Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1877-01-05
JAMES TIMMOXS, Editor.
THE SLTUGTION.

IND Otl y n 4 AONs
Gradually the points upon which the
Democrats rely for success in their efforts
N steal the Presidency, are taking form.
The grounds chosen by them for the con-
t,st are quite we'll defined and the country
etn begin to see the solution Of the Presi
Dental muddh.
The Congressional investigating commit
tees engaged in taking testimony in the
Southern States have developed no new
facts OF mportance--nothing to change
the situation. The Democrats now con-
cede South Carolina to HAYES and the re-
canvass Of votes in Florida, under order Of
the Supreme Court, while it gives the State
Government to the Democrats, docs not
change the result on Presidential Electors.
In Louisiana, the evidence presented to
the several committees is not materially
different iron that which was laid before
the Returning Board during the canvass OF
the votes.
Having failed in their search after some
new facts and better excuse for their OPP
position 10 the inauguration Of HAYES and
WHEELER, the Democrats have now settled
down to the work Of bolstering up their
weak cause and preparing for as easy
let.down ns possible. They have but one
point of attack, and but two roads leading
10 that point. Their entire efforts will be
directed towards obtaining full control
of the Electoral Votes by the Senate and
House In joint session. This would give
them ample power TO count in TtIDEN and
IIESDRicKs They now claim nothingo on ac-
count Of the0rcgon trick except that il mus
result in throwing the whole question into
tie hands Of the joint session. Once there,
they will ignore the action Of the legally
aonstituted authorities Of Louisiana, reject
rhe duly authorized electors of that State,
and accept the votes cast by tho defeated
,loIerr. This is now understood 10 he the
ground upon which the battle must I've
fought.
There is really but one question involv-
cd in this controversy, Rs thus presented.
1t relates to the power Of the President OF
the SerRte, where two sets OF returns are
made to him, to determine which is the
true, and which the false return. The
Constitution, it 10 tue, does not specifically
confer this nnthority upon the presiding
officer Of the pint session, yet 1t makes it
his duty to open the returns and announce
them to the Tellcrs appointed to determine
the result of the votes 80 opened. In
caae like this one, the presiding
Office, clearly may exercise the discretion
necessary TO determine the true from the
fslAe, and Egre To the Tellers only the true.
This is an implied duty in the absence OF
the least shadow of authority for any other
person, or body of men, to pass upon the
vote before counted or rejected. The rem
edy for those who do not assent 10 the de-
,ision OF the presiding officer, is IN the
Courts.
The duty OF the acting Vice President
is one oil great dellcncy in this instance,
but it is one, also, OF very great Importance
a failure to exercise Roman fImness on
his part would result in permitting the
rebel Democracy to steal the Government
from the hands OF the people by schemes
of the meet corrupt character, involving
all the crimes known in connection with
human actions. The New York Worlds
correspondent claims that the acting Vice
President will open all OF the returns
made 10 him, in the presence Of the two
branches Of Congress, and give them all to
the Tellers. AS there nre double sets of
returns from several States, OF course, in
that case, the electoral votes would be
lnrgely in excess of the number legally
authorized and il would be the duty Of
Congress, in joint session, to determine
which votes to receive and record. The
Democrats, having a majority in that body,
wonld undoubtedly, regardless Of law, of
the rights Of States, and every principle OF
honesty, declare TILDEN elected.
Better authority than the New York
World says the acting Vice President will
open all the return3 in the presence OF the
two branches Of Congress, but that he will
determine which shall, and which shall
Iot be counted. Shonld his action not
meet the appreciation Of Mr. TrLDES, that
gentleman has from the 10Th of February
10 the 4th OF March in which TO seek hiS
remedy in the Supreme Court of theUmted
States. Should the Vice President decide
TO reject the votes cast by the legally au-
thoriEed electors of Louisiana, and accept
this votes Of the McENERy bull .doIerp, the
Republicans would undoubtedly take their
case to the proper ju licial tribunal. They
make no threats Of violence and will peace
ably submit to legal authority. We be-
lieve the Democrats will pursue the same
course. The people will not sustain them
in aDx other policy.
CORNELIUS Vanderbilt died at II
o'clock yesterday.
o=s