The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-08-10
Choice of Presidential Electors.

FROM the ". 7. Times.
The action of the Florida Legislature, in
taking to itself the power of choosing Prssi-
dental electors, is assailed by the Southern
allies of Seymour and Blair as part of
scheme for securing for Grant the vote of the
South. 'It will not be tolerated." is the cry
that goes forth from Democratic throats
There shall be direct vote by the people, the
disatfected declare-or, If that be denied,
revolution.
Among the loudest who denounce the Flo
rida measure are South Carolinians, whose
Legislature formerly chose the electors The
chivalry were satisfied then, for they con-
trolled the Legislature. They condemn the
renewal of the system now, because other
elements are in the ascendant. The differ
ence in position, no doubt, explains the diff
ference in their political philosophy. They
are not likely to be troubled in their own
State its new Constitution expressly pro-
vidipg that presidential elelectors shall be
elected by the people," But they echo the
threats of resistance raised by Rebels in
Louisiana and Alabama, on the supposition
that the example OF Florida will be generally
followed by the Southern Legislatures.
Constitutionally the Florida Legislature may
have acted within its powers. The Federal
Constitution provides that "each State shall
appoint, in such manner as the Legislature
thereof may direct number of electors''-
liberty to do before the war, Florida is free to
do now; and other of the Southern States may
follow in the same path, if they please.
But the wisdom of the step, whether taken
by Florida or any other of the reconstructed
States, is extremely doubtful. Waving alto
gether the relative merits of the two plans
election by the people or election by the
Legislature-it seems inexpedient to enact the
latter with direct reference to the contest now
progressing. To render seemly the choice OF
electors by Legislature, its members should
have been elected in view of the exercise OF
that authority. The people would then have
an opportunity of expressing their prefer
ences, and the legislators would proceed with
entire propriety. These Legislatures, how
ever, were chosen without reference to this
question, and they cannot now exercise the
power claimed by the Florida Legislature
| without appearing TO deprive the people of a
/ cherished privilege.
We put the case wholly on the ground OF
expedlency AS a matter OF constitutional
right, the new Legislatures may avail them
selves of the appointing power. But we are
persuaded that its exercise, in the present
condition of the public mind at the South,
would operate injuriously. 1t would look like
an attempt to secure snap judgment. 1t
would give color to the pretense that the
Republican party is, after all, afraid to trust
the Southern vote. And it would be used as
evidence of determination on the part OF the
Republicans to profit by any questionable
agency that may be at hand. These imputa-
tions would be as false as other OF the Rebel
| cries. But they should be prevented, II possl-
bic. Not evil only, but the appearance OF evil
/ should be avoided in contest with opponents
who eagerly seek pretext for the disturb
ances they threaten.