The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1876-11-24
THE PRESIDENCY.


THE PRESIDENCY.
We are daily, and almost hourly, ask |
ed by anxious voters, what is the situa-
ton with reference to the election OF
President. The inquiry has grown |
monotonous, of course, but not tiresome,
because it is an indication of the deep !
aud earnest interest felt by the citizen |
In the fortunes and changes of govern |
ment, and especially in the chances for
redemption from tyrannical misrule.
1t is well to see the citizen interested
in results. Perhaps, the only criticism
allowable is, that the deepest interest
was not displayed at the proper time,
namely, before the result was reached.
We disrniss as not worthy of thought,
or Of Depreciation itself, the probable ac-
ton of the Election Canvassers of the
doubtful States of Louisiana, Florida
and South Carolina. Did we believe,
as we certainly cannot, that the Can
vassers in either of these States would
present fair exhibit Of the votes poll
ed, there, is, after that, the patnet fact
Z that the Radical leaders of the tfnation"
have already laid their plans to contest
the electoral votes of either of these
States that may be counted for Tilden.
This was fOreshadowed even before the
election. 1t would be strange, and an
anomaly in the history of the Republi-
can party, for the Republicans to con-
cetle a Democratic majority at any cleo:
tion where there is possibility to con-
test and the fi,intest hope of success.
There are powerful reasons impelling
tho Radical leaders in this direction,
besides their hatred of the Democrats
and desire to retain power, CHIEF
among which il purpose to keep
their corrupt acts, State and Federal,
concealed. Many of their most power
full champions would welcome civil
war rather than suffer exposure from Il
Democratic Administration at WASH
ington.
No intelligent, at least, no rational
forecaste Of the probable issue OF the
present struggle for Grants succession
can be made which will concede honest
the three doubtful States named, or
peaceable designs to the prominent
leaders OF the Radical party. 1t is with
them q fight for political existence, fol
power and for plumber. They would
sooner plunge the country into civil
war than release their hold on power.
But, happily, all the power is not
with the Returning Board, nor with
President Grant and his followers.
The Constitution provides for second
and final count of the electoral vote %
all the States. Our readers all under
stand that there is no decision Of thu
results OF an election for President
until both houses of Congress, acting
together, have accepted and ratified the
result of the count made in joint SEES
sion by tellers selected from each body.
There is theory started by the Rt,di-
calls, recently, that the 22nd joint rule oi
Congress, governing the counting OF the
electoral colleges, not having been re-
enacted, the counting devolves upon the
Vlce-President (Mr. Ferry) who will
preside ut the counting of the vote.
But this idea is not only an innovation,
but it is absurd, since a joint session OF
Congress would be useless were the.
Vicc-President alone required to
declare the final result.
We regard it AS beyond peradventure
that both houses of Congress will join
in declaring the result of the election
for President. Some legislation will be
had, If there be none already, to gov
ern the counting, and in this Legislation
it is equally certain neither house will
consent to have its voice stitied. Eth
er ono has powers ample to prevent
such II disregard OF precedent, law and
of the Constitution. In this way the
final struggle will begin. But, mean
while, the two houses will send out
committees to investigate the conduct
of the elections in the three doubtful