The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-02-23
From Our Regular Correspondent
!. WASHINGTON, February q, 1871
THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION

THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
heard Mathews, Evarts, and Merrick argue
the Oregon case to-day. They allowed the
Democrats TO send'to the Post Office Depart.
mentfe copies OF the commission as post
master issued to Watts, and that issued to
his successor; and the Republicans were
permitted to put the Postmaster-General
on the witness-Stand to prove Watts's re-
Signation and its acceptance. Both were
performed by telegraph after the election.
He also testified to the appointment OF
Watts'S successor some time in December.
The argument was concluded about half
past 4, and the commissioners went into
secret session. The lawyers on one side
debated with
and Evarts made some ungenerous but in
direct filings at the opposing counsel, and
especially at Mr.. Tildcn; on the other side,
Mr.. Merrick did not speak as effectively
nor eloquently IA i'll the Florida case, and.
attempted a little bulldozing Of the Com
mission. which seemed in rather bad taste.
1t looked as II he thought he gave them q
piece OF his mind, as the case was pretty
sure to go against him, and this would be
his last opportunity to lecture the Commits
sion. ........ 1
THE NATIONAL RETURNING BOARD
disappointed the Republicans this evening by
adjourning until half-past 1oto-morrow and
allowing themselves until P. NJ. to wrangle
over the legal points presented in the Oregon
case. They fear such prodigality OF time
upon a plain case will facilitate the pur-
noses OF the obstructionists, and are quite
nervous tonight. There arc We. eight States
70 count, and il the decision upon Oregon be
received tomorrow the houses will separate
and take recess until Saturday. Oregon
will then be recorded, and il Pennsylvania
he objected to the Houses must separate for
debate, and the obstructienists may obtain
recess until Monday. II the plan OF object
ing to each remaining State be adhered to
the 5th OF March will arrive with one State
TO be counted. ...- ".
David Dudley Field was very busy to-day
getting up bill to provide for such con-
tincency. He declines to say what it is ;
but learn from q member that it is an
adaptation Of the law of 1892, so as to make
FERRY ACTING PRESIDENT
until new election can be held next May.
Knott, Southland, Springer, and other I'M
tanned Democrats will persist in their efforts
to defeat Bradley's DEGREES. and many De-
mocrats hope Fields bill may be put
through in the Senate under the guise Of 6
mere precautionary measure. 1t will BIZ
considered In caucus when the Oregon de
ciSion is known. ..
During the brief secret session OF TIT
Commission tonight speeches were made
by only three members. lorton's remarks
were in the loud voice and earnest tone anC
language he uses in the Senate, and dis
gusted his more dignied associates. Mil
Ter read written speech, claiming the
three votes for Hayes. Field held that Ore
gon had lost one.
IMPORTANT ACTION OF EXTREME DEMOCRATIC
CAUCUS.
The extreme Democrats held caucus TO-
night and resolved to defeat the counting
in of HAYES at all hazards. Bitter feeling
is manifested toward conservative Demo.
Gratis, especially those of the South. Ran.
dali will not resign, but his rulings will be
influenced by his sympathy with the OBJ
structionists.
THE APPROPRIATION BILLS.
Congress is trying to devote its few re-
manning days to the perfection OF the ap
preparation bills and other business neces
sarily interrupted by the counting OF thu
electoral vote. While that remains uncom
pleted it is very difficult to get to work ir
earnest, yet they have made some progress
to-day. In the House it was almost con
tinual and monotonous passing Of amend
ments from one, and rejection OF those
from the other. ......- .@r
The railroad lobbyists are numerous an(
active, hoping there may yet be an oppor
tune moment to accomplish their scheme
before the session closes.
Hayes's friends, feeling "a
THE PRESIDENCY AND ITS ENORMOUS PATRON
....' ..--.- AGE .
almost within their grasp, carefully cult!
yate the most conservative eloment Of tn
Democratic party, with an eye on the speak
ership OF the next House. The Democrat
will then have so small maj ority the trans
fer of few Of their number as converts Il
the gospel of a national conservatism
homo rule for the southern States here
tofore held as provinces, and distribu
ton OF Federal patronage In the South
by bona .fde southern congressman
may practically turn the control Of the next
House into the hands OF the Republicans
There Is certainly a strong disposition to sc.
cure peace and prosperity to the
South even by this means. But the
Greeks are feared though they come
bearing gifts. Before they can make
any serious impression; upon the: Dem.
ocrats their chief must 4rreyocably com.
nit himself in his inaugural to the new
southern policy his friends have foresba.
lowed as though they spoke by the card
ana nc must follow promises by 500
RECOGNITION OF THE LAWFUL GOVERNMENTS
IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND LOUISIANA,
and other practical evidences of good faith.
Associated Press Reports by telegraph to the DIS
patch.I
OREGON BEFORE THE COMMISSION.
The evidence submitted showed that
watts resigned by telegraph on November
lou. Ills resignation was accepted by tele.
graph on November 14th,s when specia
agent TOOK charge OF the office. Waffs's
account WIN the POst-O ffies DeDa .ffnpnl