The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-02-02
How the Vote will be Counted.

The following is briefand comprehensive
synopsis of the provisions OF the electoral
count law:
On Tuesday each house appointed by Uiea
cOcs vote, five of is me.nbers. who, with the
five associate justices of the United States
Supreme Court now assigned to the first,
third, eighth and ninth circuits, and another
as ocute justice to be chosen by them, COM
slilue IA commission for the decision (only)
of all questions relating to different mot du-
plicatt) returns from any State.
The counting was commenced on the LIST
of February (Thursdny) ut l p. M. in the
hall of the House, the President pro tempore
of the Senate presiding. The presiding Off
Ger will open the certificates in the alpha
hetical order of States, and pass them to
tellcrs, two on the part of each House, who
will read them, make a list Of the votes, and
deliver the result to the presiding officer,
who will announce the same.
In case of but one return from any State
no objection will be entertained except it be
made in writing and signeo by at least one
Representative and one Senator. In such an
event the two houses separate and take
vote, and in case they disagree the vote must
be counted, but in case they agree as to the
validity of the objection the vote must be
rejected.
In case different returns are received from
any State they will be opened by The presid-
ing officer read by the tellers, and referred
to the electoaal tribunal, after objections
signed by al least one Representative and
one Senator have been made. The ohjec.
tions, as well as the returns, must then be re-
ferred to the tribunal.
The tribunal is to decide, by mojuriiy
vote, whether any and what votes from such
States are constitutional and legal, and what
persons were appointed electors, and is re-
quired to make brief report in writing,
which must be signed by the members agree
| thereto. This decision must be read and en-
tered in the journals CT both houses, and the
| counting of the vote must proceed in CON
formity herewith, unless upon objections,
made in writing, by at least five Representa-
tives and five senators, the two HOUSE sepa-
ratcly concur in ordering otherwise, in which
case their concurrent action must govern
No votes from any State can be acted upon
until the objections previously mace have
been finally depos' of
While the two houses are in meeting no
debate will be allowed, and no question can
be put by the presiding officer except to
either house on n motion TO withdraw.
! When the two houses separate each Senator
and Representative may speak ten minutes,
but after the debate has lasted two hours the
main question must be put
The joint meeting cannot be dissolved un
til the count of the vote is completed and the
result declared, and no recess can be taken
when question arises in regard to counting
any such votes, or otherwise, in which case
either house may direct a recess of such
house not beyond next day, Sunday except
ED at 10 A. NJ. While any question is be-
ing considered by the commission neither
house may proceed with its legislative or
other business
The act does not impair or effect any right
under the constitution or laws to question,
by proceeding in the United States Courts
The right or title of the person who shall be
'cared elected, or who shall claim TO be
President or Vicc-President if any such
right exists.
Darling, you look very bad,
And fear you've caught cold
But papa says you'll soon be glad,
After you have once been told
81. II d., ~. Il,