The New York herald., 1877-01-21

DORSES THE PLAN OF THE JOINT COM
MITrEE AND HAS THE HIGHEST OPINION OF
THE MEMBERS OF THE TRIBUNAL.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD
NEWPORT, r. l., JAM co. 1877.
Hon. william Beach Lawrence called upon this.
evening by HERALD correspondent for the purpose OF
getting that gcntlcmans views upon the bill for count
ing the electoral votes by a mixed commission, and
although very busy he kindly consented after reading
the HERALD EDITORIAL In today's issue, which he pro-
nounced very able and conveying the real sentiment OF
those who wish the Presidential question settled
speedily and amicably.
In tho course Of his remarks ne 81 havo not
examined the plan sufficiently TO form an
opinion as TO details SO as TO know
whether every contingency that may arise in
the course Of the counting has been provided for but
the questions havo been prominently discussed for
weeks that 1t scarcely possible that their settlement
should not have attracted the attention OF the very
able committee. 1t is understood that the power OF
the houses In the last resort Is SO reserved that
any constitutional question as to calling in the inter-
venton OF another body 10 perform what the consttu
ton contempiatcs, should be done by the two Houses
Of Congress Is met. At all events have the fullest
confidence that Senator Thurman, who is only the
ablest lawyer OF the Senate but one o the most
nent jurists OF the country, has not permitted the
insertion OF any provision that would jeopardize
the constitutonality OF the proposed proceed
ings. The resorting 10 the hu OF judicial
tribunal settle political elections had ior
the first time and may well happen that the present
proceeding Will free US from the repetition OF the
OF such infamous bodies rs the Returning Board OF
Louisiana, which, although It boasts that not single
member OF 1t is lawyer, claims the power to de-
eide judicaily aud without appeal the most intricate
Iega questions while, II It's decisions are permitted
stand It controls the destinics not Of Louisiana alone,
but OF the whole Union The House OF Commons
from time immemoral possessed The power Of passing
irrevocabiy, as our houses OF Congress do.
the QuaIncatiOns OF their members. The impression
which existed that the decisions were Too likely to be
swerved by partisan considerations led 10 what
called the Grcnvlle act, and by which II
supposed fair tribunal might be
obtained IRON members Of their body. But
however much the scheme at first approved In its
operation found not to be entirely iron the
defects OF the old pian and snce 1865 all questions
arising IRON disputed elections referred to q
judicial tribunal presided over by judges OF ihe
high courts o Westminster with an appeal OF
those OF the judges who have been selected TO
give their AID In this momcDtous occasion Il
would be presumptuous IN me 10 oncr any
other remark Than 10 state what no
will deny, that neither the learning nor
the integrity OF any OF them has ever been as
sailed and more irreproachabie tribunal II would
Impossible 10 Gnd IN the universe II Is my happi
besides approaching their judicial labors, 10 have
been honored by personal intercourse them all
but feel the fullest. confidence IN hav ng re-
ferrcd TO them the claims OF the candidate whom |
have consistently supported ana whose election is TO
be desired every public consideration"