Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1885-02-19
THE ELECTORAL COUNT.
AN UNEXPECTED DISCLAIMER
FROM SENATOR EDMUNDS.


North Carolina Casts Her Eleven Votes
for CIeveIand-The Labor Bureau.
Mr.. White Again.
Special Correspondence of the Sentinel.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. 14-Sen-
ator Edmunds, about whom an Junkind
onion story is afoat, is recognized as
an able man and lawyer. 1t is seldom
that his interpretations meet with
much opposition. 1t is true that he
has often been compelled to fight hard
to maintain the positions he has taken
on law, but the clear, crisp manner
in which he offers his defence soon
convinces opposition that he is fully
supplied with ammunition. He is not
a man &ho will make an assertion
without having proof, or take posi-
ton which he cannot consclentiously
defend. His disclaimer, in the an
nouncement of the result of
THE ELECTORAL COUNT,
on the 18th, was not made regardless
of precedent. The disclaimer was per-
haps SO unexpected that many, with
better Intelligence, nisconstrued his
intention Indeed, rumors were nu-
merous, the ominous statement "that's
not the end of it," leading hopeful
Republicans to believe that ex-senator
Blaine still had chance. For il
stance, the negroes, who, during the
election excitement, watched the bull
letin boards, and consoled themselves
with the belief that "Jim Blaine rise
when de sun go down" caught the ru-
mors on the 11th, and eagerly awaited
old Soi's disappearance in expectation
Of hearing pleasing news. But Sena-
tor Edmunds' disclaimer Of "any au-
thority in law to declare any legal
conclusion whatever" did not affect his
announcement of the result of the
count Ills unexpected disclaimer
gave rise to speculation, but nothing
beyond that. He has since shown the
precedents upon which his action was
based, as we'll as intimated that he con-
siders it dangerous for the Vice-Presi-
dent to establish any precedent which
may be construed as giving his mere
declaration legal weight. The electo-
raj count is the most important pro-
ceeding of Congress. Seats are eager
ly sought on this occasion. OF course,
many fail to obtain accommodation,
much to the annoyance Of mem oers
who are beseiged for tickets Of admis-
sion to the private galleries. There
was no lack Of interest in these respects
on the 11th. At the conclusion of the
announcement that Cleveland and
l.. Il C1Q olaotnro
votes, including the II votes of n. c..
and that Blaine and Logan had re-
ceived 1872 votes, the applause from
the galleries was almost deafening,
several old Democrats, who have wait
ed 20 odd years to hear victory Off
cially announced, entirely ignoring the
dignity of the venerable Senators in
their grotesque enthusiasm.
THE LABOR BUREAU
has been established, although much
yet remains to be done. Its establish
ment, however, is one point gained.
The meagre provision made for its ex-
istance, together with the fate of the
first commissioner confirmed, created
an expression that the bill passed to
establish the bureau was only politi
cal bait. The friends of labor have
been deceived so often that they re-
buire the mont convincing proofs OF
sincerity. However, the delay proved
advantageous. 1t gave time for great
er consideration of the numerous ap-
plications for the Commissionership
AS regards the applicants, more than
three-quarters belonged to the class
who are always willing to support the
cause of labor at regular stipend
Indeed, we know of no cause that ha:
suffered 50 much and so long from
hypocrites as the cause of labor. I;
may seem hard to believe, but it is
nevertheless true. The SENTINEL re
preventative has, at divers times been
stationed on the field of labor when
many hard battles were being fought
There was hypocrite who, upon in
glorious defeat for State Office, come
to Washington, and gained access, by
some mysterious means, to the labor
fraternity. No man ever shouted
louder against corruption and monop
| oily. There was scarcely one genuine
labor advocate, however, who placed
any faith in his professions. Of course
by degrees, he became surrounded by
I kindred spirits. In one of the organi
| cations, he met the scrutiny of a fam
Gus and honest labor agitator. A
eye met eye, man measured man. One
saw obstinate sincerely; the other
shameless hypocrisy. so it afterward
proved. This hypocrite found he
could not. in spite of hundreds of de
vices, gain the control he desired, and
make the organization the means OF
his own aggrandizement. A sacred
oath bound him at least to the loyalty
but nothing was sacred to this hypo
crite. With devilish cunning, which
rivals the most Incompatible villainy
he wove net that suited his treach
erous designs. In one brief hour, thi
hyprocrite destroyed what energy ans
love had organized and what promised
to be one of the most powerful labol
organizations in the country. He hae
no reason to fear exposure. Every
member was bound by the iron rul
of secrecy. What became of him
Why, he was fawned around the few
labor members in Congress at tina
period until they, in desperation, OBJ
tanned hin the elerkship of a commit
tee This is only one case. Other
| keep it company. As we remarked
] the delay was advantageous. Th
President had fall oppurtunity to sc