The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-02-12

Might it not have been as we'll TO let Ferry
decide the presidency as to delegate that
power to Bradley Wheeling lnteiligencer.
Pointedly stated, and exactly pertinent
to the present attitude OF the presidential
question. It may be, indeed, that Judge
BRADLEY, as the fifth associate Justice, may
have the casting vote that will decide
whether HAYES or TILDES shall be inausu-
rated. But then he acts under authority OF
law, and not altogether outside OF law, nor
as usurper, rs " FERRY" would have done
had he made the decision. 1t was precisely
this difference that Influenced Congress
when it passed the ''peace measure" that
established the " Commission" When that
measure was adopted it was believed that
it secured the establishment of tribunal
worthy to wear the name "iudicial," and
that its decisions would be upon the law
and the evidence freed from the passion OF
the partisan. There was general uncer-
tainty as to what its judgments would re.
suit in. The Radical party was more op.
posed to it than the Democrats, and it was
inferred that il either side had the advan-
tage it was not that side which most object.
ed to the Commission. rs.
We confess our own disappointment in
the action Of the Commission, and, further,
that our hope for the triumph OF the De-
moerats Is not strong But turn out as the
proceedings OF the Advisory Board may,
its appointment and action will be as all
the world to nothing preferable to the en-
tirely lawless action Of 4" GERRY" in
"countins in" the. Republican President,
backed up by the military power of the
Government to inauguratc the President
chosen by him, and to compel submission
to the authority Of that President, even to
the exclusion Of the pretensions OF TILDEN,
should any such be set up by him and his
friends. This usurpation would have pro-
duced the very worst condition OF the pub
. lie mind, and left it badly disposed for har-
mony; politically, and for the unity OF nc
ton, OF trust and good faith, that are essen
tial to thrift and coutentment. ,s, -
Weknow. that the inauguration of HAYES
under the decisions Of the Commission can
not impart the same amount Of satisfaction
and Joy that would be impaired by the in
auguration Of TMDEE, and therefore we
cannot Justly anticipate the same amount of
prosperity from the Inauguration Of HAYES
that would follow that Of TIIDEN. But
there is still that noble consolation that
HAYES II chosen will be chosen President
through civil forms. This is great re-
lief to the nation; for II he were in
stalled by usurped authority and force,
the republican character Of our Gov
eminent wouId be subyerted, and the
chances Of restoring it almost desperate.
The President chosen by force would
be licensed by the act creating him to
WELD his authority in an arbitrary manner,
and the party which follows him would
SO appreciate the machinery for the pro-
lougation OF its power as to be tempted
beyond ITS strength OF resistance to keep it
In operation, since it had worked 80 well.
We repeat this makes the Commission as
all the world to nothing better for us than
she alternative Of the lawless act Of the pre-
sident Of the Senate, sustained by the mill
tary power Of the Government. Should
HAYES be inaugurated, he will have strong
inducements to commend his administra-
ton to the nation by its civil virtues, and to
endeayor to elevate the Republican party by
trusting places Of authority and RESPONSE
bility to the better and more conservative
class OF Republicans.
III Governor HAYES is man OF average
Intelligence and possessed Of moderate
degree Of integrity he will see that this is
his policy. But whatever sort OF man be
Iaay be, this at least ne have TO console us ).
tbat the manner of deciding his claims to
tiae prssi dsney cannot be regarded n dam
geresls pseesste md I'M as
tnres
stae iasfle Isof5 syents ip d pre-.
pafa s dat We nag d nos sbees slespe<'