho
Con fere uce lot a lew moments to bis cxpiauatiou ol a
resolution be was about to oiler. "I am," said ho, "iu
some senso a federal oflloe-holder, occupying the
somewhat barren |a>st of chairman to the Civil
Service Commission. Still I am In entire urcordwith
the spirit ol ibe meeting." Ho then went on to say
that he would criticise, in a measure, the actiou uud ad
dress o f the Oonleretice. He said that It had formu
lated the necessity or reform in the evil sorv.ee and
had com untied itself in Its sermon, so to speak, to
such relortn; but il It or any clergy man undertook to
hold aud rule by sermons oul.v they would Uud them
selves in error. No body or people could lie held or
guided b? glittering generalities. Mr. Katon weut on
to show how, in lt>7'2, the different con
ventions had treated tho nation to "Just such j
wares saying all sorts of bcoutilul and I
high sounding things on beiialf of civil sorvicc reform, j
many ol winch souuded very like the speeches heard at
tne Conference. Theu the ctvil service commission
was appointed, and President Oram was the saute man
then us now. The commission had gone vigorously to
work and the result ol Its labors was seen in the keep.
Ing out of olllco politicians and improper persons. What
toilowed this remedial consequence of the commis
sion's existence r Opposition everywhere. Knetnles
grew up around It and strove to impede its work, ll
not to kill it altogether. Kven in tho United States
Senate its bitterest opponeuls were found, us shown by
the rejection of Mr. Oanu. The sjteaker bad heard
Congressmen attack It and knew ot ono who had
badgered aud bullied the Socretary of the Treasury to
remove a poor llghthotiso keeper down Kast, who had
bveii in olllco several years, merely to secure by tho
appointment of his own tuau tho votes of 100 miserable
miscellaneous ra>c.?ls soch as 'longshoremen aud lish
ci men. "1 sat atone sine of tho screen in tho Secretary's
room while this Cougressmau. not knowing ol my
presence, was bullying the Secretary at the other,
said Mr. Katon. "Yet s.X hours alterward this Con
gressman met mo and had the effrontery to tell me
that lie was the Iricud of ctyll service relortn. I have
never forgiven myself since lor not having planted my
list on the eud of that man's nose." Since then the
Civil Service Commission died a death of strangulation
III the house of ns uulbors tor wantol money to pay us
simple travelling expenses. While Congress would not
grant this ic.ouey beeau-u of the bad times, the Presi
dent coolly said he could not do anything lor tho
commission to Keep It alive and serviceable. Its
good work terminated. But, said the speaker, the law
which gavo it birth remains upon tho pajes of |
the Revised Statutes of tho United States. Then, con- >
tmued Mr. Katou, It must not be lorgotten thai if our
candidate for President bo "elected, and have no rule
which will protect him Irom the clamor lor olllce, he
csnuot stsnd ugaiust the piessure that will be brought
to bear u)ion bim by tho Senate, Congress, friends of
his Irietids and the crowd of howling office-seekers, If
ho bo an archangel. On t'ie other hand, he will be safe i
ir he cau point to tboso who bore him lor places to the
narrow way through which alone they can bo ob
taiued?Illness and character lor the positions sought.
This must be considered ol Vital importance lo your
movement, and. thorelore, 1 offer the lollowtng resolu
tion lor your adoption:?
Krsolved, That we believe and shall Insist that In the ?
present condition or public opinion and public affairs t
is wise pibey loosing to tho Immediate lutare, as It Is
a s > au imperative duty, on tbn part oT auy party seek- i
Iiil- to control the federal administration, to distinctly |
pledge Itself, both iu Its plstlurm and iu the character of i
Its candidates, to promptly cuter upon and vUorouslv- ,
esrr* forward sncli a thorough aud systematic reform or ,
the'civil service as will brluic ?:ie several di partments or |
the ledersl government within their trus sphere under the I
conflilultou and restore honor and rflicleiicy to official ;
IPS: and we maintain that no relorm of the civil.service
cau bo either satisfactory or permanent which dees not
proceed uiam surli w*ll itellneu and open methods that,
while allowing the party in power a representation or Its
opinions and p.dicv In all appropriate places, does not at the
?ame time provide and enforce plain and iinitorin regula
tions, under wl.lch person* of Bl character and boaesty shall |
have the opportunity ol securing the place* which favorit
I Mil and partisanship, iu tne absence ol such methods and j
reirulatlous. aro almost sure to cciuuiand, it b?lng the In- .
tended effect ot a true reform ol the civil service to lluiit the ,
excesses ot partlfSn and mercenary deminatiou In our poll- |
tici iii tlif time (ii|{r8tf tli*t ptrwiul worth wu iuaepanu 1
sue* will be honored and protected.
l'ROFBSbOK W. G. Sl'MXfK. ,
On raotiouol Mr. Scbur^ the resolution was relerred
to lUe committee, who retired to consider II. W hllo
nicy were absent Presideui Woolsey called upou Br. j
W. t?. sumuer, Proiessor ol Political Kcouotny in Vale
College, for souio romarks on the situation. Proiessor ;
itiiuuer said that be bad not expected to have to *ay
anything, but being on the floor he would say that ho j
thought a great dial over the subjects that had brought
hnn as well us others to this conicrouce. He had lis- ;
truest to slid fyinpathlzed with tho remarks ol Mr.
Bormau II. Katon In regard to the civil service, and ho
oouUi noi help reenng that the assemblage
was dealing rather wub symptoms tbau tho
disease and us causes; w.th cousequeucos
rather than what had led to them It was easy
to come together onto in lour yoars to protest in ibis
sort ol way; but II reform was to be effected at all it
must be ov sirilt'.ug at the root or origin of the dis
ease complained ol. In our sul?sldy legislation and
larill legislation we had tho causo. Tho election ol m
proper and excellent President would leave great
reiorms to be brought about. Before the war we had
to laUir uuder tne Inttictioo of a surplus revenue?
(laughter)?and it did not matter a greal deal wbal the I
little men in olllce squandered aud stole, lor ihe country |
was wealthy and prosperous and th-se inlslortuncs ;
wen; Icll but slightly. Since the wsr it was
different.. The couutry was impoverished and
the evils had grown. The evils had root iu
tho Congressional districts, and men had been .
made legislators who worked all the evil. "We have,"
said he, - been fostering a *?jll-perpeluallng oligarchy of
office holders. Il wo waul lo cure the disease we must
change the complexiou of Congress Itself. The men
we elect to Congress go there r>y our own deeds and we
are, to a greal vvienL, responsible lor tneir misdeeds.
Wc may preach honor to the House, but II will dlsre- i
card our teachings aud coutlnue to act upon lis own
principles. We have to educate Ibe people aud to dis
courage ?he reign ol corruption. Ibauking you for
your attention. 1 will return to my retirement."
nk. hknuv KixnALi. wairn,
of the latrrnaUunal Kevietc, spoke briefly of the spirll I
oi our lathers and its inlluence ou the dclibcralieus of
Ihe conference. He next related the advice that had
boon given him by the late Horace Greeley when he
requested that honored gentleman to sdvise bnn as to
tbo advantage aud propriety ol taking up Journalism
a profession. Mr. tireeley told him it was an honor
able pretension, and that il a man wsntedto be respect- |
ed :n it he must act in a strictly Jonorable msuner. ,
"I cnibraeed journalism,"said Mr. Wane, "but severed
my connection with :t republican paper when I was
obliged lo support men w honi 1 conscientiously believed
to he corrupt. Wc do not want tne Morions.
Conkhngs or l'endleions lor our Presidential
candidates. Wo want uien like Charles Francis Adams
(Cheers.) Bui II wu cannot get him I will supjiori Mr. |
ISnsiow. anu, failing !n him, Oovernnr Tilden. ' After
some dcsuliorv roinsrks in the same siruin Mr. Waito <
ceased. When ho sat down Mr. Sydney Thomas, ol
Cbiongo, read a resolution in which i.o advocated tho
nomination of Charles Frauds Adams, as a man on
whom sll parties could unite, But Messrs. Bormnn B. j
Katon aud Carl Schurs very quietly dispose.! of this
resolution by offering an amendment to ihe cflect U?st
tio prelcrence lor a Presidential candidate be indicated
ly the Oonlerence. It was uiisuittiously adopted
Mr. Sciiiiwtheu moved that iho uddresa bo signed
by ihe <.Ulcers ol the mcetlug and tho Kxecutlve Coiti
iiiittre, which was alterwards nmeuded by tho addition
ol the words, "all the metnliers of the Conlerence who
could conveniently sign It." Ihis was earricd aud theu 1
Mr. Schur* said mat tho members might sll go uway j
with the consciousness ol having done something to
make ihe ustionil election of 187d worthy the memo- ,
rios ol tho centennial yenr.
The Coulereuce then adjourned tim Uie.
Arrttit Tits coxrxRttscii.
The Kxecutlve Committee ibeti retired to room 41 of
tho hotel its cotupleio their arrangement and corres
pond witn Ihe gentlemen In the other Stales whom
th jy thought would bo vslusbla secessions lo tbs F.X
ccuiivo Couiiuittee. Tins work will occupy luein lor
to'tie ilnj s In tho allernoon a Hkrai.i> reporter learned
that those who signed the address were only tho lollow
ing, ihe otlicets ot thoConierenco:?
1 hcislore I). Woulser, of Conuecllcet.
Pi<* /?sssj.<??f#-tjeorge ti. ?'og^. ol New liamMhire;
Chsrles W W lllsrd, of Vermont: lienry U I'leree. Martin
Hriiniiisr. .1 uliii* II. ftsslys. Mark Hopkins and James Kree
nmu Clark*, of Massaeheselts; Br Leonerd BswronandJo
?eph Camming*. .?t > onn. ctleul: H"wlaad liasaM njwj
Tb"tna* vtentworth llluguison, ol Uhn4s island; William
I'Hllen Bryant, John Jay. o?wald Ottendorler. Edward Halo
Hra.iu.rl it. WoJd. Urn* W.KIsJd. Charles Metier
auu Dr. banuel 0*^o?d, of Jlew York{ Thewss Baiea,
Hearr Loa sad William Welsh of
(?uveruor Matter. J. D. Co*, ufOlilu; Colousl Martin. ..r In
dian.: John H BrranI, Hob rt < ?})*?. ?f Wfr
?rick W. Hum. M. M. Davis. uf Wisconsin; J?'"? MiJiell.
Jsmo H. Rollins, of Miooiirl. .. .
teritorfa-H. C. Lud*e. of Mmiekwtttil *'
Walker. of Coaaeetleul; Uenry ArmiU !?'"??? of j"nsyl
vsnls ; Eno# OUrk*. ?r Missouri; August Tbisiue. oroblu.
Mr. Scscss said thai tt was not lound convenient to
add any of lbs oilier unmoors' signatures.
TENNESSEE REPUBLICANS.
PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTH AMD THEIR 8TAMD1MO
WITH THK VARIOUS SECTIONS O* THE PABTY?
BLACKS FOB XOBTON, WHITES FOR BRISTOW.
Nash villk, Ma* 14, W7&
rtoM'nt In J. cation* do not point to a large attendance
of delogatca at tbe meeting of tho State Republican
Convention, to be held here 00 tho 17th Inst, and It
will in all probability be manipulated by Memphis and
Chattanooga and Knoxville an-1 Nashville politicians.
Surb a ill vision of aeutiinent with regard to Presiden
tial aspirants prevail* that It Is hardly probable tho
Convention will muroct It* delegate* to vote for any
particular candidate. To attempt to do *o would havo
tno offect to stir up the muddy water* df contention
and demoralise the Convention. Whatever may be
said regarding the wipiug out of the color line, IU ghost
I* ever sure to put In an appearance when mutter* begin
to approach a crisis And this 1* Inside the republican
party, which In Tonnessoe ha* s larger reprefeutaliou
of black* tliau of wbltes. Tho negroo* have already
begun to b'.urt out their complaints against the whites,
while tht Caucasian* are dovtRing ways and means to
fas* Asorxo tub skc.ro
because of his lack of reason and Judgment and gen
eral inability to tthapo the courso of the party. Tns
blacks are rampant Mortontte*. and would rutber see
him in tbe Presidential chair than any other man that
could be startod.
1 asked an influential colored man yesterday why hs
wan no strongly in favor of Morton. He responded:?
"1 am for Morion because ho stood up for PlnchbacK
and spoke in bis defence when he ncoded a Iriend aud
advocate or bl* euuse. I beltevs him to be the be*t
Iriend the colored man has, and, bad tt not been for
the argument that the r commendation of tho Colored
National Convention, which recently met at Nashville,
would have endangerod his prospecu and have brought
out tho cry that bo was tbe negro * candidate, I
would have urged upjn it tbe necessity ot indorsing
him a* the choice of tho Convention. But Colouel
Bob Harlan, of Cincinnati, and otbor big negroes
urtwd that any action which might be
yikeu looking to au unqualified indorsement
ol Mortou would have Jeopardised hi* chalice*, espe
cially wtih the Irish aud Germans, who uever have en
tertained any very high regard lor the black*. 1 would
liko to *eo Morion olccted, because he would uot ouly
flaunt that traulnoual ? bloody shirt,'bill would play
bell ilowu South. Ho would see to it that tbe negro
should be regarded as good us a white man, and in
manv respects a damned sight better."
??1 thought your race bad become tired of seeing
Old Nick'* lingers in tbe Southern tnlnce pio, a condi
ment especially hard io dig si by the negro stomach.
Didn't Piucliback and H. M. Smith, of Georgia, tell you
it wa* llmo the colored race was having s renting spell
in this respect?were, in fact, ttrod of being made
martyrs for the use* of ibe republican narty North f "
"Vc*. 1 adinil that ihey did. But neither Pinchback
nor smith is a criterion lor tho blacks. Both would
nave gone square over to the democracy had not Pro
fessor l.ongsion couie dowu here iroai Washington
and driven ihem to the wail through bl* republican
logic I suspect Htuehback made iho speeches he did
lor thslr clf'ect iu Louisiana. Ho knew ibe whiles
were In powor there, and, In the event of his
conciliating tbein, ho would havo the black* anyhow,
because bo lias colored blood coursing through hts
veins (and the negro will always go lor his own blood
relations) and he would yet be hoisted into tho Sena
torial chair upon which lie has Used hts covetous and
ambitious eye. The negroes will be restive just so long
as thero 1* any disposition manifested to keep hlrn
always in the background. Wo think Mortou Is tho
mail to bring about this change, because these is no
discount upon his republicanism. You can nover make
the colored man anything else but a republican, unless
it bo through intimidation aud tear."
"Do your white republican Iricnds take tho same
view that you do with regard to Mortou 1"
??Tncy m< not, aud that's where they are pinching
us. The white office-holders are lor Bristow, and will
ondoavor to manipulate tbe Convention In hts interest
I believo
Til ICY ARK AFRAID OF BIIISTOW,
snyhow; fear their removal lrom the public psp,
should they make any decided move against hu
nomination. 1 have no particular objection to
Bristow, for he has a clean record with the negro; nor
to B>aine, nor to Hayc*, nor io Hartranft should cither
be nominated, but wo want Morion tlrst snd last, if we
can gel him." .. ,
Aud this Is tho negro's view of the Presidential
situation tn Tenne*sea Tho white republicans, with
but very lew oxceptions, sre for Brisiow. A talk with
leading white republican* convinces me that
while tho State Convention will indorse
no political aspirant, the majority of iho
delegates sent to Cincinnati will be
Bristow men. In several of the county conventions
Bristow lias been indorsed and llicir representative*
instructed u> vote for Brunow delegate* to tho Cincin
nati Couveutlon. it i" asserted by tno whites that
Bristow would be in the South the most formidable
candidate that would be selected. "He would,"' nay
tboy "get that largeconscrvatlve vole which dishonest
Staie governments have driven into tho democratic
party. Tboy
RKLIKVC RIM TO BK HON KST,
and that single faot carries with it unfold weight.
Thcv believe be would have an honest administration,
aud'thai '.here will be more votes cast lor honesty and
good iovornmcut lhan on moro party grounds.
THK CHAMCR AFTKK BRISTOW.
Next to Bristow Hayes has tho call, Hartranft next, I
and Blaine last. Blatue ha* had but lew supporter* I
here because of the impression that ho lives too far [
wast to command the lull republican strength of tbe
Northwest and South. Next to Bristow Tennessee re
publicans regard Hayes as the strongest man in the
field. Thero will bo a scuffle iu tbe Convention, next
Wednesday, over the selection of delegates. Tho
white* will play for two thirds ol the twelve delegates,
aud the prospects are favorable to them.
A letter lrom one of ibe Republican Executive Com
mittee at New York ha* been received hern advising
republicans uf Tennessee to use their influence in lavor
of Bristow as tho strongest candidate, and thai iu order
to insure Ibo success of tb? republican party the very
bosi man In It should be selected. If they did not do
this tbe democrat* would come Into the White House
"a length aboaa.^
THE OPEN POLITICAL SEA.
ATTEMPTS TO BEACH THE POLE IN POLITICS?
AMONG THE CRUMBLING ICEBMBGS?WHAT
BDITOBS THINS THEY HAVE POUND?BBIS
TOW GAIN1NO STRENGTH?UMOBOAM1ZFD POP
ULARITY?FBACTICAL DANGEB8?DEMOCBATIC ;
STRENGTH AND DEMOCBATIC DREAMS.
The endeavors ol provlnclsl journals to discover
what lies beyond the groat obstacles to ascertaining tho
quality ol iho noxl administration aro valuable tn so
much as they point out proper routes, though they do
not reach a satisfactory goal. It Is well to know
whither men are drifting, lor while editor* are likely to
havo personal preferences and to bo biased by tbem
they, by virtue of their trade, do not follow them alter
the masses ol men fail in giving support. A single
fragment of ice broken from tho top of an Ice moun
tain will sometimes stop in it* descent If it Is not fol
lowed snd pushed by other disintegrated maase*. So
an editorial idea will gonorsily atop in Its career unless
tbe people spring forward to oucourage aud propel it.
Thi* was the way with the Newton Booth Idea, and
measurably with that ol Charles Francis Adams. At
present new*papor* aro knocking about, hoping that
toon the open tea of politic* will be enterod with tri- ,
umph. Each navigator is anxious that his pet way ol i
reaching it will prove to be the real one. It Is note
worthy that every day newspaper thought becomes
more and more concentrated.
Tho Bristow movement t* constantly acquiring new
Strength. Both Mr. Hslstesd and Mr. MedilJ sro ener
getically in favor of Bristow. There seems to be grow
ing up around him a popular sentiment which is at
ouco weaker and sirougcr ibau political powor. People
havo csased to discuss his merits?ihey acknowledge
thom. The only questiou is, whether he will make an
available political candidate. The St. l.ouU Republican,
a paper which always contains ideas, and which is a
democratic organ, comes forward with a popular pro
ject in regard to Bristow. It really claims htm as aa
iudepeudout candidate for that number of democrats
who will not likely support the regular dutnocratlo
nomination II he can be put upon a ticket which la not
republican, llsay*.?
"The wisdom of trusting Bristow's fortunes to the
Cincinnati Couventlon, therefore, is questionable.
THIS RSlKToW MOVBMKXT
bos become a very important, popular and patriotic ex
hibition It ought, lor tho ssko of tho country, to be
allowed to run in whatever direction it wilL It means
nothing evil, and everything .rood. No ma ter, there
lore, wheihor It runs in party grooves or a irack of Its
own making, it aims at a luuet desirable result, and de
servos to be noi only encouraged, but earnestly atde.L
But it is in tbe hands ol republicans alone. They
must lie held responsible lor the Issue. If a demo
crat were to espouse it, however honestly and disinter
estedly, tho act would impair its force. Thoso dem
ocrats alio cannot suppress an outright admiration lor
the robust Secretary a conduct and iharacter, aad who
might bo willing to go bayoud a d.staal aud empty ad
miration. can, under existing circumstances, do
nothing lor bim, sud they can only wait and see
his republican Iriende ?ill do with hiss and lor him.
It would be a most lamentable ?pectacle to see the
Bristow movement stifled Iu the Cincinnati Convention
through tbe luoucreuon ol the very republican* who
?ort desire In success bat who eonimtt the mistake ?
baiaruiug Mb late on Iki working o( Um party iu*hl?
erjr.
The Republican's administration rival, the 8ti Loud
Olobt-Demuterat, catchei the idm that Bristow'S
noMunu rort'LAMTT
la at prevent a source of political weakness when 11
says:?
While the strength of Cockling may bo too much
ornanued. the atreugth of Brtstow ta not organised at
all, aud bia beat practical avalliMlltjr baa boen weak
ened by the iujudicloua aapport of bis friends, whs
have antagonised him against the ordinary party
machinery and bold hint ap aa a kind of threat. This
la a performance which ta much aaler ta the columua
or * sewsnaper or la the irresponsible proceedings or a
cluli than in the prompt and dociaive action ol a con
vention. Xeithor Brtatow nor Conk ling -oem likely
at prevent to gain anything beyond their initial
strength.
Meanwhile thera are
practical mm
whoae broad mom contrasts with the cynical,
disheartening, fairy talea of Fifth Aveuue Hotel
Iconoclasts, and who never lonoh a aab
Jeot without brightening It with hope and
porting It toward the pole. Among these there ta
none who steers more direct than ex-Congresamaa
Roberta in the I'tira Herald. He substantiates.Mr.
Bowles' idea that reform muat not lie promissory, Ml
practical, and that it muat go upon the atatate hooka.
Ue emphasises the Idea that the electoral votea ahould
not bo counted by a Vice Freaidcnt or by tha House,
but by the Supreme Court. In illustrating tha dangers
to which the preaent system is llablo bo aaya:?
In 1868, and a#ain in 1872, President Ciraut had m
majority so overwhelming that no partlaan treach
ery could bavn defeated htm. In 1873 the
votea of Loutslaua and Arkansas were ro
Jeeted without slltctlng the general result. But
we are now approaching an election In which tha
strength of partioa ta more evenly divided. It nay b?
that the result will depend upou the voto of a atugla
State. All calculations agree that New York'a elec
toral vote la likely to bo decisive, whichever way it it
cast Suppose the republican candidate secures t
snia'l majority of the electoral vote*. By raluatag l?
count those Irom ono or more States the democratic
House of Congreaa may throw the election into ita own
hsuds. and the choice of the people will thereupon ba
rejected by the election of the democratic nominee. It
ta too late to provide against ibis danger in time lor tha
approaching election. It U none too early to Inaugu
rate a movement that will remove this peril from the
election of 1880.
It la singular how the partisan preaa chooses candi
date* for its opponents with greater assuranco than It
usus to deaignate ita own. The Springfield Republican
aaya of
DBXOCKATIC HTRKXOTII:
Tho character and Issue ol the canvass, Indeed, are
more and more plain.y seen to hinge upon two double
atlil to be resolved?whether the Cincinnati Convention
ba* the wiidotn to noimnuto a man who will reatorc
the conddcnce of tho country, whether the Si Louti
Convention baa the wisdom to nominate a man whe
will gum It.
It is becoming Increasingly probable that St. Lonii
will develop the perception and prudence of Ita necessi
ties. The nomination of Mr. Tilden wonld at once ac
cure to hia party a public confidence which In itaelf It
has not beeu aud would not bo able to command.
This, not merely because he ia rooognlxed as person
ally a sate man, but because be preeminently repre
sents the great conservative elements and iramensi
mercantile mtereats of New York. These element* aud
interests cannot afTord to allow the war aettlements ta
be disturbed or threatened, and the country knowa it.
Tho nomination of Judtto Davis would bo a still m >r?
complete assurance against any lolly of that sort The
old whig and republican, Abraham Lincoln's bosom
iriend aud executor, could not possibly be utilixed by
republican orator* and presses aa a bugaboo. fh?
people would laugh in their faces. The probability In
crease* that one or tho other ot these meji will bu the
St. Louis nominee?In other words, that tho demo
cratic party lan't going to do anything that will scare
the country and that the country lan't golug to be
scared.
Many men do not believe that the democratic leaderi
always represent the democratic party. This idei
cornea from aa exalted JeO'eraonian and rather abetracl
view of democracy. Practical democracy seldom real
ise* Ideal democracy. There are
DRKAM8 AND URIAHS,
but there are alio loaves and 'fishes. There are Col
houna and Msdisons, but there arc also Tweed* and
Fitxbugbs. The Troy Timet says:?
The democratic is tho party of reform and good gov
ormnont; it* leaders and those who assume to speak lor
It are tiroless in declarmg. but somehow It uever laku*
a atep forward in the acquisition of power without eon
vlotiug itaelf of the basest dishonesty and diaregartfrol
moral and patriotic obligations. Every crime known
to the calendar ball beeu committed in its name, from
high troasou to petty larceny, without eliciting a re
monstrance wfthin Ita own pale of membership. The
men controlling Ita action bavo never beon known to
shrink from the .perpetration of any wrong in lurtber
Ing tbeir own designs, and have again and again dem
onstrated the hypocrisy ol their pretensions; uut still
tlielr organs maintain ihe lham with unparalleled Im
pudence. Tbe nomination of Uarnum tor Senator by
tho democrats lu the Connecticut Legislature la only
one of a long series of scandal* lor which the doiuo
cratic party ia responsible.
BARNUM ELECTED UNITED STATES
SENATOR.
Haktkoru, Conn., May 16,1870.
Hon. William H. Barnutn was to-day elected United
Slates Senator in both bouse* of tbe Legislature. Tha
vote in the'Hecate was:?
William H. Barnum.... 17 Jamas E. English 1
llcnry B. Harrison 3
In tbe House the vote was:?
Barnum 150 Knglish >
Harrison 81 Governor I ngorsoll.. . !
Tho election Is for tho unexpired term ol the lak
Senator Ferry, which onds in 187B.
BLAIltE DELEGATES CHOSEN.
Haw Bkdfoku, Mass., May 10,1870.
Tha Republican Conveatloa of tho First district, hell
hero to-day, nominated Robert T. Davis, of Fall River,
aud William T. Davie, of Plymouth, delegates to the
Cincinnati Convention. Both are considered Blaine
men.
DELEGATES TO CINCINNATL
Boston, Maas., May 10, 18741
Tbe republlcaas of tbe Eighth district have elected
Freeman Clarke and James Russell Lowell delugatea
to tho Cincinnati Convention.
DEMOCRATIC VICTORY.
Baltimorb. Md., May 10, 187&
At the municipal election in Cumberland, Alleabeny
county, ycaterday, William A. Withers, democrat, wa#
elected Mayor by one minority. Tbe vote was:?
Wither* (dern.), 840; W. J. Reed (rep.), 830.
NEVADA FOR TILDEN.
8ax Fraxcisco, CaL, May 10,1(701
A daapatch from Virginia, Nev., say*:?"The Demo
cratic State Convention selected delegate* yesterday to
tbe National Convention at St Louis a* follows:?
Messrs Ellis, Kelly, Kaucrr, Keating, Fall and Dennis
They go unpledged. Tlldeu was the first choice and
Thuriuan second. Strong auti-Cblneae resolutions were
adopted."
THE A. T. STEWART MAN8ION.
It la supposed that Mrs. A. T. Stewart is aboat to
leave her present marble manalon and return to tbe
late residence of Mr. Stewart, at the corner of Ttlrty
fourth street and F'lth avenue, directly oppoetle. Yes
terday Mr. G. G. Haven, who has long resided at Mr.
Stewart s old residence, was busily engagod In moving
hi* lnrnlturo to hia new residence on Madison avenue.
Ho says that be had two more years' leaae to run, but
was paid a certain amouut to give up the leaee before
its expiration. He iiecllnea to say wliothor Mrs.
Sic wart is going to livo in her old residence, aa he says
the matter is a private oae between Mrs. Stewart aud
Judge Hilton. He Is satisOed, however, with the
arrangements bo has made. Judge Hilton declines to
say what Mrs Stewart's plans are, nor will he say
whether be-?a going to occupy Mr Stewart's late man
alon in case Mra. atewart ahould decide to move to her
old rcaidence.
THE COOPER UNION SCHOOLS.
Tbe truateca of tbe Coo|?r Union announce tbe pr?
gramme for Commencement week, which will be the
last week in May. On Monday evening. May 29, tbe
aovoaieautb annual reception of tho Woman's Art De
pariment w til be held and on tbe following evening tbe
Male Art Department will hare Its reoeptlon Wednes
day evening will be devoted to tbe Commencement ex
< rcisea, which will bj held In the large hall, and at
which Ave of ihc students will graduate.
THE LAW SCHOOL a
The Commencement exercises of Columbia Collegt
and the University Law schools will take place at tlM
Academy or Music this evening. Addresses will be do
livered by Proiessor Theodore W. Dwigbt and Mr.
Bradford Prince.
WELL CURED TIMBER.
There Is at present In port a veaael called tha Orient
built by George Reynos in Portsmouth, N. H., In 1802
She has beea surveyed by the underwriters and tfct
Bureau Veritas, and not an ounce of rotten wooi
could be found in her. Her preservation Is duo to het
being built of oak aud pitch pine, which preserve eact
other, while two kiads ol oak ia contact form eat and
burn. She la now loading ia Button's U?a far Baa
fraaciaosk