The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-11

W ASHlNtTON, May lu.-lt is entlrely pre- |
mature. as it is clearly unwise, TO discuss tho |
line Of policy to be pursued, or the measure
that should follow the investigation OF tho |
Florida fraud. The public knows in n general
way. hy tho confession OF McLin and others. !
that tho vote Of that State was deliberately
stolen, by means n II conspiracy. In which the
Board Of state Canvasscrs. prompted and see
ondcl 10y the personal friends and agents uf
Mr. Hayes. WAS principal party.
Investigation by the House of Representa-
tivcs ana proceedings before tho courts. had
previously established all the material facts
which arc now admitted. and left no moral
doubt rs TO the nature and extent Of the crime
thnt had been perpetratcd. The confessions
only confirm what was previously known. but
they add 10 the conviction which had been
formed 10y all candid men. Republicans rs we'll
az Democrats. that without this fraud Mr..
Hayes could not have reached the White House.
Thus far this new evidence has been put be-
fore the country in an irregular. but perfectly
trustworthy form. 1t IL now proposed to bring
tho witnesses personally before the judiciary
Committee Of the House. and to have them cN-
amined and cross-examined as in a court. with
publicity for ali the proceedings. What addi-
tional developments may be brought to light 10y
this Investigation cannot be foretold; but il is
not at all unlikely they may be grave and most
important
Tit should appear that Mr.. Hayes had knowl
edge of the fraud. before the action OF the Elec-
toral Commission. or before entering the White
House. through Noyes and other agents who
were in confidential connection with the men
who now confess their part in the villainy, and
| thus was an accessory TO the conspiracy. Of
| course he would be liable to impeachment He
rewarded Noycs and Kasson with two Of the
| nrst missions. He appointed McI.n to "a Fed
| nj Iu1 In NJ. a ba df-a. tod
the appointment Of Dennis in an urgent letter
| TO John Sherman q few weeks after he assumed
| Office.
| All these and other facts which cannot be
| longer concealed point to guilty knowledge on
| the part Of Mr., Hayes. But strong as they are
| the proof in an authoritative form has yet TO bc
| produced. and until then judgment must be
suspended. We do not believe in prejudging
case yet 10 be tried. no matter how conclusive
and overwhelming the testimony may seem to
bc. which has to be- tested before an impartial
tribunal such as the judiciary Committee is
supposed TO be-
| The Democratic Congressional Committee at
Washington. composed Of Ave Senators. ten
Representatives. and three residents Of the Dis
trct II Columbia, recommended at a meeting
| on Wednesday last that the judiciary COM
mittoc Of the House should initiate the Florida
| invcst legation. senator Mcdonald. who is con-
sdercd the personal manager II Mr.. Hendricks
as a candidate for the Presidency. went out
| Of his way at that meeting to declare that
| Congress had no power 90 reverse the decision
90 the Electoral Commission. even if the frauds
which arc charged wcre proven to hc literally
true lie deprecated any investigation having
that object in view AMI any steps TO unscat Mr..
Hayes.
As n senator. who may hc possibly called 10
sit ou an impeachment trial. Mr.. NJ Donald was