New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-12-24
ED E1LIH IN ALARINd.

Two organizations i'll Alabama claimed to
be the General Assembly Of that State. One
of them-that which meets in the State House
was recognized by Gov. Lindsay, tho re-
firing Executive, as the legal Legislature. The
Other-that which assemblies elsewhere-has
been recognized by Gov. Lewis, tho present
Executive. Both parties appealed TO the Presi-
dent and, by his direction, probably, the At
tOrney-General furnished q basis of compro-
mise. We do not understand that Attorney
General Williams presumed that he had any
authority in the premises; but he gave the
plan of agreement as any summoned friend of
peace and justice might have given it.
That basis simply provided that both bodies
claiming to be Legislatures should dissolve;
that they should come together in the State
House, just as ii nothing had happened. and
commence proceedings for organization de moro;
that the dispute over certain contested seats
should be temporarily waived; that all claims
to those seats should be carefully examined
by the respective houses in which they were
situated and that, in the meantime, the claim
ants should have no voice in determining the
organization Of tho Legislature. This scheme
was fair; it removed the excuse which the
boiling or Republican members had urged
from the frst--that they could have no fair
chance in deciding tho contests over the doubt
full seats.
The compromise was accepted by both par
ties, and an organization effected. 1t is said
that q careful count showed that the Republi-
cans were in the minority on joint ballot.
Perhaps for this reason they have decided to
break faith and pract caly reject the Williams
- b
1t. They still keep UP their organization in the
Court house and though their presiding OFF,
GERS also hold similar positions in the regular
Legislature they pretend TO act as though the
Courthouse Legislature were legal body.
That organization passes bills, receives mes
sages from the Governor, and does all things
which it might do If there were no
question of its legal existence. This bad
faith is prompted by mixed considerations.
The Republicans have been outyoted in the
State and in the Legislature; they have elected
a Senator in their simulated Legislature; and
they really expect that the Administration
win eventually formally recognize them as it
did the Pinchback Government of Louisiana.
Mr.. Spencer, who now occupies seat in the
United States Senate, has been reelected, as
they call it, by the Courthouse Legislature.
II will be found, we suspect, that his hand is
behind the movement which keeps up sham
legislative body after its members have agreed
TO accept the plan Of adjustment which was to
organize but one Legislature. 1t is evident that
Mr. Spencer cannot receive tho vote of the
combined and legally membership.
The Republicans know very well that the
compromise which AttOrney-General Williams
proposed has no binding effect unless they act
under it and disband their Ciptsidc organiza-
ton. They know very well, too, that it was
only o good-natured but unofficial effort to
reconcile jarring factions. They think they
have rcason--considering the treatment Of the
Louisiana case-to expect something more
substantial from Washington than a skeleton
of an agreement which will deprive them of
their Senator and leave them in a minority in
the Legislature. Gov. Lewis is strengthening
them 10 their course with his official recog-
milton. 1t is reduced copy Of the Louisiana
case, as far as il goes. We sincerely hope
that It may not receive similar treatment.
Gen. Grant has eyinosd wholesome DISPOSE
ton TO avoid committing the same errors
second time. lie has no trlIe friend who will
not tell him that the general judgment Of the
country holds his late action in Louisiana as a
grave error We do not mean to believe that |