Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1876-12-28
AFFAIRS OF THE NATION.
From G respondent.
WASHINGTON, Dec. %, 1876.

we'll enough to say in the outset tha'
in these letters from Washington
write in no partizan interest. l ain
only at giving you facts and events
as they arise, and sayings and doings
on both sides, in order to keep you'll
readers we'll informed. My own opin.
ions are of no account. But the
opinions, the speeches and the votes
of members Of Congress will be looked
for now with deepest interest. We
have reached grave crisis in our
national career, which excites anx-
ious solicitude in the minds Of all
thoughtful good citizens. Tho close
OF the centennial year finds our Coun-
try, proud, prosperous and powerful.
The events Of the coming two months
will determine whether or not her
splendid progress is to receive sud
den and fatal check. But imminent
as the danger seems to be l cannot
realize that We have reached any
such point Of party madness as will
make our glorious republic a sacrifice
to mere political triumph. Republics
hava risen and fallen from among the
governments Of earth, as we we'll
know, but cruel fate can assuredly
have no such appalling calamity for
our young republic at the very close
of our centennial anniversary.
With these views hail with pleas.
ure any movement which looks to an
amicable settlement of the vexed
question of the Presidency. In my
last letter stated that resolutions
had passed both Houses Of Congress
providing for joint committee to
consider the question of counting the
electoral votes. The committees Of
each branch have since been appoint
ed. On the part Of the Senate Messrs.
Edmunds, Morton, Frelingheysen
and Logan. republicans, with Messrs.
Thurman, Bayard and Ransom demo.
Gratis, hava been appointed the COM
mittee. On the part Of the House
Messrs. Payne, Hunton. Hewitt, and
Springer, democrats, with Messrs.
McCrary, Hoar and Willard, repub-
licans, have been appointed the com
mittee. These commit although
though they personally represent
various shades Of opinion and feeling
in the parties to which they belong
are generally regarded as being we'll
selected and composed of able aud
judicious men. Upon them devolves
a most responsible duty. Upon their
action will hang mainly not only the
question Of who shall be President,
but whether our republican institu'
tions shall be ilnperlod i'll 4 CLASH Of
arms. 1t is stated that they will not
meet together as joint committee
but questions between them will DO
considered and voted upon separate.
ly. Their purpose is, also,to have all
their proceedings and discussions
strictly confidential, as it is consid-
cred that whatever chance may exist
of satisfactory agreement would be
very much lessened by any publica.
ton of the propositions discussed
This is undoubtedly very wise de-
termination, for if their proceedings
are open there will be all sorts Of
newspaper comments to divide and
distract their deliberations. The
House has also appointed commit
tee to decide upon its constitutional
rights in the matter of the counting
of the electoral vote, which is COM
posed Of Messrs. Knott, Sparks,
Tucker, Maish, Burchard, Seelye and
Monroe. Ibis is also an important
committee, whose wise and moderate
action will have great bearing upon
the amicaole settlement Of the diff.
culties.
Meantime the several committees
Of the Senate and House are actively
engaged in taking testimony in the
three disputed States Of Louisiana,
Florida and South Carolina, and the
democrats profess to have strong
grounds for believing that through
testimony thus obtained they will yet
be able to secure the electoral vote Of
at least Florida for Gov. Tilden.--
They have further encouragement in
the fact that the Supreme Court Of
Florida has issued a peremptory or
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