The People's vindicator. [volume] (Natchitoches, La.) 1874-1883, 1878-05-18
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON D. c., May, 10, 1878.

Whatever the general wish may
have been among members of the
Democratic party month ago, there
is DOW unquestionab]y desire for an
investigation into the affairs Connected
with the late Presidential election in
Florida and Louisiana. Two things
stand in the way. First, the convic-
ton of a large number of Democrats,
in the South, that any interference
with the existing state of things
would be unfair after once having
agreed to the settlement by an Elec.
toral Commission and, second, dis
like of Mr.. Tilden, which it has been
the constant effort of few Democrats
to increase.
The first objection is not sound in
morals or reason. By the terms OF
the Electoral Commission bill any
settlement made by the Commission
was to be subjected to inquiry in the
Courts. If there is any bad faith at
all it is denying, to the defeated can
didate the specific means of relief
which were in general terms prom
ised. If upon due inquiry by the
proper Courts it is found that Mr.
Hayes is not properly President, there
is no hardship in compelling him to
drop the Office. On the contrary the
hardship is in keeping it from the
rightfall party.
The other ground on which inves-
tigation and reference to the Courts
are opposed by some, is that they
prefer Hayes, who is in, to Tjlden,
who is out. 1t is worthy of note that
this, like the other objection, admits
the probability-almost the certainty
of change if the case goes before
even radical body like the Supreme
Court. If there were not fatal weak
ness in the title of Mr.. Hayes, inves-
tigation would not take anything
from him which is his, and therefore
would do him no honor, nor would it
elevate to Office Mr.. Tilden. who, for
the sake of the argument, We may
admit to be a base man. But the
character of the individual does not
not affect bis rights of property-at
least until after judicial proceedings,
and those are what the friends of Mr.
Tilden desire. There does not seem,
however, to be that moral or intel
lectual superiority over Mr.. T. on the
part of Mr.. Hayes which would ex-
cuse even sentimental preference
for the latter. Mr.. Tilden is very
able and honorable man, of good ex-
perience 10 public life, and in the
campaign of 1876 and in later events
acted dignifed and patriotic part.
OF Mr.. Hayes it IS not too much to
say that his withdrawal of troops
from the South appears to have been
forced upon him, if it was not the re-
suit of a "bargain" and that bis "civi|
service reform" is delusion even if
he intend to carry it out honestly.
On these two points, more than any
others, be and bis friends have chal-
lenged the admiration and support OF
the people.
On Wednesday evening Mr.. Lock-
wood, of New York, made thought
ful speech in advocacy of Mr.. Kim
mell's bill providing means by which
the Supreme Court may take action
on the subject, and debate may be
said to bs fairly begun.
SpeakerRandall's appearance on the
floor of the House, tho other day, and
tho wholesome truths he uttered as
to the extravaganza course pursued by
the Republican Representatives 10 re-
gard to the public funds, made a great
sensation at the time and continues
to attract attention.
4" ALBION.