Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 March 1881 — SENATOR DAVID DAVIS. [ARTICLE]

SENATOR DAVID DAVIS.

His Speech in Ihe United Stilton Senate Defining - llia> Political Matin. Mr. President, before casting my vote on this occasion it is proper for me to state the reasons that determine it. In 1877 the Legislature of Illinois unexpectedly elected me Senator. I was not m any sense a candidate for this honor, and when applied to for the use of my name I declined to answer the request. Numerically the Republicans had a plurality of that Legi-lajtuuui and my distinguished colleague (Mi - . Logan) was their nominee. The Democrats stood next in strength, and a small body of Independents held the balance of power. The two last united, and they voluntarily conferred upon mq toe distinction which I now hold. No man ever entered Congress freer fiom political committals or from personal obligations than I did four years ago. I had been identified with the Republican party, and still look back with pride to its grand achievements. The extreme measures after the war and the excesses incident to civil strife drove tens of thousands into the Liberal movement of 1872. I found myself in company with Charles Francis Adams, Horace Greeley, Carl Scliurz, Stanley Matthews, Reubon E. Fenton, Murat Halstead, Charles Sumner, Lyman Trumbull, Samuel Bowles, John Wentworth, Whitelaw Reid, Leonard Swett, and others known to fame, who had been conspicuoui Republicans. Some of them have returned to the fold from which thev had separated, doubtless prompted by patriotic motives. I have never acted distinctively with the Democratic party, and unless its methods change and its wdsdom is broadened there is little prospect of my revising opinions calmly formed. The country would be materially benefited by a reconstruction of parties, especially since the errors of one seem unhappily contrived to prolong possession of power in the other. Standing between these two great organizations, and exposed to the carpings of the organs of both, who regard independence of party as a crime, is not an agreeable position to occupy ; but it has suited my politics, because I could not accept either extreme. I have voted on all pub ic measures, without regard to their political origin, according to my convictions of right, and I propose to contmuo that course until the close of my Sen tonal term. Dreams of ambition do not disturb my sleep. When the day for retiring comes, I shall go hack to private life, as 1 came out of it, carrying with me the consciousness of having striven to discharge every duty. An honorable recognition of the trust generously confided to my keeping by Democratic votes in 1877 requires me to sustain the existing organization of the Senate, lor which I disclaim all responsibility. Parts of it are neither agreeable to my taste nor to my judgment. I do not refer to the formation of committees. , In giving this vote it is proper to say, whatever may be the result, that I can accept no honor at the hands of either side. A new administration is starting out under exceptional circumstances. The States were numerical y divided at the Presidential election. A few thousand votes separated the two principal candidates in a poll exceeding 9,000,001). Both branches of Congress are almost balanced. The country craves a respite from angry discord, and most of all it 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 administration, for we all ought to have a common interest in the glory and m the greatness of the rt public. Measures intended to advance either shall have my cordial support. The President and his Cabinet are entitled to a fair hearing, and to be judged impartially by their acts. If they fail to justify the public confidence, it will be a misfortune which has overtaken otlier administrations having equally good intentions and prospects. Itlollows from what I have said that 1 shall vote for the formation of all the committees as reported by the Senator from Ohio, except the Committee on the Judiciary. I wish to retain my old place on that committee; and, profoundly thankful to my Democratic friends lor the distinguished honor of being placed at the head Ot that committee, I must decline that position.