The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-02-22
Hon. VIM. M. Evarts' Great Speech.

On Thursday last, Hon. VIM. NJ Evarts conclu-
ded the argument on the Republican side before
the Electoral Commission. 1t was conclusive and
exhaustive, and the greatest effort of his lfe-the
most compact and incisive argument ever pre-
sented in the English language to deliberatiye
body. The court densely crowded,
many of the most promin emf members of Con-
gress and other distinguished gentlemen being
present He spoke for two hours, with lucid.
ness and force that carried conviction with al
most every sentence. At the outset he referred
to the fact that the Constitution of the United
States provided that Presidential Electors should
be chosen in such way rs the States themselves
ordained and directed. Then, after explaining at
some length the relative powers of the Federal
and State Governments, he showed very clearly
that the Commission could not legally ex ercise
the same legislative power as the two houses did
acting separately. They, according to the accept
ed meaning OF the Constitution counted the
votes. while the Commission was only delegated
power to determine questions relating to such
count. Regarding Mr. Matt Carpenters wild
theory that the Louisiana State law of 1868 made
no provision for filling vacancies in the Elec-
toral College, Mr.. Evarts particularly clear
and forcible, showing beyond all question that
the ground taken by Carpenter simply ridic-
uous, and unworthy of credit. Admitting, for
the sake OF argument, however that Mr.. Carpen-
ters statement was q correct one, still Mr. Evarts
commended that the Electors Brewster and Le-
visse, to whose case the law in question referred
were still legally entitled to east their votes for
the Presidential candidates whom they were cho-
sen to support. They were not. Mr.. Evarts con-
tinued entitled to the position of EIector, be-
cause OF any title which they received at the cleo
tion on the 18th Of November. but because OF the
appointment which on the 9th of December they
had lawfully received from the legally elected re-
turned, and certified Electors who were charged
with the duty Of filling all vacancies which might
occur in the college. Mr.. Evarts refuted a num-
Der of Carpenters ingenious arguments with
ease and rapidty, and then, referring to the claim
that Gov Kellogg could not legally certify to his
own election as Presidential Elector, and conse-
quently was not eligible to the latter position, he
quoted the case OF GOV. Ingersoll, OF Connecticut
and showed that he had certified to his own cleo
ton as Elector, and that his vote had been count
ed without question or debate. Similar action
had been taken at the commencement of the ma
tions existence when Hancock certified to his
own election President of the United States
Congress. Following up this line Of discussion
the speaker dwelt at considerable length upon
the proposition made by the Democratic counsel
to inquire into the details of the State election
and denied that either Congress OF the Commits
had claimed he continued, that at the last cleo
ton the Government Of Louisiana was not repub-
lican in for1n because it was necessary for the
Federal power, and part of the Federal Army TO
uphold the laws and the State Administration. In
his opinion it would be just well to claim that
the United States Government had not been re-
publican in form because for four years during
the late war it had been upheld by armed men
citizens who became soldiers because they be-
lieved that the form OF the Government was re-
publican. and because they loved that form. He
knew that the spirit which animated these men |
was still alive in the land He for one was always
a citizen before he was q partisan, and he felt |
himself bound to denounce as unwarranJed the |
statement that in the present case he or his as |
sociates acted as paptisans. Every demand which
they made, every appeal which they made was in
tho name OF law OF right of truth, and justice. |
This part of Mr.. Evarts' address was truly elo- |
1uent. and delivered with much greater warmth
and dramatic effect than is usual with him. AS
he sat down it was remarked by a number of |
prominent Democrats who were present that he |
had completely demolished Mr.. Carpenters plea |
md overthrow Trumbull's strongest points. |
The democrats asked for the bill creating |
,hc Counting Commission. 1t was passed to |
suit them, and every democratic Senator |
voted for it but one. 1t did not count Til |
len in, and therefore it is denounced as par-
5izan. They certainly arc Il very blind set
Of statesmen. if they thought Republicans
who believe Hayes was legally and consti-
elected, accepted the bill for the
purpose of declaring Tilden elected. Re-
)ubicans were not afraid to submit their
case to tribunal that was capable of weigh
ng the law and the facts of the case. They
lid not doubt the election OF Hayes, and
renee their acceptance Of Il bill that would
ldjudcate the dispute in accordance with
he Constitution and the law as it existed ON
he 18th day of November. The democrats
expected to intiniaate the Commission, and
bus gain their point. Irl this they were
and now they cry fraud. Ii that
any solacc to them, let them cry OH.
--------> -------------
The leading Conservative Democrats OF
lie South begin to see that to follow the
Sortbere copperheads will prove fatal to
heir seclioll. What the South wants is quiet.
'he Northern Dcmocrats give t!lleg nothing
ut contention apd strife.
Rev. w L. Munssy, p. D., the distin-
uished orator and divine, has been transr
Erred from New Orleans to st. Louis.