The Morning herald., 1878-12-16
TELECRAMS
CONGRESSIONAL.
SYNOPSIS OF THE DEBATE, IN THE SEN
ATE, ON THE EpMuNps BILL.

SYNOPSIS OF THE DEBATE, IN THE SEM
ATE, ON THE EDMuNDs BILL.
Mr.. Bayard said that nothing but the
exceeding gravity and importance of this
measure would induce him to enter upon
this discussion at this time. He thought
the present bill eminently proper and the
present time emmently propitions for its
adoption. Our people were remarkable
for their obedience to law and order, and
the history Of the country had been re-
markable for the peaceful quietude of its
political revolutions. The transition OF
power from one Administration to its sue
cessors had ever been quietly and peace
fully accomplised. But two years ago
an exigency having arisen unusual in the
csuntry-the tranquility of the country
was 80 much disturbed, and the stability OF
the Government so far threatened, as to
excite the gravest apprehensions This
bill is designed to prevent the possible re-
currence Of a similar situation. 1t is en-
tirely non>partisan, and. I believe, should
receive the support of every senator who
can find no constitutional objection to its
provisions. The country needed peace and
quietude more than anything else, and he
believed this bill tended to bring that
about by relieving any apprehension Of
difficulty ineounting the next Presidential
Mr.. Eaton (Conn. said he would yield
tn no man in desire to bring about peace
and harmony throughout all sections of
the countrv, but this was not the way TO
do it. If the Constitution was wrong,
amend it, but do not 60 to tinkering with
the Constitution through legislation. He
did not believe this bill was constitutional.
He quoted from the Constitution, and cons
tended that the clause providing for the
election of President and Vice-President
was self>executing, and not legitimate
subject for legislation.
Mr.. Bayard inquired if the Constitution
in many of Its provisions did not require
legislation to execute their powers.
Mr.. Eaton thought this was not one Of
them, if there were any. He knew his
friend from Delaware would not vote for
bill which he believed to be urconstitu-
tonal; but he could we'll see that he might
vote for bill which he (Eaton) believed
to be unconstitutional. He did not think
the peace of the country was in danger. 1t
was safe under the Constitution of the
United States. He did not believe there
was any danger two years ago.
Mr.. Bayard said that two years ago the
country gave one sigh Of relief when the
Electoral commission bill was passed, and
he believed that this question ought to be
settled before the next Presidential elec-
ton. Such settlement now-by proper
legislation-would give confidence and aid
in the general prosperity of the country.
The best friend of this country is the man
who seeks to give it peace and to restore
harmony between the sections, while the
man who tries to revive bitter sectional
feelings for partisan purposes, is the worst
enemy the people have.
Mr.. Eaton hoped his frieod from Dela-
ware did not class him among those who
wished to stir up strife between the eec>
tions.
Mr.. Bayard-It is not necessary for me
10 say, most emphatically. certainly not.
Mr.. Eaton-The senator has so mixed
up the constitutional question with anoth>
er, which We had before us day or two
ago, that l did not know but he thought
was favoring sedition and disturbance. l
only want the Constitution protected and
not emasculated by meddling legislation
Mr.. Eaton held that the Constitution is
so plain in its provisions governing the
electoral count that no man can read it
and be mistaken if he is honest. He said
all that is necessary on part of Congress is
to agree to a joint rule to say on which
side of the chamber the Senate shall sit
where the Speakers chair shall be placed,
and other minor details, He contended
that it is not within the power of this
Congress to pass any law to govern the &C.
tion of the next Congress, whose duty ii
will be to count the votes for President
and Vice-President. The constitutional
provisions is selfenacting, and does moi
require any legislation 10 enforce it.
Mr.. Edmunds>-If it is self-executing
then what do you want an amendment
for?
Mr.. Eaton-I did not say I wanted ar
amendment. l was very carefnl of my
words. l said if it was defective, let it b.
amended.
Mr.: Edmunds Then what do you wan
a rule for, it is self-e1ecuting?
Mr.. Eaton-Why, 10 tell on which sid'
of the Speakers chair the senator from
Vermont shall sit. Bnt this boys play
Mr.. Edmunds-So it is.
Mr.. Eaton-And when the senator from
Vermont leaves, there will be one boy les
to engage in it. [Laughter.] But I d,
not wish to take the time of the Senate.
only wish to say that I shall oppose thi
bill on constitutional grounds. and if yol
pass it, you will find it of no effect il
restoring tranquility to the county O
preventing recurrence of those Difficult
ties that are born of political ambition.
Mr.. Merrimon N. c. advocated tn
bill in an able speech, in which he defnet
the powers Of the states and the authorit,