The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1877-02-15
FLORIDA FOR HAYES

Is the verdict of the high Commission by
Sto7. This causes Joy in the radical
camp, and consequent dependency
among Democrats. Confident in the JUS
tice ofour claim, sustained as it is by the
actual, and now undisputed fact that
Florida went Democratic it is no wonder
that our friends are mortified.
We confess to disappointment at the
result, and regret that love of party seems
to have exceeded regard for right and
love of country. Nevertheless, We do
not despair; confident in the Justice of
our cause, and the clear and decided
election of Tilden and Hendricks, it will
only be when the final count proclaims
Hayes and Wheeler that we shall be-
lieve it possible.
1t was good to see the Democratic
members of the House acquiesce and pro-
ceed with the count on Monday, which
was stopped by reaching the disputed
State of louisiana. Let no Democrat de-
nounce and condemn the Electoral Com
mission law. 1t is correct in policy and
sound in principle, as Senator Thurman
demonstrated in his excellent speech,
which may be found in this paper
The fact is, the act was most carefully
drawn; and its requirements just and
complete. The oath, for example, runs
thus:
Il, -, do solemnly swear that
/ will impartially examine and consider
all questions submitted to the commission
of which l am a member, and true
judgment give thereon, agreeably to the
Constitution and the laws; so help me
God"
The law required the Commission to
examine, consider and judge" what per-
sons were duly appointed Electors in
such State;" and the act also says the
Commission shall possess "the same pow.
ers, if any, now possessed for that pur-
pose by the two houses acting separately
or together" This act was passed with
full knowledge that each house had ap-
pointed committees which had taken
sworn testimony as to "what persons
were duly appointed electors" had re-
ported the same, and had put the evi.
dence into the possession of the houses.
In 1873 Louisiana was rejected on just
such testimony. AS to the proper eyi
dence the act says they "may take into
view such petitions, depositions and other
papers, if any, as shall by the Constitu-
ton and now existing law be competent
and pertinent iu such consideration"
1t really seems that the Commission |
refused to Examine, consider and djudge"
what persons, if any, were duly elected.
In the florida case they seem to have
been satisfied with the certificate of a
fraudulent Governor, (Stearns) and refu-
Sed that OF the real Governor, Drew the
aN erment of the Legislature of Florida,
and the action of the Supreme Court of
that State! In addition, they seem to
have declined to take into view "deposi-
lions, petitions and other papers," as the
law allowed and also refused to consider
,he reports made to the two houses of
Congress. The Iaw then, is all right, the
bath full and ample; and if majority
disregard both, blame not the law.
Time will demonstrate whether we are
o have a fraud in the White House
whether we are to have Louisiana re-
oeated at Washington-whether we are
% have our Diaz-whether the Constitu-
ion and the people shall bear sway, or
orce and fraud shall rule.