Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-01-27
The Com,p,ronise.

| From the Bangor Wing and Courier.
We are proud to know that the two distin-
guished Senators from Maine refused to be infu-
enced by an atmosphere Of timidity or by 9 par
tal and deceptive representation of public senti-
ment into voting against their earnest convic-
tons Of regard for the Constitution of the United
States. To stand out against the overwhelming
majority and record their votes in accordance
with their honest belief. without regard TO other
considerations than those of conscientious duty
required a manhood and nerve not displayed by
some of the forty seven who by their votes repud-
dated the doctrines of their life-times. All honor
to our staunch and fearless statesmen who have
placed the Constitution of their country above the
arguments Of temporary expediency, and who
have not stopped to count the number Of their as
socistes in opposing q dangerous violation oil the
fundamental law.
Their action will be heartily sustained by the
republican sentiment of the State of Maine, and
we have no doubt that it will receive the future
Endorsement Of the great majority of the thinking
people of the country.
Senator Wheewright but voiced the emphatic
sentiment of the republicans of his own city and
section in moving q resolution Of Endorsement in
the Legislature, and his promptness meets the
warm approval of the overwhelming prePonder-
snce of republican sentiment in Bangor The
fear expressed by another Senator that such ac-
ton might be regarded as embarrassing our dele
CATION in the lower House, will doubtless be re-
moved by the reports of the discussion. Hon
Eugene Hale, our senior Representative, has en-
phstically declared his opposition to the bill, and
anll de he ida with or uuhOlu-
ing the Constitution. The Legislature of Maine
should not be backward in sustaining her repre-
sentative who have firmly withstood what they
believes to be fictitious aud misleading popular
excitement which threatens to break through the
safeguards of our system of government. 1t takes
men to stand firm in Washington just now, and
we are proud that Maine has Senators and Rep
resentatves who dare to vote as they believe to be
right. without questioning whether they are with
the majoritysor the minority.
From the Ellsworth American
This paper has thus far been among those which
believed that Hayes and Wheeler were fairly
and honestly elected President and Vce-President
of the United States-that the Constitution provid'
ed in clear and unmistakable manner through the
President of the Senate for the counting and pro-
mitigation of the votes of the electoral colleges as
returned by the several states and that therefore
in spite Of the buster and threats of democratic
partizans the case Of the republican party stood
well enough as it was. The substitution OF new
tribunal for that hich beyond the memory OF any
living man, has safely ordered and guided the on
ward march of the nation is to say the least haz.
ardous experiment. 1t is an immense departure
cro. nil
Fathers guarded the sovereignty of the States in
the election of the Executive, and has thrown down
all barriers heretofore existing between the Legis-
a.ve Department and independent states, making
the election Of President dependent solely upon
the will Of the former. 1t gives in substance,
electoral powers to Congress, which the Constitu-
ton expressly denies, makes of Congress, as the
Tribune well says "a Returning Board"
No fault can reasonably be found with the fair
ness of the selection of the members of this COM
mission, and it is this feature Of the bill, which.
more than anything else will divert the attention
Of the masses from the dangerous innovation
which 1t introduces into the od-tine theory of our
Government.
Were this question simply as to whether
Hayes or Tilden should be President for the next
four years, the passage Of the bill would be of
comparatively little moment, but the Constitution
once over-ridien, can never after have the same
authority. On one pretext or another, it may and
will hereafter be set aside.
From the Portland Pressl
If the democratic party had possessed the clear
advantage of position which the republicans had
ia the law and the str ength of their case they
never would have compromised it. The democra-
cy always make the most of their opportunities.