The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1877-03-08
ELECTORAL COMMISSION,

FEB. 26.-The Electoral Commission re-
assembled at $50, Immediately after the two
houses separated, all the members present; Mr..
Herman, successor to Senator Thurman, taking
his seat for the first time. The papers referred
to the Commission of the two houses in joint ses-
sion were read by the Secretary. In response
to an inquiry a to who appeared as DIRECTORS,
Mr.. Hurd announced that Mr.. Cochrane and
himself would appear as directors to certificate
No ] (the Hayes ElectOrs). MIR. Lawrence said
senator Christianey and himself would appear
for the directors to certificate No. (the Tilden
ElectOrs). Without further action the Commits
sion adjourned till tomorrow.
FEB. 27.-The Electoral Commission met
at 10 o'clock Mr.. Hurd briefly submitted
reasons why the Commission should reject ths
Hayes certificate (Ne y from South Carolina
that the presence of United States troops in the
State at the time of the election was calculated
to overawe and influence voters, and did have
that effect, and that there was an entire failure
of registration as provided by the State onsti-
tuition, by which neglect over 81 900 fraudulent
votes we've cast for Hayes. When Mr.. Hurd had
finished, Mr. Coehrane stated that Judge Black
and Mr.. Blair would appear as counsel for
DIRECTORS to certificate No. l. Mr.. Cochrane
then submitted certain pro1ers OF proof, which
were admitted. Mr.. Lawrence then made an
argument for the Hayes DIRECTORS, showing that
the want of registration did not affect the cleo
ton. and that the allegation that troops had been
stationed in the State without authority OF law
was untrue in fact. Hon Montgomery Blair
then followed on the Democratic side, elaborat-
ing somewhat the arguments made by Mr.. Hurd.
At the conclusion Of Mr.. Blair's argument, Mr..
Lawrence said the counsel on the other side, IN
view of the brevity of time, had concluded to
submit the case without arguments. Judge
Black then made brief address. at the conclu-
secret session. and after about five hours
elaboration, by a vote of to Z, decid-
ed in favor f the Hayes Electors. A
resolution declaring the Electors named in GER
fEAaN 90 NJ NOT arrn11w oh VgHpl
adopted unanimously. A report was drawn up
to be presented to the two houses, giving the
grounds on which the Commission reached its
decision. A resolution offered by Mr.. Strong
was adopted authorizing the members of the
Commission to file remarks made by them dur
ing the consultations Of the Commission. On
motion of Mr.. GARFIELD, the Commission ad
journed till IL a. m Friday, March ?, unless
sooner called together by the presiding OH ;er.
The grounds Of the decision in the South aro-
lima case are substantially as follows: That 1t
appears upon such evidence as, by the Constitu-
ton and law creating this Commission. is COM
petent and pertinent to the consideration Of the
subject, that tn before mentioned Hayesl Elect
ors appear to have been lawfully appointed, and
that they voted as such at the time and in the
manner provided by the Constitution of the Unit
Ell States and me law; and the Commission has +,
by majority of votes, decided that it is not
competent, under the Constitution and law, to
go into evidence dliundi papers opened by
the President of the Senate. in the pres
ence of the two houses, to prove that
other persons tnan tnose regularly
certified t. by the Governor of the State. on and
according to the determination of appointment
by Returning Officers for elections in said State
prior to the time required for the performance
of their duties, had been appointed Electors, or
by counter proof to show that they had not, or
that the determination Of said Returning Officers
was not in accordance with truth and tact; the
Commission, by a majority of votes. being OF
opinion that it is not within the jurisdiction of
the two houses of Congress assembled to count
votes for President and Vic President to enter
upon the trial of such question. The report will
also set forth ths fact that the votes OF the Dem
ocratic Electors of South Carolina were rejected
by the unanimous vote of the Commission.