The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-01-13
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT oE
WASHINGTON, d. c., Jan. 4, 1877.

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EDITOR CHIEF:
The President on Tuesday received
from the Governor of Louisiana, a
resolution passed by the Republican
Legislature of that State, calling for
protection against threatened violence.
The precedent in such cases has been
to refer the requisition to the Attorney
General for examination and report,
but 10 overt act being alleged in this
case no action has yet been taken or
decided on, although it is understood
the President will sustain the Repub-
licans. The general opinion in official
circles seems to be that there are
enough troops already in New Or
leans to preserve the peace unless
open rebellion should occur. 1t is to
be hoped that, whatever action may
be decided on, a preventative for the
future as we'll as cure for the pres
ent may be administered.
In an interview held last Saturday
with an agent of the Associated Press
the President delivered himself of
some strong opinions upon the politi-
cal situation, which must commend
themselves to all thoughtful and can
| did observers, irrespective of party.
He said that there had certainly not
been fair election, such as was in
tended by the Constitution. In his
opiniOn both the law and precedent
gave to the President of the Senate
the right and power, to open ard
count the votes, but that when he
came to do so, upon the 18th of Feb
ruary. there would undoubtedly arise
serious questions between the two
houses which might result in divis-
ion. That in such an event Il settle
ment would not be reached before the
expiration of the present executive
term, in which case under the Con-
stitution and the act of 1892, the
President of the Senate would become
the acting President and the cabinet
officers continue uninterrupted as
such He also stated his doubts
whether he had the power to call IL
session Of the new House of Repre-
sentatives in case there was no Presi
Dental election by the 4th of March.
The Senate committee yesterday
commenced the examination in refer
ence to the Oregon electoral case.
Mr.. Cronin was examined and stated
that when he accepted the certificate
from Gov. Grover the question of
right never entered his mind, but
that it was simply a matter of expe-
diency. He had received $4,000 from
the Democratic State Central Com
mittee of Oregon to defray his ex-
penses to Washington. Cronin ap-
peared very much embarrassed during
his examination, but nothing of much
Importance has been obtained from
him thus far.
The majority and minority reports
in the Colorado case have been sub
mitted to the House, the former re-
commencing the admission of Belford
and the recognition of Colorado as
State, and the latter of course holding
to the contrary. This not only brings
the matter before the House in proper
form for action, but shows that the
Colorado member will undoubtedly
be admitted as he should be.
All but the most sanguine Demo-
Gratis have at last virtually abandoned
both Florida and South Carolina,
holding to Louisiana as the pivotal
State in which to make the strongest
fight and final struggle. What capi-
tai they may expect to make there at
this late day is scarcely apparent, but
it is evident that their next step will
be an attempt to impeach the Return
ing Board for honesty and fair deal
ing-of course the final settlement
must be by Congress, where the State
can only go to Tilden by a break in
the Republican ranks-but if Blaine,
Conkling and Edmunds hold firm,
there will be no danger.
Notwithstanding all the cries raised
in that direction, Secretary Chambers
attention does not appear to be so
closely taken up with political mat
ters but that he finds time to carry