Year: 1877

The President observes with the closest
attention the varying phases of the presi-
dental complications. To him it is not a
question of individuals, but a general de-
sire to have the authority which he has
welded for the past years transmitted TO
his successor without turmoil and within
the meaning of the constitution and the laws.


He is deeply sensible of the depressing
effects of the existing uncertainty as to the
solution of the presidential question upon
the business of the country. In the cOrre-
sDondenoe of the executive departments it
is shown by officials in different States that
the industries of the country have Of late
shown a healthy indication of revival of
activity, and that capital is ready to second
this tendency as soon as something definite
has been reached on pending political ques-
tiOns.


In the event of an interregnum in the
presidential office owing to an inability on
the part of the two Houses to come to an
agreement on the question of the presi-
dency, prior to the day which terminates
the present administration, the President is
of the opinion that the Cabinet officers, in
accordance with the provisions of the act of
1892 will recognize the presiding officer of
the Senate, who he considers ex-Otticio act
ing Vice President of the United States, and
to whom will be transmitted the important
trust which he himself has so long exer-
cised.


In speaking on this subject the President
states that to his mind the question as to
his duty under such contingency is quite
| clear, and that the partisan view taken by
a portion of those who have the matter to
| deal with directly is untenable and unsus-
tanned by any statutory provision. He says
that the act of 1892 is clear on that point,
providing that in the case of the death, re-
signation or inability of both the President
| Dp us1 nf
| the President of the Senate, or if there is
none, the Speaker of the House of Repre-
| sentatives, for the time being shall act as
President until the disability is removed or
| a President elected.


He saysif the position assumed by some
that there is no President of the Senate,
| and therefore, in event of no choice, that
| the Speaker of the House should succeed
| on the fourth of Mareh-were the correct
one this would find the government alb
| solutely without an executive; that he has nc
power to call an extra session of the Forty
fifth Congress, as that, under the present
circumstances, alone rests with Congress
and can only be done upon their concurrent
action. 1t is not probable that the Senate


would agree to an extra sesaion for any suct


purpose, 80 that, admitting this view


there could be no President unit


Congress shall have assembled in thu


course of law. In the meantime the Cabi


net would have to act except in the case o


the Postmaster General, whose term woul(


expire in thirty days after March 4, thu


leaving that department entirely without


head, and therefore suspending all pOsta


operations, as no one of competent author


ity would be left to carry them on; no


could there be any harmony of action as re


CARDS the other operations of the govern


ment, as each Cabinet officer would act 70


himself, he being solely responsible for tn
administration of his department. Tn


literal result of this would be six executiv


officers acting severally without the direct
ing authority of the chief executive COL


templated by the constitution.


Pending this condition of things unde


the act OF 1892 an election for Presiden
and Vice President would be held upon th


notification of the Secretary of State.


the meantime, during the interregnum


the presidential office, there would be I


authority to compel obedience to the law


for no C0binent officer could exercise q
thority except over the officers of his
; partment. The inevitable tendency of SUE
q condition of things would naturally
| political disintegration. Graphic.