The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-06-09

washington correspondence New \ ork Sun. ]
Ali present indications warrant the belief
that Congress will continue in session for
another month. The ordinary routine bust
ness can not be driven through inside of
fortnight, and there are measures pending
which ought to be passed before a day for
adjournment is absolutely fixed.
The opposition OF Mr.. 0nkllng, Mr.. Ed
munds and other Republican leaders to the
proposed joint rule for counting the cleo
toral votes has a significance which does not
appear on the surface. They, and the whole
party by their votes, fought it to the bitter
end, and even filibustered to defeat it by re.
fusing TO make quorum.
That rule Is the fsirest and best that has
been proposed for the object since the first
departure from the old accepted methods
was made by the Republicans In 1865, on the
eve of the count for Mr.. Lincolns second
term, in what is Familiarity known as the
twenty-second joint rule.
The history of that rule is peculiar. The
Republicans had large msjorities in both
Houses. The House passed a Joint resOlu-
ton, on February 6, 1855, which the Serate
concurred in, declaring that the
States of Virginia, North Carolina,
bams, Mississippi. Louisiana, Texas, Ar
kansas and Tennessee we're not entitled to
represe ntation in the Electoral College for
the choice Of President, because they had
been for three years in an alleged state of
rebellion. This resolution was sent TO Mr..
Lincoln, who was suspected of not
being in accord with the extremists In
Congress. They feared that he might not
sign il, and on the next day, February Z,
1865, the twenty second joint rule was in
vented and rushed through both Houses
without debate. Under its operation a State
could be DISTINGUISHED by the objection OF
one House, and it's electoral vote could not
be counted without the concurrence OF both.
Mr.. Lincoln's hands were thus tied be0iDd
his back. On the third day, February 8.
1865, the votes were counted, and the States
in question were excluded.
The present rule requires both Houses to
agree before an electonl vote can be re.
jscted, and regulates the methods for reach
ing conclusion. 1t limits the powers of
the Vice President by Wholesome restraints
upon his decisions. Il other respects IL is as
just as any plan can be that departs from the
honored usage under the Contribution.
Now, if Mr.. Conkiing and his associates
mean to move on a straight instead of a
crooked line, and to have an honest count
instead of fraudulent one like that of 1876, |
why did they SO psrsistently and doggedly |
no cheating under 1t. Everything is open
and above board. There is no COD
cealed magician In the machinery. Toe |
Democrats could have held back until next |
winter, after the Presidential election, and |
then have re-enscted the Twenty-secoud |
Republican rule, which would place any |
vote entirely at their mercy. They |
preferred to settle that question before the /
period of excitement came round, to get it
out of the way, free from partisan taint and
agitation.
Perhaps the utmost calmness and pru-
dence will be needed next December, when
Congress comes together. Human wisdom
can not fore.ell the turn political events
fore, well to be prepared for posi-
bic contingencies when Mr.. Cooking
heading ss he does the third term move
ment, and speaking OF the Presidential elec-
ton in connection with this rule says boast
fully: II tell the honorable Senator from
Alabama ii is foregone conclusion, and all
Of them put together can not, in my judg-
ment, circumvent or confu.e the result"
The country has seen recently the des
perats methods of CoBkling, Cameron and
Logan in their efopt TO steal the nomlna
ton Of Grant at Chicago. Does nybody
suppose that, If they succeed there, they
will become suddenly moderate in
their modes of proceeding and appeal
only 10 the sober second thought for support
Of the third term? We know what they did
four years ago. This faction is fighting for
supreme control of the party and for pos
session of the Government; the leaders will
not hesitate az any means to attain their
ends.
1t is safe TO pass whatever measure Conk-
ling and Edmunds may oppose which bears
On the Presidency, and to resist any scheme
they favor. The experience OF the Electoral
Commission ought not TO be forgotten or
forgiven.