Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1877-02-08
The Electoral. Bill.
Nr. Fryr'- Rea.en- for Opposing d.

Nr. Fryr'- Rsa.os- for Opposing d.
lIoH. William L. Frye Ia acknowledging
the receipt Of a numerously signed memo
'ial OF the citizens Of Bath in favor of the
electoral bill. sets forth his reasons for op-
ro.ng Il In the following letter, to Mayor
Rccts
MAsHINGroS, Jan. -, 1871.
Nm Eicr Rect
lirai SIR have the honor To scknow ledge
the receipt al . petition signed hv YOU and 9TH
cr citizen II Bath. asking the Maine delegation
/ "a Congress % support the ,o-caIled ''compro-
mise hli. know personally aud by reputa-
4 il'n the most of the slguers OF both political
, parties, aud c'1i.s> that seldom is a petition
! presented 10 AoHr delegation entitled to greater
I consideration than this. | facaiyed IL some
hours subsequent to he final VOTE on the meas
3 urc but am frank 10 that it, earlier r,-rep-
/ lion could not have changed my ,ota In mat
I tiers involving no great principle such request
/ emanaiiug from such a source. would Probably
have been decisive; but u great question affect
ing constitutional rights. duties and obligations
! must be submitted TO aud determined bt The
I conscience and judgment of Inn upon " holr
| You, my constituents .have imposed the respon-
sbilily.
knowing early in the session that the ques-
| tons and principles involved in this bill must
/ he presented TO Congress in some FORM g y am-
1 inej the subject with more than usual care and
/ arrived ~ conclusion entirely satisfactory to
my own mind. In nv opinion, the trainers OF
I the Constitution INTENDED 10 md did. deposit 10
the hslrls Of the President Of the Senate not Ia
| the right. but the duty the imperative duty OF
I opening the certificates placed in his custody
Z by the ,ttcs. of determining which was the
| true certificate of electors where more than one
I from = state was forwarded 10 him. by counting
/ the votes in the two Houses and declaring the
result
II this opinion i correct. and OF this each
man must be his own Judge. then 1t logically
follows that no legislation can abaie one lot or
l one tific Of th. officers power. can be allowed
/ 10 affect other than mere formal matters. and
/ that this - compromise Bii' j. a clear invasion
! Of the powers and solemn duties of the Presi-
dent Of the senate. OF course have not the
Z assurance to assert that ! am right in NV con
illusions. and readily admit that gentlemen
thoroughly honest and cmIncntiy able. hold To
doctrine radically different; but my sworn
ohilsA Ions Of support 10 the Constitution are
relieved by a conscientious and a personal per
I furmaurn of it, requirements a understand
{ Them. You Will cheerfuily concede that in the
discharge Of : ich duties | am the represents
+ tive Of my constituents not their agent
This answer will suffice for you and your fell
los petitioners. but ina>much a INV vote may
aiier All. have been wrong. though believe il
was right | will saw further not A. excuse but
| In fslIiation, that manhood was the steady
I iTicD5Ai he side your delegation espouscd.
Ynuw Sllai you aud msny OF the signerS Of this
poiiten Uits veA yeuld have stood firmly with
: ~ y you had been %.seni through the contest
mhusats of war We're a plentiful n drops OF
] shaNer, gatherings OF one
hundred @YN06-'&Armed" democrats 10
assist N 'Hpunt wers,ounselled by leaders
I ~ The - mocrsiic party; charges OF conspiracy.
I fraud and every srlme were daily msle against
/ our side. tumprOSise VIZ not asked. but was
7 drmanasi.
Z hi condition ofthings ~oud have rem indel
4 You ~ tAA xsrkeS; ds~ ~ The history OF the
I republic. When. - ~ demand OF ynpaienia &
. >ouih.tde yelslng Moth offered >.Dtromise.
i'e aceep, aoae sauSioa would haze bound our
country forever 10 the car olSseory. made 4
1 the very Save Of .lases, Lbr6ssh all time, and
/ You wonid have h"st sSHyosr before IN re-