davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
WASHINGTON NOTES AND GOSSIP

WASHINGTON, December 14.-The. sPresi-
dent has made the following nominations:
John Sake, marshal for the Southern els
trictof Mississippi; Petkin, for Louisiana;
Kenney, postmaster at Austin, Texas.
The Senate to-day confirmed Q number OF
poStmasters. s....i5. 49,.
The Commissioner OF Internal Revenue
has modified the tax on the manufacture OF
stills for scientific and medicinal purposes.
No tax is now required on stills OF five gal!
Ions or less capacity. The ruling is not re-
Protective. = 5,..s ~ 8, 49, .!.
STEAMBOAT DIsAsTER ON THE RED RIVER
53s1 ,ss,h& TEN LIVES LOST.
NEW ORLEANS, December l4.-Ie,
steamer Homer has sunk opposite PAY ne's
landing, Red river. The cabin pass; enger;
were ali saved. Ten deck passeD, .ers were
lost. The boat and cargo were a total loss
NEW YORK LIGHTED By on--coMb1NArroNs
OF GAS COMPANIES TO BE- DEFEATED.
NEW YoRK, December ii4.-The Aldermen
have passed resolution authorizing the
Mayor and other city authorities to consider
the propriety at lighting the city with oil
TO defeat the combinations Of gas compa-
mics,
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

South CARoLISA.-C Columbia, December
13.-Secretary OF State Hayne to-day was
caught mapping, and has given the Demo
Gratis, much against his will, a decided adj
vantage. Colonel J. S. Richardson, the
Democratic candidate for Congress from the
First district contests the seat OF Rainey,
the Republican candidate, who is declared
elected. To-day Colonel Richardson APP
piled to Secretary Hayne for certified copies
of the vote for Governor in 1874 and in the
present year. Hayne gave him the copies,
and on both OF the lists of returns certified,
under the seal Of the State, that they were
correct. Thus the Democrats have the very
returns OF the entire vote for Hampton and
Chamberlain, including the vote OF Edge
field and Laurens, certified to be correct by
the Secretary Of State, with the seal OF the
State attached. The originals OF these re-
turns are the returns which Mackey refused
to give up; and these certified copies can
and will be used in declaring the vote for
Governor tomorrow by Speaker Wallace.
Special to Baltimore Sun.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
LATEST RoaEIes nEws.

PRoLoSGATIoN OF THE ARxIsr1cE.
PARIS, December II. Dispatches on the
Bourse report that there will be TIVE month";
prolongatfon OF the armistice.
CAPTURE OF THE STEAMER MocTEzUx1--
FRENCH NAVAL NEws--yEssELs n DIS
TRESs. ~ 80 = II s. 8 ~
/, HAVANA, December IA French steam
er that arrived from st. Thomas brings nd
vices up to the 9th. The capture OF the
steamer Moctezuma was arranged in King
ston, Jamaica. The chief Of the captors,
Leoncio Prado, son OF President sPrado,
OF Peru, was in Kingston up to Within four
days Of the capture, and was apparently
there supplied with money. ,i6 {, s,ss5a
!. On the ed ultimo the Spanish man-ot-war
Pizarro arrived at Port au Prince in search
OF the steamer Moctezuma, but lett the
next morning, having been unable TO OBJ
tain any information concerning her.
Six vessels had entered the harbor Of Sc.
Thomas in distress, among them being the
American bark. Monitor, Captain Frower,
from Baltimore, bound for Pernanbuco.
She had lost her foremost, bowsprit, and
sails, and was leaking.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

TIE FEELING OF SOUTHERN MEMBERs.-A
great many Of the southern members enter
tain the feeling that they don't care much
how the presidential complication is adjust
ed so that they are recognized in the new
deal. They propose to try and be with the
strong side this time. They say that since
the war they have had no voice in the dis
tribution OF patronage in their own States,
and they are willing to concede almost any
thing to have control OF their own affairs
and have the carpet-baggers sent to the wall.
This feeling prevails to large extent, and
explains, in degree, the apathy OF Ben.
Hill, Mr.: Lamar, and other southern lead
ers.- Baltimore american. L 4.as .,.a..
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

TIE BLACK ART IN PoLITIcs.-[Special
dispatch to the Gazette. J. Columbia, De-
cember 13.-The congressional committee
commenced the examination Of witnesses
to-day. Four were called as a beginning.
Two OF them, who were from Barnwell
county, testified that no returns OF Rob-
bins precinct, giving l 300 Republican votes
and no Democratic votes, had been made.
They proved beyond doubt that the sealed
returns were opened and this bogus return
inserted in the office OF the Secretary OF
State, This evidence the Radicals will not
be able to upset. Bradley, witness from
Pickens county, swore that he made the re-
turns of the election in that county, was
given receipt for the same by the Secre.
tary of State, and now two precincts, giving
a large Democratic vote, are missing.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

JURISDICTION IN ELECTION. CASEs.-The
chief justice OF the County Curt at New
castle, Del, in the matter OF some cases OF
alleged violations Of election laws which had
been transferable the United States Dis
trict Court, said that he intends to try the
cases in his own court at the next term.
He believes the. act of Congress under
which the transfer OF jurisdiction was made
is OF doubtful constitutional authority, and
that his court will not abdicate its right to
tryall such offences against the laws Of Della.
ware. .------
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

The VALLEY RAILRoAD.-There is some
prospect OF etfecting lease OF the road,
and at the same time securing its completion.
There is gap OF ninety miles between its
present terminus at Staunton and the pro-
posed junction with the Atlantic and Mis-
sissippi road at Salem, which must be Tiled
before the road can be made self-sustaining.
The president OF the National Securely
Iron Company ia Pittsburgh corporation)
proposes to pay $1,000 per month for the
use OF that portion OF the road now com
pleted twenty-siX niles, and to build the
remaining ninety miles within two years,
for the sum Of $1,000, 900; then to lease the
whole road on terms which do not promise
very much TO the stockholders and bond
holders, and yet, under all the circum-
stances, seem to be sufficiently liberal. The
directors took the matter under advise
ment.-Ba!tinaore american, 14th.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

COUNTING THE ELECTORAL VOTE.-[Specia
dispatch to the Baltimore Sun. l. Washing.
ton, December Ex-senator Edmunds's pro.
posed constitutional amendment received
the votes OF all the leading Republican law
yers in the Senate, such as Conkling, Ed
munds, FreIinghuysen, Wright Ferry,
Hamlin, and Blaine.
Some OF the Democratic members are q
little more hopeful tonight. They say that
IN ease.oi the eventual passage Of the bill
they believe it not impossible that enough
Republican senators might be found to
unite With the Democratic senators in
counting the Tilden vote from Louisiana at
least. 5ssti
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

The STATUS OF CoLoRADo.-[Special to
the American.l J. Washington, December
13.-The Democratic majority in the House
of REPRESENTATIVES seems determined not
to recognize Colorado as State. Mr.: Hale
offered bill to-day for reference, but it
was objected to because it contained the
words " citizens OF the State OF Colorado
But while Colorado ls not on the list. and
her delegate is not named, Mr.. Patterson,
her delegate in the last session, is still on
the roll OF the Sergeant-at-Arms and draws
his pay regularly. 1t is certainly an anon
alous state Of affairs, for while the House is
acting in this manner the senator's from
Colorado, Messrs. ,Chatlee and Teller, have
full recognition in the other, legislative
branch, s ra.s. .... .-,te ..f,.F-tt
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

THE PosTAL. SERvICE.-The fast-mail SER
vice on the Pennsylvania road is to be re-
sumed next Monday, on snd after which day
the Herald will be received in Philadelphia
at half-past O'Clock in the morning, in
Baltimore at a quarter-past II, at Wash
ington at L O'Clock in the afternoon, and
will be delivered in all parts OF New Jersey,
eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland,
and in parts Of Virginia before or a little after
noon. The post-office authorities deserve
credit for the earncstness and perseverance
they have evinced in securing these adran-
tages to the public, and it is to be hoped
that they will be afforded all the facilities
necessary to enable them to more fully carry
ont their plans in regard to q fast mail SER
vice.-Fron, the Ne,o York Herald Of yes
terdau -. -. .....sr .-.a...
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

The MASSACHUSETTS MUNICIPAL ELEc.
TIoNs.-tSpecial dispatch to the Baltimore
Sun j. Washington, December 13.-The
Democratic success at the municipal cleo
tons in the important Massachusetts, cities
OF Boston and Worcester Is regarded here
as having an important bearing in indica-
ting the sentiment OF the northern people on
the situation. .................. -. I'll iI...g
s.:, Such straw as this shows that could the
question Of who is to have the presidency
be submitted to the people OF the North
alone Governor Tilden would have On
overwhelming majority. .li 81 - 1.,.t.53.s
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

MORE PLoTT1NG.-Philadetphia,, Decem.
Der lS.-The annual meeting OF the National
Council OF the Union League OF America
was held here to-day, quite number OF
delegates being present from various states.
Ex-Governor William A. Newell, OF New
Jersey, was reelected president; Thomas
g.. Baker, OF New York, and Samuel r.
Gwinner. OF Pennsylvania, secretaries; e.
W. Goddard, OF New York, and THOMAS
X. Rick, OF Maryland, viee-presidents;
William v. Alexander, of New York, trea-
surer. Addresses were made by Messrs.
Mitchell and Hockey, OF Alabama; Mr..
Albert, OF Delaware; Il. NJ: Turner, OF
Georgia; Captain C. W. Goddard, Of New
York; and General James II. Negleysaof
Penns ylyania. Important action was taken
on the political questions now agltating the
country, the details Of which were ordered
to be kept secret.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
Ben. XIII, or Sseergia, ON the sitna.
SlOfs.

Hon. Ben, Hill, leading Democrat of
Georgia, has expressed himself on the poll
tical complication. He regarded Hayes's
nomination as n victory over Republican
ultraisms and over military administration
OF free government, and defeat OF that
party's belligerent element, which has no
policy but to foment sectional hates and
passions. He believes that IL Hayes be in
augurated he is honest and fair enough to
discontinue understandable interferences
In the affairs Of the South; he
will also naturally desire the CO.
operation OF the best men in the South.
II this be true his administration will
be great gain and improvement to the
southern people, who have no desire to re-
sist the Federal Government, but desire to
be regarded as q portion OF this common
country, and entitled to the administration
in the South exactly as that administration
Is extended to other portions Of the coun-
try; and il she can get this plain, honest
administration, and her best people can be
recognized by the Federal Administration
rs the proper representatives OF southern
interest and sentiment, the whole country
will perceive ut once that the ultraisms
charged upon the South will have no founda-
ton in fact. ~.
In settlement OF the presidential imbrog-
lilo Mr.. Hill thinks there can be no possible
apology for breach of the peace. A great
difficulty seems to be that leaders Of both
parties are not endeayoring to discover the
truth about the election, but are devising
plans TO secure mere party triumph,
which, he fears, they are willing TO secure
by foul or fair means. He is uneasy at the
evidences that Grant seems to think he is
under obligation to use the power OF his
high Office to secure the success Of the Re-
publican party, from which he apprehends
most serious consequences. II the House
deem its duty to enter protest against arbi-
trary adjudication Of the great question by
the president OF the Senate, and shall elect
Tildcn, rs required by the Constitution,
Grant will use the military for the inaugu-
ration Of Hayes.
OF course no man can foresec the results
OF such q policy. They cannot be other
wise than disastrous to the whole country.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

GOVERNOR HAYES SPEAKS AGAIS.-Ddy-
ton, Ohio, December Ex-Governor Hayes,
responding to serenade, said: al have
too much faith in the saving common sense
Of the American people to think that they
desire to see in their country Il Mexicanized
government, whatever may be the result at
which the lawful authorities shall arrive.
You and will quietly submit, and have
sufficient respect and confidence IN the great
majority OF the opposition party to believe
that they will do the same"
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
FLoRI,A.
THE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE UEEARrHIHG
- !, RlI,TcAr rt,fu0a

49,
TALLAHASSEE, December 14.-The Con
gressional Committee to-day discovered
what Is alleged to be. an Interpolation OF
seventy names I'M the poll.list OF d pre-
einct in Leon county. This Interpolation,
the Democrats charge, wus made to cover
the seyenty-two fraudulent tickets Of min
ute size that were found In the box. The
Democrats charge that these tickets were
hidden In the folds OF the regular tickets,
and then smuggled into the box.
q The Interpolation was charged ON the
ground that citizens OF the precinct fail to
identify any OF The seyenty-tTo names that
appear consecutiyely in two pages to them
selves, and from the fact that The poll-list
at this precinct was not numbered as at all
other precincts. The Republicans claim
that they can explain these facts satisfac-
torily tomorrow. go i,
The Supreme Court proceedings were
postponed until Saturday next.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
,..'''; cA 1fEi.D' A MONUMENT TO THE CON
; FDES. iE DEAD FROM NORFOLK COUNTY AND
PORTSMOUTH.

PORTSMOUTH.
=, Especial telegram to the Dispatch.l 49,
riNo.RPoBK, VA.,. December ia
granite monument raised In Portsmouthto
the. memory Of the Confederate soldiers
who fell during the late war from Ports
mouth and Norfolk, county wasG dedicated
today with imposing ceremonies, There
was an immense parade OF military and
civic societies, and business generally was
suspended. Colonel e. w. Mdrdaugh de-
hYered the Grafton. 80. ;,s :-ss
.,I istf,iya Associated Press te,egrams.l i,;tff
INSOLVENCY. or an INSURANCE. COMPANY
81. Z 49, ii. ACKGoWLEDGED. ~
NEW YORK. December IA. The president
OF the Security Life Insurance Company
appeared before Judge Brady this evening
on an order to show cause why areceiyer OF
the company should not be appointed, and
acknowledged its insolvency.
:. Later. Judge Brady has appointed Mayor
Wickham receiver OF the Security Lie Inc
.suYance Company. q, &
THE ICE GORGE IN THE OHIO NEAR LOUIE
VILE.
LOUISVILLE, December Navigation
on the Ohio river here Is closed. The bar
bortin front Of Louisville is clear OF lee,
but cannot long remain so, as gorges exist
above and below the city, and the weather
Ii turning colder. Local packets from be-
low are long overdue, and confirm the
opinion that u gorge exists below. The
gorge above the city remains. y
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

The BOUNDARY QUESTION BETWEEN THE
STATES OF MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA.
Washington, December 12.-The Maryland
and Virginia Boundary Commission, it is
again stated, has agreed to decision which
will be in favor OF Maryland, and will give
that State the control Of the fisheries OF the
Potomac river and the valuable oyster pri-
vlleges about which there has been 50 much
dispute in the past. The commission meets
again in Washington on the 18th OF January,
and will then make official declaration OF its
decision
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
The Silver Bill.

1t passed the House on Monday. It's as
follows: .-
Il Bill authorizing the Coming Of q Standard
Situer Dollar, and Restoring its Legal
Tender Charter. .... ... ..-
That there shall be from time to time
coined at the minis OF the United States
silver dollars Of the weight OF four hundred
and twelve and one-haH grains, standard
silver. to the dollar, as provided for in the
act of January, 1887, and that said dollar
shall be legal-tender for all debts, public
and private, except where payment OF gold
coin IS required by law. .----
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

PosTAL,-Virginia: Office at New
Church, Aceomac county, is reestablished
on route IL ,156, Gnancock to HorntoWn,
George w. CoYington.. postmaster. Ofhce
Mt Midway, Halifax county, is discontinued,
there being no mail supply papers, now 20
to OWego. AT Issequind, ,Goochland coun-
DICE DIS. Watson, resigned.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

THE VOTE ON THE EDMuNDS RESOLUTIONS
Washington, December 13.-An analysis OF
the vote by which the Senate to-day rejected
the Joint resolution proposing constitu-
tional amendment to empower the Supreme
Court to count the electoral votes shows
that thirteen Republicans and one Demo.
crat voted for the proposition, and that
eighteen Democrats and thirteen Republi'
cans united in voting against it.-Special tt
Baltimore american. - 1900. ..-...-...s ...si...s
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

FlgE.-Augusta, Ne, December IA
fire occurred here this morning destroying
the establishments OF J. s. Hendee, photo.
grapher; Mrs v. r.. Blackwell, miiliner;
j. G, Horey,. musical-lnstrument dealer;
George w. Jones, auctioneer; Viellery q
Rogers, printers; - johnson, druggist;
George W. Quiemby, Gospel Banner office
and Huller & Capers, seWing-machine
agents. Loss, $4,000. !Js& ap: 80
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

The MAN ON HoRsEBACK.-W Washington,
December IA counter-statement, signed
BY Zach. Chandler, and furnished to the
press at midnight, concludes: "Hayes and
Wheeler are elected, and the will OF the
American people will be carried out and
maintaiucd'
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
sSy Telegraph.

NEW YORK, December 4-GoId opened at l07X.
No2n.-Stocks dull but better feeling. Money. 4
per cent. Gold, l07S. Exchange-Long, 492;
Short, 4S4. State boMds-Tirginia, new, Louisiana
6's, new, ind Missouri Us better: Pennsylvanias
lower; rest steady Governments dull but strong.
Eeening .-Money dull Ut per cent Exchange
dull at 49,. Gold active at 1O1Ea107x. Govern
ments active and strong; new Us, l0S, .rs1t $40
>,:st I,Egl- BALTIMORE 1 tfaH IS.
BALrIlaeRE. December / 4.Lyireiniu 6,s, defer
red, 81; consos, 6SAs: second series, SAX: North
Carolina G's, old. lG. -, 80 s,s
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

A party OF six emigrants left Calvert
Street station for Texas last night on the
Cincinnati express. They had intended
settling in Maryland, but the cold snap
fri ,htened them out. - Baltimore american,
18th,
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

BRUss ELS, December l4.-The president
Of the Union ,Du Credit Bank has abb
seconded. Loss heavy.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15

The printer made the poet Bryants pa
per say, "L.ke the base Indian, threw away
a pearl" &c. "lnd;an /" for J,.dean " Is
5000.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
Session
WASHINGTON, December IA, 1876.


The Committee on Privileges and Elec-
tions postponed the s.Isideration Of the
New Jersey case for the lack of witnesses.
They informally discussed the law as bear
ing upon the Oregon and Vermont case.
The amendment to the post-route bill OF
the last session reestablishing fast-mail
service and franking privileges was rejected.
The post-ofice appropriations bill was
considered, but without action.
MIR. Sherman called up the resolution to
print 10000 copies OF the Presidents Lou
isiana message, with accompanying docu-
ments.
An amendment to print and bind the
Democratic report with IL was agreed to,
and the resolution was adopted.
Mr.. Sherman made very bitter speech,
and the debate throughout was angry and
intiammatory. @f'ss
The resolution regarding Oregon, comes
up tomorrow as. unfinished business. :
Adjourned.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
.THs rcr.sesar liri1a.

: The q! cEaE Al 81. E0UIa.s d,
sT. LOUIS December III There q no
change In the condition Of the ice.locked
steamers. at the ARSENAL the gorge isssifl
firm.
SALE OF THE BALTIMORE AuApExY or Mu51G.
BALTIMORE, December n. The Aeadeny
of Music was sold at auction tc MIR. James
to-day for S165, 600. Mr.. Gary bid Tor the
stockholders. 80 IN 5gs IS !, E
BREWERY Burmese. g
II ST. LOUIS December f4.--Bremen brew
cry, owned by T.. SpengleF b Son, has been
destroyed by Gre. Loss, $3.50
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
COMMERCIAL.
CORN AND FLOUR EXCHANGE.
~ RICHMOND, December IA. 1875,

~ RicHMoNp, December IA. 1875,
."tzst'' $50 : OFFERINGS -
wHEAT.-zhtts. 1o4 bushels Red, 546 bush
els. ,s NE. ~ " -. sEta L..-5.,ts.
CoRN,-WAite, l,134 bushels. lMired, 232 bush
els. $500 ,...et ts.
OATs.-3e bushels.
. MEAL.-6l bushels J.Gst-t ~ &sff W
PEAS.-24 bushels. !ef.: i ,;igts.E .sty 5ftt
cr'-''s -s'''-' T. SALES.. = " - ~
WHEAT White, 60 bushels common at Sl.15;
~ bushels common at $1.27-totas 104 bushels.
Red, so bushels good atS1.35; 92 bushels yery good
a: $1.3S: sc bushels common at Sl.20 80 bushels
common ut 1.15; 40 bushels good at Sl.37 lS6
bushels very good on private ternis-totaii 43a
bushels. . q .s-ges. J ~ s!Es.t I! -.-t;ft.,s
ConN-Whfe, 100 bushels common at 45c.; 22
bushels very good at Acc. 90 bushels very GOOD at
47c.: 400 bushels very good ut 4Sc.; Lie bushels
prime at 4Sc.-total s26 bushels. MiZed, LIB BUSH
els ut 45c. ~ - ~. .tss,4yx .{ls3sf
MEAL.--44 bushels OH private terms; 10 busheis
at 55c.--total so bushels. q . 4, t,s;i; sjtt
49, ,-n,.,.n RErEXEIBITEDs tlt ~
WHEAT.-IYhite, 60 bushels. Red, $50 bushels.
CoRN-IVhite, 328 bushels.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
OATs.-3G bushels.
MEAL.--6l bushels.
PEAS.-24 b,lshris.
Flour

Fine, s3.50@s3.75; superfne. IS extra super
fine, IS. IS; common family, 500 fancy family,
'S7@S7,50. Market dull. ~ ~ -
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
RICHMOND TOBACCO EXCHANGE.

The breaks to-day comprised 80 hogsheads, 8
ticrces, and 0 boxes. The oferiass at auction on
Change were 80 packages, Of which lumber 81
were taken In, and the remainder sold at prices
ranging from S5 TO $3.50. e ! - 80 ss
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-12-15
house OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

The resolution reported by Mr.. Knott
from the Judiciary Committee was adopted
without discussion or division for the APP
pointment OF committee Of seven to act
in conjunction with any similar committee
appointed by the Senate, to prepare and re-
port without delay such a measure, either
legislative, or constitutional, as may be best
calculated to establish proper mode OF
counting the. electoral votes for President
and Yice-President and determining the
questions that may arise as to the legality
or validity OF the returns made by such
votesiby the several States; also, for the! ap-
pointment OF committee OF seven men,
Ders OF the House to ascertain and report
what are the privileges, powers, and duties
Of the House in counting the electoral vote.