The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1877-01-24
THE ELECTORAL PLAN.
The Vice President Elect Expresses
Himself as Satisfied Of It's Fair.
ness and Efficiency.
Mr.. Hendricks Thinks the Commission Pro-
posed FaIy Empowered to Set
tie the Difficulty.

The absorbing topic Of political discussion
in indianapolis as throughout the country
for the last few days. has been the plan for
the solution of the presidential dispute
framed and reported by the joint committee
ri CONGRESS- A fertile tonic of discussion
has been how the settlement proposed would
strike the gentlemen most interested, and
the sentiments OF Mr. Hendricks regarding
il have been a subject of frequent and
anxious inquiry. The emphasis of this in
ouiry justified the Sentinel in so far waving
considerations of strict political etiquette as
to seek to ascertain the Judgment of the vice
president elect. Accordingly, a representa-
tive of this paper having been favored with
AN appointrnent called at Mr.. Hendricks ;
house Yesterday and found its master seated
in his library, apparently partaking with
thorough enjoyment of the interval Oh
exemption from oficIal cares inter
veuing between the service 10 the
state he has lust relinquisled. and the ma
tiOnal duties he will take upon himself next
March. Mr.. Hendricks had evidently given
the subject upon which he was asked to eX-
press himself some thought, and seemed
prepared for the inevitable lnterrogatory,
though he intimated some little doubt as TO
the propriety of his speaking upon the sub
feet. being so closely interested. Being press
ed. however, to give his impressions as to
th, plan reported By the committee on the
count he said in substance
1 am gratifed that so fair bill has been
reported. 1t may not satisfy those who de-
mand success in advance, but think 1t
will be accepted by the country. Certainly
the commissioners may make proper and
rizhteous decision under it. 1t will allow
such latitude OF investigation and judgment
As viii compel them TO decide the right.
II III its present shape the bill will not
allow the commission to consider all mat
rers of evidence as fully as the two houses
IL. 80 saOnci1arinO thQ
questions directly, the necessary amend
ments can easily be made, but its provisions
appear ample in that respect
Reporter-You consider, then, that tlst
bill Is likely to bring about a fair solution
OF the difficulty.
Mr. Hendricks-NOt exactly that. i say
the commission may deliver fair decision
II is clothed with powers sufficient TO enable
il 10 do So Whether il does so or not vii
depend upon the character of the men wht
compose it
This being a tolerably comprehensive est
mate of the measure as plan for settlement
the reporter called Mr.. Hendricks atten
ton 10 the structures upon the bill as extr'
constitutional and an abdication OF the pow
en-, of congress and asked, ''Can you give m
your judgment as to the consututlOnallty o
rhe measure?'
Mr.. Hendricks-Scarcely. That would re
-luire an elaborate discussion, and too lon
LOT me present lllc AldtlCL - ci
in which the powers OF congress, and II.
methods by which they should be executed
are not definitely prescribed. 1t may b
compared TO the admission of states into tn
union. The constitution confers upon cor
gress the power to admit new states. but doe
not prescribe the method in which it Is to D
exercised hence congress may act through
coordinate department of gOyernment,as wa
recently done in the admission for state b
presidential proclamation.
Reporter-You do not regard congress q
Indicating its power then?
Mr. Hendricks-NOt at all The power @
congress to count the vote and 10 decid
upon all questions that arise in the progres
OF the count. is exercised directly by itsel
and through the agency which it creates
With final supervision and control by agree
ment of both houses.
Reporter-Whatis your opinion as to tn
probability of the bill passing congress?
Mr. Hendricks have no opinion to Offe
having no information on the subject otht
than that gained through the newspapers.
Having exhausted all the branches of th
subject on what il was proper to request a
opinion from Mr.. Hendricks, the reportt
bowed himself out.