, 1877-01-21
THE COURT OF ARBITRATION.

There can be no mistaking the universal
sentiment OF the public with reference to
the condition Of political affairs at Wash
ington- The public demand pence, and they
demand this peace with sublime indifference
as to its effect upon the hopes and prospects
Of the expectant Postmasters, Collectors,
Gaugers, and Tide-waiters. Every man in
tho land has an opinion of his own as to
whether HAYES or TmDEN was legally and
fairly elected This opinion may be infu-
enced by his previous political preferences
but, outside of the mob of ofice-seekers and
of6ce-holders, there are but few persons in
either party who are not willing to accept
any honest and fair decision Of the case, no
matter which candidate may by that decision
be counted in.
The country suffered through the long
campaign from May to November from the
general disturbance, excitement, alarm, and
distrtlst. On more than one occasion during
that campaign the country was brought to
the verge Of civil war and the President
was compelled, in order to prevent war of
races, to station troops in several States to
preserve the peace. The close of the polls
on elecion-day without war was accepted
as great relief; but that relief to the public
mind was of short duration. The result of
the election was for time uncertain. and.
when finally ascertained, Was clouded with
charges of fraud, violence, unfairness, and
bribery. The worst passions of the previous
campaign we're again excited, and the coun-
try was brought to the contemplation of the
fact that the 4th of March will see two
persons proclaimed President, each or
ganizing Government. each claiming to be
elected, and each supported BY one Of the
Houses of Congress- The outcome of such
a condition of affairs must be eventually
the settlement of the conflicting claims by
and arbitration, or by war and
the arbitrament Of the sword At this
junctnre, q joint committee of the two
Houses of Congress have reported scheme
BY which this settlement Of all the questions
by an arbitration shall take place first, lear-
ing revolution, war, and anarchy out of the |
business altogether. Mr. LINCOLN told the |
Rebels that even at the end of a war there !
would have to be settlement, and it would |
save years of distress and bloodshed to have
he settlement first, and omit the war. The
is as timely now as it was in 1861.
1T. HAYES right to the Office must be de-
er1nined by law or BY arms: why9not have
he legal settlement now, and dispense with
hat Of force?
There are four hundred thousand people
n Chicago who are directly affected by this
threatened disturbance. The value of prop
rty is depressed; the volume of business is
decreased; the employment of labor is NJ
ested; industrial occupation is restricted
he boarding of money and its Withdrawal
rom business have been extensive, ont only
i Chicago but all over the country. Capt.
Il is withdrawn from investment. No man
entures into new business. The earnings
labor have been largely reduced, and
usiness and trade paralyzed, because of the
implications which threaten to produce the
[e1ican plan Of having two or more Gov
nments always On hand, each claiming to
, the lawful one.
There is not mechanic or laborer in ,
hicago whose condition has not been Sc t
ously injured BY the protracted disturbance s
confidence caused BY the violence of the c
contest aud its subsequent COM t
ications- There is not stonecutter, I
sson, carpenter, painter, wheelwright e
acksmith, shoemaker, hernessmaker, tan 4