Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1876-11-30
The National penorralis Programme

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The National Democrats Programme
in Case q Struggle Should Arise.
The Hen. Ciarksnn y. Potter, cf New
York, mas written to the Herald long
and remarkable letter, which will attract
wide attention, because the public will
regard it-as il, in fact, is--as an authen-
tic exposition Of the views of the demo-
cratic leaders or questions Of tho first
maSnitUde and grarcst Importance, and
an authorized announcement Of what
the democratic party will do, or a: least
attempt to do, in a great and formidable
conjuncture which is not unlikely 10
arise. This elaborate letter is altogether
more significant than anything which
has yet been promulgated in connection
with the delicate constitutional questions
which are to be the staple OF discussion
for the ensuing two months. 1t IS a
strong presentation of Mr.. Tilden's case
and Of the course of proceeding which
will be adopted by his friends in tho
event of The vote OF Louisiana being
counted for Mr.. Hayes. Mr.. Potter is
near neighbor of the democratic candi-
date, al intimate personal friend who
has his fullest confidence, 4 lawyer or
distinguished ability, statesman whose
fairness OF mind is universally conceded,
a citizen OF the highest consideration
such man, in short, az Mr.. Tilden
would naturally select to be the expo
nent of his views and purposes in
matter which so nearly concerns him
rnd his party. Pottor's singularly abe
manifesto must be regarded as 4 great
ieal more than the individual dcc!a.
ration Of Mr.. Potter. 1t is The careful
lv prepared dem mocratic case put into tho
shape in which II il to go before Congress
in tho final struggle, if struggle there is
70 be 1t is the programme Of action
marked out il advance for the omcrgen-
cies which may arise during the count
ing Of the electoral votes i'll tho presence
OF Congress on the second Wednesday or
February. AS such it demands and will
receive universal publicity in, every part
of the United States. As su9h it,chnl-
iengcs scrutiny and discussion By the
most gifted and best equipped constitu
tiunal reasoners in tie republica.! party,
whose logical acr' N and legal ingonui
ty will be called into activity in ass',iling
the positions of this semi official demo
cratic marifeato.
We pass Mr.. Poter's lonG introductory
recital Of the election frauds perpetrated
in Louisiana during the last lour years.
This is an old beaten story, or which the
public judgment vas long since termed.
We admit that i; supplies ample reasons
for regarding til Returning Eoard of
That State with suspicion and for watch
ing its proceedings with vigilance; but,
after ell, the result in Louisiana must he
judged by the facts of this election. How
ever strong may be the presumption of
fraud founded on the action Of dis Board
i'll former elections nothing can be az
ceptet. as proofs of This occasion bat au-
.heIticatcd facts conn4c.ed Wit, t!:a
present couut. The only rsrt:aeot ques-
ton IL whether tho dcinocray;c pd;ty at
Louisiana mas been cheated in tiiis pa
ticil!ar election OF 1876.
The letter of Mr.. Potter assumed in
advance of specific proofs, that this will
be tine case, and OH this basis it proceeds
to discuss the proper methods OF redress
The whole interest of tho discussion lies
in what he has to say on this great branch
of the subject.
at erascns "o viii 1ncrrl. s,@:c Vi,
POSITIONS, ard briefly su;.i:.:,.Iaa MS ~
su;aon.a, without uldalt..!::..:.:s; 10 la-s
any judgment Oh thoi- Sonniness. ".
fottes n'ai?tars that ihu President nf
the Senate has no Independent authority
to count tho votes and declare tho result, |