Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-02-26

Mr.. Presdent-Oregon meant to appoint the
republican preside initial electors. The people Of
Oregon, by plain and undenied majority, hon
estly and intentionally voted for the republican
electors Two certificates having been received
from Oregon, the question of the count of her
vote has been examined by the elector al commits
sion. A majority of the commission have sent Us
two things: First, decision II at the vote ought
to be counted as the people Of the state really and
honestly meant il TO be counted, and as they de-
csred at the ballot box that it should be counted.
Second, a statement of reasons by which the de-
csioE was reached by the commission.
On the first matter thus reported, the power to
utter the voice of that state meant that they
should speak. My vote here will expr this
judgment All beyond this | di,claim. 10 the
bret moments allotted to this discussion an argu-
ment would not be possible. | shall therefore at
tempt no argument of my reason. Indeed, could
an argume Mt be made in the ten minutes given to
each senator, would not attempt to make one.
| will do nothing 10 defer for a moment the con-
clusion Of the presidential count On the con-
trary, will in every lawful way hasten the pro-
ceedings to the end at the earliest hour that the
vote of the last state may be counted, namely the
decision that Oregons vote should be count as de.
signed and directed by the people Of Oregon.
The senate is called on to express its Judgment.
The form of this expression is proposed ia the
pending resolution. That resolution does not, as
understand it, SUNNI any sen itor to express
his opinion of the reasons assigned for the de
cision submitted to Us, therefore say nothing
about the argument or reasons which appear in
the paper read in the lint meeting to-day.
, Mr.. salisbury, democrat, read q argument in
regard to the decision Of the commission, and
sad he could not allow this decision to pass with
out entering his protest.
Mr. Bogy followed. Offering his solemn protest
against the decision of the Commission.
Mr.. Sargent said 1t struck his mind as . notable
Circumstance that not a member of the Senate had
arisen to defend the scheme whereby Cronin was
made an elector and organized his electoral col.
lege. Therefore Congress was brought down to
the simple question to whether Watts was elig-
IDLE at the time he acted with the electoral col
lege. Mr.. Cronin had departed from the scene
and with him Mr.. Patrick, and he was glad taat
there was virtue enough to reject such bold
schemes as this for imposing on the will OF the
people. Ii was q great hardship to deprive .
state of representation in the electoral college,
and il ought never to DE done when 1t could be
avoided. The state of Oregon was entitled to the
same rights a. California, New York, Ohio. or
any other state, and all principles of equity were
on her side. 1t was tor Congress to say If they
should prevail.
The debate continued two b ours. when the SEN
ate endorsed the Oregon decision. and thus N sde
it the count of Congress.
The secretary instructed to inform the
house of the vote, an that the senate was ready
to meet the house to continue to count.
After meeting with the house and returning,
the senate adoted resolution that B )gys vote As
elector IN place of Morrill, in the electoral college
of Pennsylvania, should be counted.
Recess till Monday.