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SUPPLEMENT; Tripartite Commission, Westera Agtot-Uted Press Report. iRW.OS CASK BEFORE THE ELECTOBALCOM MISSION. Washington, February 21. The Electoral Cotn mipulon met at 1 o'clock, all tbe member! present. Tbe President laid tbe papers received front tbe two boiibes before tbe Commission, ami on motion of Mr. Abbott tbey were 01 tiered printed. Tbe pa pers were then read by tbe Secretary. Jodire Clifford askel who oppeared an directors on tbe two eid-s. Benator Kelly announced that hmiHplf and Mr. Jenkg would appear as objectors to Certificate No. 1, and Senator Bar;ent an nounced that Senator Muchell and Mr. Lawrence would appear as objectors to Certificate No. 2. Mr. Keliv akcd an order fur the pioilnctioo of the eommiViou and reslfe-uation of Wails from the Poat-otllco Department, and also that Senator Mitebell and Mr. Watts mi'it be suhpenaed as wit ness's Judire Clifford aktd It tbe witnesses were within reucli. Menator Mitchell said they were both in the room. Tbe orders iu both canes were granted, and at the request of Senator Kelly, who was to open for the olyectors, a recess of half an hour was taken to allow him to procure the necessary books, &c. SENATOR KELLY'S ARGUMENT. The Commission was called to order a:un at ten minutes part 2 o'clock, mid Senator Kelly pro ceeded to mihiiut -his objections to the cei titlcHte. No one, he F;iid, presumed that there would not be a dispute of the thud objection, viz: that Watts was postmat-ter. mid they were prepared with proof to hiistain the allegation. If this was on olllcc of profit or trust.' coinlltutiou:il inhibition was tin clear as )ai:iia:e could make it. Mr. Kelly nriiued thai Watts was not iju.ilitled on the Vih of November wueii the election took place. 11c could ni.t ls elected at any subsequent elec tion. Ju the Vermout cane, lie sunt, the I.eirisla Lure had been convened aud hud ileculcd that bolace, helm; l'usimaster, was a Federal oiiicer, and conseijiienlly InelisMlile. Tbe Uhode Island J.'alKiitiirc had taken a sinilir view mil tilled a vacancy in line manner, lie contended the SliiiuH had power to enforce the provisions of the Constitution, and that if the State of Oregon had excluded the Ineligible Fiec tor. she liad but clone ber duty, lie eonlendi a that by tun Constitution and laws of r. .., n.o jT'n recoivinir tna hiUci number of votes was nlltle.t to le declTt ed elected. Tbe election was by law required to be held November 7. and there was not time to hold u second one; neither was bueh a subsequent election authorized. Mr. Kelly aijjucd that this was question for Ihe Kxecutive. and tue Governor had the riihl to d-:cioe. '1 be Governor has, he said, the nht to inquire into these facts he has tbe richt to in quire into ineligibility, and issue n eomaiisslon when there is any Infraction or tbe Constitution; in other woros, in the very words of the Constitu tion, "lie phall see that the laws are faithfully ex ecuted." Shall he sit quietly by, knowing that this ni.iu Watts was a 1'usimaster, holding an otlire ol tiust under the Coiislii utiou of the United States, and when he was sworu to support Ihe Constitu tion of the United States and the State of Oretron. Bee both trampled under foot by Rivine the eertiri- cate to the man who is lueiiRioiei iuai toe uov r.rnor of Orenon and tho Secretory of State are the persons to canvass theso votes. There is no evidence that there was a canvass by any other person. It is lor thein anil them only, aua tiiey Lave decided. They have eiveu their certificate that these three gentlemen are eligible. I moan ini'ludinif Mr. Cromn. It matters not bow they came to that decision. Tlie presumption of the law will always be that it was upon sumcient evi dence. REPRESENTATIVE JESKS Neit addressed the Commission for the Demo cratic side, and after quite a lcnuthy argument thus summed up the propositions he had attempted to show: First--That tbe only evidence before yon which conforms to tne law of the land is tbe evidence as required by the law of nremm aud the law of ine l nneo. tsiaies mai wuicu is ccriiueti 10 viy tbe Goverror of the State of Oreson. Second That of that Governor is conclusive mioii tins Tribunal in this inquiry. Third That Walts could not be elected eveD If be bad u maturity or the voles. Fourth Th:tt tho votes bem;; cast for one who could not be appointed, Ciuuiu, the next highest, was elected. Fifth That even if Cronin was not elected, there was no vacancy, aud beiiiR no vacancy there could be no tliliiiir by tir,y coliece whatever. There the case Ptimas on this day. Cromn comes mid votes. Two others come and vote, but you don't know whether they ore persons voted for or hoi, because they do not coma identified as the law savs they euall come, lint assuming thev were the sHine persons who were voted for and juopcrlv identified, which of these votes should be conijteul Cronin s vole sliouitl oe counted as east and tba other two as they are cast, would bo the conclusion I should comu to lrom these several lropoitlou3. 6KSATOR MITCHELL rresentert objections on behalf of the Republi cans, and in his argument xaid in Oregon there was no law ttuilioriziiii: the Governor to certify n Humility candidate elected. The Legislature or Orouoii iniKut have provided that Klectors shoulit be nppoinliul by the irovernor, tho Supreme Court or the Secretary of State, but it did not; but did direct tliaf the people, the quaiitleil electors, shall, )y a plurality of the votes to be east in tuc differ ent precincts, choose iIip Flectora. Governor Gro ver, in li e matter of is.-uini; his certificate, hn tells us. Ignored the Slato fiatutes, and followed that of Couiiress. If Congrcs hud the power to presenile tbe form of a certiticilo, and 1 believe it bud, then such certificate is no pfiPt or manner tit appointment, aud in issumu it the Gov ernor could not change tbe npoointmeut us inadA hy the Slate, and olllelaliy dutei mined by thn Secretary of state, as tne llnal aud conclusive net in the process ot appointment. HcMnd this ultimate determination of the Canvassing Jionrd neither the Governor of the State nor the tribti l.al whoso tlual duty if is to count the votes for l'rcstdeut and Vice 1'resideni whether it he the l'resideut of the Senate, tho two houses of Congress or the Flectoral 'i riiiiinal can nchtlully ro. The Electoral Tribu nal can question this or any other proceedings, down to tho bouudary-line where they touch t ho manner ot the appointments, then the "jurisdiction on Is, the decision of a Slate tlir niifli its c invassmg otlicers being final and conclusive. O.lell and Cartwright being a majority of the lacctors eoustiiiiuug tho Electoral College iu Oregon whoso tkle is inilisputal'le, inesiioned by no oue, not even by the Governor in his cei tiflcate, but by it approved, their certifi cate as to the fact that there was a vacancy, and t hat f-ncQ vacancy w as 11 lied by I hem, is conclu sive, not. only against Cronin, hut all other per Kins tbe State, the Gcnial Government, Con nie and the Floetoral Tribunal as well. Mr. Mitchell, in conelu-iou. s iul: Were Iauthnr Jzed to Invoke your judgment upon laels aliunde record, then would I feci instilled iu attracting Your nttt ntinn to acts or intrigue, corrupt Ion and fiaud in connection with tho Oregon Electoral vote, thai w ill stand forever in history as the crow nine infamy or an unrestrained aud insane personal and political ambition. Wmlo the charge of perjury and fraud against the Keturning lioanlsof Louisiana and Florida Is by disappoint ed and luaildenod partisaus echoed throughout the land, I might, were it proper, point you ton conspiracy t hut ha 1 its origin at No. 15 Uramorcy l'ark. New York City, at the home ana by the friends of Samuel J. '1 ilden, the Democratic candi date tor IVesuient, that had for its purpose the purchase of an F.leetoral vote, upon the faith of w bieh bin title to the Chief Magistracy of the Na tion might be established. Mr. l'residenf. I have faith in this Commission uud iu the justice of its final judgmeut. At Ihe conclusion of Senator Mitchell's argument St was announced hy the Democratic counsel I fiat they should require an extension ot their time to double the amount, aud weie willing to ell until late in the evening. The question, however, was not then decided, and as it was tutting dark, caudles were brought iu, uud MR. LAW RENCE Was Invited to proceed with liis obiceMong. Tho speaker quoted Ihe acts of Congres and tho Stat lues of Oregon, nnil stated that Odoll and Cart wright came with evidence of the titlo which saf- Isnetl all t lie pro tsions. lie then stated as his brat riiosllloii ami ho declared that the whole con tru veiny might bo disposed of in favor of the Jlives Fleeiors by n single proposition that, if I ne monstrous position coma lie mumtainea that Cronin was legally appointed, yet lie refused lo act. and neglected to attend with Odeil and Carlwright, his place became vacant, and Waits wan duly appointed to fill it. The Electoral Col lege is chaigcU with three duties: First, to till all vacancies; second, to vote for l'resident ami Vice 1'resident; and, third, to make end transmit to the l'resideut if the Senate distinct lisls of all persons voted for ns 1'iesident ami Vice l'resideut, which lists they shall sign and certify. The Electoral College is a deliberative body, as much so as Congress, ttie single individual mcmbcre ncting separately afTd apart from nil otlieis eando no otllcial aot, uo more so thsn Individual members of Congress, or of a Court, or of this Commission, and a record of the College or a mnjoilty of its members Is conclusive evidence. nnd cau uo more bo impeached, aliuiuic, than the record of Congres. or of h Court, or of tins Commission. Tho major port of the Electors present Is a quo rum. Ihe sets of a quorum are valla to decide when a vacancy has arisen, nnd to nil it. Mr. Eawrence argued that Watts was fleeted, and liecamo ec fnrto and de jure an Elector; that his resignation created a vacancy, which was properly tilled by hts reappointment; that lie did act is shown by the record; Watts 1-eing au oiiicer tie facto, for that reason bis acts weie good. Commissioner Edmunds moved that a further tearing be postponed until 7 o'clock, and then pro Coed iu tbe Senate Chamber, aud that Hie counsel have three hours and a half time on each side for tho whole cose, including the ciiota of proof and everything. Mr. Evarts said that their side did not require any additional time, as they supposed the dis cussion to be mainly one of law. J mice lloadly said that they expected to offer testimony, and would like time for that purpose; ana added that one of the points they expected to prove was that more than l.ioo voters in Oregon, who cast their ballots in favor of Watts, had notice at the tinio that Watts was Postmaster, and therefore, disqualified. After some discussion among the member of the Commission, Mr. Edmunds' motion for a re- ttti aua lui au eneuiou ot time tu the oguiisei, waa agreed to. and the Commission thereupon ad journed until 7:30 P.M. ine commission reasoeuiuiou ui urn mjuoio Chamber at 7:30 P.M. Mr. Merrick announced that Judge Hoadly and himself would appear for the Democratic side. Mr. Evarts said Judge Stanley Matthews and himelf.would appear for the Republican aide. jrilGE BOADLT'8 ADDRESS. Judge Hondiy then addressed the Commission. He claimed that the principles controlling this case has been already decided In the cases of Florida and Louisiana. Only sucb documents and papers as, if offered aliunde, would be competent to be received, and may be considered when found within tho envelopes sent to ihe President of tbe Senate, and tho decision of the Returning Board, noted upon by the Governor of the State, are llual and conclusive. Judge Hoadiysaid: My proposition Is that the State of Oregon, through her State officers, has spoken, and tbe result of that speech .is here iu tho cerlllicates given to Cronin, Onell aud Cart wright. They are the only legiti mate'and lawful evidence of the act of Oregon In this matter. I submit that a certificate or list sign ed by the Governor or the Secretary of State of Oregon, aud delivered to the Col lege of Electors is llual aud con clusive evidence. Why was the Governor nnd Secretary required to sign these lists. It Is be cause the Chief Exocutive of the State and the canvassing officer should unite in declaring who is elected, and when thus signed their signatures give It tne conclusive aud final evidence which is required. Commissioner Thnrnian inquired who by the laws of Oregon has custody of the great 6e4l of ttat Statel Judge Hoadly said he could not answer that questiou. Judge Matthews said it was tbe Secretary of State, under the Constitution. Judge Hoadly said that was probably correct, but he would add that theiewas iioihmg lu the laws of Oregon which nutnorlzed any sueli crtiti eate or exeinolilleaiion as is presented by tin sup porters of Certificate No. 1." Judge Hoauly argued that the action throughout was leial, and continued: 1 say Cronin was elected, testing by that, method would a qnnmir ranto run iu favor of Watts 1 Would not disqualification have killed bis title 1 Could he by quo vurranto or certiorari, by contest obtain the seat! Cronin hold It de. Uirtu. W'ntts w I'.jiuiasier, disquaiilicd. ovct 'ii now by method. On what principle of law could John W. Walts, who did not hold this commission from nuy court of justice in this laud, have got the title to which he now lays elaiiW Cronin held tbe title. Cronin cast the vote. Would you have awarded tho posi tion to a tnau who the Constitution of your conn tiy says should not hold it. on the principle the mandate to elect is fujlilied by the election of Crouin? Test it by method, and tell me how any lawyer can -ay that a disqualified candidate can seize the oilico by any process known to the law ot our country out of Ihe hands of one who holds it de fttrlo. He may have a Judgment that the office Is vacant, and that is the eDd of the whole thing so far as be is concerned. Judge Hoadly stated the Commission had ex cluded the evidence iu the Florida and Louisiana cases because it was without judicial power, and said without the exercise or Judicial power you can not deprive Tildeu end lledricks of oue vote east for them in Oregon. W ithout exercise of judicial power you can not award it to Hayes and Wheeler. At the conclusion of Mr. Hoadly's argument, the Commii-siun adjourned until lo o'clock to-morrow. Washikotov. February 22. The Electoral Com mission met in the Supreme Court-room at 10 o'clock. Mr. Matthews made an addiess in oppo sition to the Cronin Cei tiflcate No. 2. Commenc ing with a denial that they had asserted in the Florida case that the certificate was final aud con clusive, be said they bad undertaken to draw a line of demarcation hefween tbe act of the State and the Federal authority, which took tbe matter up after it had left the State. They also undeifook to draw a line between tliinus and proofs, between the certificate and the thing certified to. to show that tbe certificate was but the shadow, the thing certified being the substance, and that where the certificate did not show the thing certi fied truly, it could be corrected. It was a sur prise, he said, to find that their adversaries had not only taken their position on the Florida and Louisiana cases, but had gone beyond it, aud ac cepted the dogma which they bad improperly ascribed to the side with which ho was identified. He maintained they stood to-day on the ground tney accepted in the beginning, aud which had been hallowed by tho decision of this Tribunal, viz.: that the certificate based on the roturus waa conclusive evMeuce of the election. In the Florida aud Louisiana case offers to go behind returns were menacing, and offers grew stronger and larger as the certainty obtained that they would not be called to make them good, nod a great ileal of patriotic indignation was indulged in at alleged countenancing of fraud and wrong. Mr. Mattuews read nn extract lrom a decision or Justice Held in the ca.-o of Bradley vs. Fisher, iu which the tendeucy to complaint by the party de- leatea is shown, going on tioiu tne complaint to the charges of improper motives. He entered his protest against the hollow pretensions to morality that had been in.ida tho substratum of the eompiuiut in this case. Cronin had been mounted on a pedestal for public admiration by his iuventor, as a ruo iil of purity mi l honesty of elections, ana there was no oner to prove he was paid three thousand dollars under a pretense ot exponso to Washington. There was no offer to prove the contents or the supposed hieroglyphic characters that could not bo read, mere was no oiler of proof that Ibis was the result of a deep laid scheme to defeat the will of tbe people. He wondered when his liiend Hoadly referred to Web ster and Worcester last night, he aid not prouuee that little pocket dictionary and show the cone spondeuce between Gramercy Park. New York aud Sab-m, Oregon. He contended tt:e Governor's cei tillcaie fell to tbe ground wheu it was shown it was not a warrant to the Electors for the per formance of their duties. The law of Oregon re quired tiiat the votes for Electors should tie given leceived, leturnea aud canvassed, tho same as for members of Congress; and in the case of members or Congress, it was made the duty of the Secretary of tho State to canvass the voi-s, ana tuero tne statutory directions end. lue statute in relation to Electors further provided that the Secretary of state should certfy two lists. showing who had received the highest number ol votes, ami mere me canvas? ended, ine consti tution and law stamped that record the legal and constitutional result of the election. 'Tney had made a proffer of the thing itself; not the proof of the thing, but Ihe actual and substantial result of thecauvass. That was the appoinimcnt of the State, tho invcstiiuro by the State of the real rank and title. All else whs mere proof, nicie tnima facie evidence, to be taken as proof only till con fronted by proof nud shown lo be false. The cer tificate of the Governor was sought to bo in truded here as a substitute for the canvass. It was signed by the Secretary of Plate slmjily as an nttcTting witness, ami not aa a canvasser of votes. That possession of the commission was not essential to the discharge of the duties ot tho office, he contended, was n well-settled princi ple of law. The eet tiflcate of the Governor of Oregon did not conform to thfl statutes of tbe United Slates or of Oregon. Suppose the certifi cate had been authorized. It gives tbe election to O'dell, Cartwright and Cronin, a body of three persons, to meet, consult, deliberate and vote to gether in a college w Inch necessarily consisted of three. He contended that one could not nd a the boJy. aud that tbe act of a quotum could only be accepted as tne acts ot tue body. This view of the case had been sustained by tbe aecmions in me "supreme conn or Oregon. In regard to what constituted a vacancy, he con tended that when the object was to keep nn a body to the full number lor the prelection of the interest of the people, when It was sought to guard against every possibility ot the college not being lull, the word 'otherwise" should be con strued liberally, and that It was Intended to cover all vacancies thai might occur. If the Governor was a competent tribunal to set aide the election, then a vacancy existed which the remaining members were em powered to fill. Mr. Matthews couibatted the proposition that the ineligibility of Walts made a non-election, or mat tne voles cast tor an ineligi ble candidate were void. He also contended that the English decisions which declared the caudidate who was eligible, but received a less number of votes than his iuellglbleoppoucDt elected, bad not been adopted as the American rule, which was that wheu such a esse occurred neither was enti tled to the office, if. how ever, an.inoliffihle officer was objected to by nobody, his official acts stood as long as be held office. Iu relation to the solf-executlon of the Constitu tion, he argued that unless there was legislative provision it could not be executed. Tho nronibi- tion or States from making laws impairing con tracts could never lie executed but for legislation which gave the Courts judicial power to try tho alleged violations ot the provision. Mr. Matthews closed with the declaration that be had appeared not as counsel for any party, but in support of a great constitutional priuciple, re gardless of any popular clamor that might be ex cited. For a GoVernor to take upon bimelf executive, judicial and legislative powers, was to bring about a complication that would make the contusion of government Inextricable. Judge Strong said counsel bad now consumed two hours each, and the questiou of the admissi bility of evidence was before the Commission. He thought that should bo received now, subject to the judgment of the Commission as lo its "effect. The proposition was a lopted. but neither of the papers called for in the eubpena duces teeuiH served upon the Postmaster General, were at hand, nor were tbe witnesses present, and the Commission took a recess. AHMISStON OF EVIDENCE. After recess, Mr. Merrick offered the Electoral Commission a certified copy of the commission of Johu W. Watts as Postmaster, dated February 13, 1ST!). Mr. Ernrts objected to the papers as not authen ticated, but said the Postmaster General was in attendance, ready to verity the papers from Lis office. Judge Clifford sustained the objection, but smd they had the right to have tbeni certified under order of the Commission. Mr. Evarts waived bis objection, and Mr. Mer rick next presented the commission of Henry M. Hill, as Postmaster, dated January 3, 1st;, in which It was recited that he was appointed the 3d of November, 1876; that on tbe 11th day of De cember be executed his bond and look the ontlt of office. Postmaster General Tyner was called by Mr. Evarts. A telegram from Watts, resigning the PoguuMteraliip, rei3 produced and edulitetl. Xbis v as received November 14, ac d an answer accept ing the resignation was sent the same day. On the 24tn of November witness received a letter through Special Poal-oftloe Agent Underwood. Tbe letter was addressed to Underwood in which Watts rendered his resignation. On tbe 14th of November witness telegraphed to Underwood to take charge of the office till Watts' successor was appointed. On tbe 24th of November he received a letter from Uoderwood, stating that he had taken charge of the o dice ac cording to instructions. Other telegrams and letters were produced to show the details in connection with tbe resigna tion of Mr. Wat to, and tbe appointment and qual ification of his successor. Mr. Tburman inquired If there was any law or rule of the department that required accounts of a Postmaster to be settled before his resiguation could be accepted. The Postmaster General replied that he was not aware ot any. John W. Watts was called and testified to some facts relative to his resignation and its accept ance. J. W. McGrew, Sixth Anditor, waa called, and testified that the accounts or Watts had been ad justed and settled to, and including, tbe 14th of November. MR. EVARTS ARGUMENT. Mr. Evarts commenced his argument at half-past 1, with the claim that the course pursued on that side iu connection with this case was consistent with their claims in tho Florida and Ixunsiana cases. Iu those cases the certificates bad been in accordance with the canvass, and they held now that the certificate should conform to the cauvass. These two con forming, the evideue was conclusive. The can vass, he maintained. wa the substance, tho cer tificate the foi ni. He charged that the opposition had chauged their claims with the different eases, and for tiiat reason had bceu compelled to change counsel. - Mr. Evarts then took up the certificate o, Odell, Cai twr'.ght and Watts, claiming that in it every requirement of the Constitution had been com plied with. He insisted that the evidence of the title ft-stod in this certificate, and nijt in tbe one which had the Governor's signature. Tho absence of the certified lists was through tbe default of tbe Governor and Secretary of Stale, and not thiongh any neglect of the Electors. The refusal ot these officers to furnish a list was a desertion ot duly, and snoh dcoortions of duty always had an oijoer. The certificate contained more. It contained an abstract "of the votes cast for the Presidential Electors as on file in tho office, of the Seeietary of State. A certificate by S. F. Chad wick. Secretary of State, that he was the custodian of the seal of the State, find that the inclosed was a true copy ot tue abstract, and nad affixed fho great seal to the copy. Besides this there were the minutes of the College. The resignation of attswas received and accepted The act had been done openly, under an un cei tain idea that he might have been disqualified Watts did his duty, for he would not put lu peril one of the votes of the State of Oregon. The votes hud been cast, and the ballots were here. Under the Constitution, the Act of 1792, and t lie laws o Oregon, these minutes were plenary evidence of the validity of tne act of these Electors. 1 hererore, unless you hold that the Governor's ceriltieale, and its subtraction by violation or the Governor's dutv, is sufficient to suppress the Elec toral College and the vote of Ihe State, you have here everything you need under act of Congress without looking nt me ccrtincates which they pu in support of their title. Now. we have anothe: certificate, and that contains nothing that contra dicts the other, and nothing that by itself can stand on lis owu Inspection as an adequate trans action. Mr. Evarts then called attention to the wording or the Governor s certificate, and contended that it did not comply with the act of Congress, in that he underlook toinsert the word eligible before tho word election to cover himself from condem nation of an open.recognlzed fraud aud falsehood Instead of obeying tbe Constitution aud laws of Oregon, he has given reason for his action to save himself from absolutely disregaidmg his duty, Whatever may have happened to Cronin by his ex trusion, that did not make him tbe College, other wise you would have a strange state of facts under the laws of Oregon, and we could have three Electoral Colleges composed of one man each, w ho could cast his vote in his own way and by his owu authority, but if you adopt the role that a majority constitutes the College, you pot yourself under the protection of the principle which governs all co-operative action that there can be but one Col lege. aud that a majority anchors to itself nil powers of such College. The law ot Oie- gou itself says they shall fill a vacancy in tbe Electoral College by a plurality of votes. Cau j ou have a plurality of votes when only one vote is east I Oregon had, by the provisions of tbe Electoral Law of the Union, power to provide for the failure of an election. hat was that ! W by it was when the eleel ion failed to produoetbe number of Electors required, the majority pro ceeded to remedy that detect, and it is only in that case that tney are allowed to substitute their action iu place of the ordinary mode of election. But It does not reqime them to make a different mode ot tilling a vacancy ar.sing from a ta'.lure to elect thau that caused by a vacancy arising in any other iiirniner. Oregon has settled that question for iiselr. Tho statutes determine that by no chance should the vote of the State be lost, and they provide in that wavforthe filling of a vacancy in the Electoral College. Now, upon an examination of all these certificates, I have been gratified to find that although these operators up iu Oregon were as harmless as serpents, they were not auy wiser than doves. Nothing has been done there that defeats tbe Constitution of tho United States, or that de frauds the State of Oregon, or that defeats tho election of a President. All that lias resulted from tbe attempt to perpetrate a consummate fraud is to exhibit tbe fraud lo public condemnation, but iijp surety or me state remain unnarmeu. Mr. Merrick then addressed the Commission on the Democratic side. He said that he addressed himself lo the Tribunal, believing that Ihey would adhere to their previous decisions, and apply the same principles to the decision or the Oregon case that tney did to me Louisiana and Florida cases. He niusi eousider the real meaning of their judg ment in these cases was that the certificate or the Governor was a conclusive and ultimate act per formed by the State, beyond which they had no power to go. Mr. Merrick argued that the laws of Louisiana and Florida, in reference to the ascertainment of the result of the appointment of Electors, were similar to the law ot Oregon, and submitted that to withhold the commission or to withhold tho certificate from a parry deemeil by the Governor to be ineligible to olhee. was the legitimate per formance of a constitutional and proper executive trust, iou nave una us, said lie, mat a state e in not Interfere with an Elector, whether he be eligi ble or ineligible; whether his election be secured by fair means or foul. You have told us that it cnu not be interfered with, except between the time of the conclusion of the Returning Heard and the time of his voling. Now, the Slate of Ore gon was seeking to perform ber duty, and this much-abased Executive was seeking to protect that State from the odium of having wantonly violated the Constitution of the l nited States, aud have solemnly determined that an Elector claim ing to be elected was not elected. The Governor of Oregon could not have given a certificate to an ineligible candidate without violating his oath aud being guilty ot an infraction of the Federal Con stitution. . Mr. Merrick claimed as Cronin held the certlfl cate Willi the broad seal of ihe State attached to it, be had muniment or title to tho office. hat had Watts! Nothing. The opposing counsel said in considering the evidence of the title possessed bv Watts, that be had the certificate from the Secretary of State as to the canvass of votes. what did this certificate purport to be? it is beaded, "Abstract of votes cast at the Presiden tial election in Oregon," &c. It does not say "Canvass of vote," to make It appear that "abstract" and "canvas " were s nooy nioiis terms referred to In the statutes ot Oregon, wmcn required tne clerks to inaKo out eertiuu abstracts and send them up. These ab stracts the Governor and Secretary or State were required to canvass, and when they have can vassed these Hf.-trncts the canvass makes another paper which should be the paper of record in that office, and which is not here iu this certificate. On the subject of vacancy, counsel made It a point that unless the office had been once filled there could be no vacancy. and unless once filled there could be uo resignation. The vacancy alleged to be filled by these Electors was not created by Cronin's ab sence, hut by Watts' resignation. If they had the power to fill the vacancy at all, they executed that power iy nuing vacancy created oy me resignation ot Watts, and not by the non-action of Cronin. Tbe speaker concluded in the following lan guage: "I claim that you adhere to the spirit ami priuciple of the decision you have rendered in the cases of Florida and Louisiana. It Is quite immaterial whether thev conformed to my opinion on the stibject of the Constitution or not. They have been ren dered by this Tribunal, recorded on the journal of each bouse of Congress, passed into the history of this country, and are in operative eneci in tne process now going on of determining who shall be the Chief Magistrate of Ibe Republic. Consistent adhesion to tbe solemn conclusions reached by those great men, to whom the people have com muted the settlement of their rights, is essential to the preservation of loyal respect for authority and character, and whilst mitigating pangs of disappointment often secures an acquiescence In judgments seemingly tbe hastiest and tbe most un just, but when these judgments antagonize oue anomer, and in meir very connici vnuauiagouisiu are combined in operative effect to accomplish one and the same result, and that result Is one with which individual sympathies are closely and warmly connected, unpleasant thoughts will stir within the publio mind and angry emotions will swell the popular heart. Tbe Supreme Court or me umrea biares is one of the idols or the people. iney havH in their estimate of l's character invested it with sanctity and dignity beyond that of any oilier tribunal on the face of the earth. They believe that oil other departments of the Government are liable to deterioration and possi ble defilement, but they look to the supreme Court as lifted above tho current of impure air that floats upon the surface of the earth, and as still moved bv the virtues aud speaking with the wis dom ot the fathers of the Republic. 'When this faith is destroyed, tbe night will have come. At the conclusion of Mr. Merrick's argument the Commission went into executive session. IX SECRET SESSION. The Electoral Commission was in session from 10 until half-paot i o'clock, hearing argument iu the Oregon case. At 5 o Wools, the CC'iiiUJiisiou weoi into term l session, and remained there until 20 minutes past 7, when it adjourned till to-morrow, at half-past 10. Tbe questions presented by counsel were dis ouseed in secret session, but owing to the fatigue of tbe members, and in order to enable them to consult tbe authorities which have been referred to by counsel, an adjournment was thought to be ad visable. Many law points were suggested, and these will be critically examined, there being more of them in this case than in the cases of Florida acd Louisi ana. The Commission agreed to take a vote to-morrow afternoon at 4 o'clock, unless tbe members shall be prepared to do so at an earlier . hoar. Should a vote be taken at 4, an hoar or more wonld be occupied before their verdict could be officially prepared, and unless tbe two houses shall remaiu lu session until evening, the decision In Joint ses sion of the two houses will not be given until Sat urday. It is understood that immediately after the Com mission w ent into secret session Mr. Morton made an hour's speech in favor of counting tbe three Electoral votes of Oregon for Messrs. Hayes and, Wheeler. Mr. Edmunds in some incidental remarks clearly indicated that he would vote in the same direc tion. Justice Miller then made an elaborate argument to show that there was nothing m the Florida and Louisiana decisions of the Commission incon sistent with giving the entire vote ot Oregon to the Republican caudidafes. Messrs. Thurmau, Edmunds, Strong and Brad ley were not well, and su adjournment was taken at their suggestion. It was ordered by a unanimous vote, and had no political significance whatever. It can be added that 'hers were no indications, this even nn.', of a break among either Democratic or Republican members of tjie Commission, and that there was no vote or any approach to a vote ou the main question at issue. NO IlEClt-tOX IN THE OREGON' CONTEST. The Commission niljourued until 10:30 to-morrow. No decisiou reported. Washington', February 23. The Electoral Com mission reassembled in secret session at 10:30, and remained in consultation on theOreogou case lour and one-half hours. Ai 3 o'clock, ihe discussion being concluded, and Senator Thurmau not having been able to attend the Bit tin er, on account ot iliness, a recess was taken, in order to ascertain whether he would pre fer coming to the Capitol, or that the Commission should proceed lo uis residence, aud there trans act the business incident to taking a vote. A committee, consisting of Senators liayard and Frelinghuvsen, was appointed for tljs purpose, and reported in due time that Senator Ihurmaa preferred to ieceive the Commission a; hla house, at 4 o'clock; therefore the other membcis of the Commission proceeded iu carriages to Senator Tburmau's residence. Senator Thiiiman was found confined to his bed. where ho remained duiing the proceedings of tho Commission. The Commission was formally called to order by Justice Clifford, President, aud tbe vote was taken on the following propositions, which had been in formally submitted and discussed, but not voted upon during tue day's session: Ry Mr. Edmunds: "Resolved, That the certificate signed bv E. A. Cronin, J. N. T. Miller aud John Parker, purport ing to oaet the Electoral vote of tho State of Ore gon, occs net eoniaiu or certify i lie constitu tional votes to which the State is eutitlod." Justice Field ottered the followiug as a substi tute: "Whereas. J. W. Watts, designated in certificate No. 1 as au Elector of the State ot Oregon for Presi dent and Vice President, on the day ot (he elec tion, viz, the 7th day or November, is"6, held au office of trust nnd profit under the United States; therefore, Resoived, That said J. W. Watts was th?n in elifjible to the office of Elector within the express terms of the Constitution." Rejected ayes 7, nays 8, as follows: Ayes Messrs. Abbott, Bayard, Clifford, Field, Huuton, Payne and Thurmau 7. Nays Messrs. Bradley, Edmunds, Frelinghny seu. Garfield, Hoar, Miller, Morton and Strong a. Justice Field then offered the following: "Whereas. At an election held on the 7th of November, 1876. iu the State of Oregon, for Elect ors of Presldeut aud Vice l'resideut, W. H. Odell, J. W. Watts and J. C. Cartwright. received tho highest number of votes cast for Electors; hut "Whereas, Said Watts, then holding an office of trust aud profit under the United States Govern ment, was ineligible to the cilice of Elector; there fore "Resolved, That said Odell and Cartwright were the only persons duly elected at said election, and there was a failure ou the part of the State lo elect tho third Elector." Rejected Ayes 7, nays 8. Same vote In detail as tbe preceding. Justice Field then otTrel the folfiwing: "Whereas, The Legislature or Oiegou has male no provision for the appointment of nn Elector, uuder act of Congress, w here there was a fail ure to make a choioe on the day prescribed by law; therefore, "Jtesolved, That the attempted selection of the third Elector by the two persona chosen was in operative and void." Rejected ayes 7, nays as above. Mr. liayard then ottered the following: "Resolved, That the vote or W. N. Odell, and tho vote of J. C. Cartwright. cast for Rutherford 15. Hayes, or Ohio, lor President of Ihe United States, and for William A. Wheeler, of New York, for Vice-President of the United States, were Iho votes provided for by tho Constitution or the United Stales, and that the aforesaid Odell and Cartwright, and they only, were the persons duly appointed Electors lu the State of Oregon, M tne electiou held November 7. lK7fi, there having nen n failure ut the said eleetiou to appoint the third Elector in accordance with tho Conrtitution and laws ot tho United Stales and tho laws of the State of Oregon, and that tbo two votes aforesaid should be counted, und none others from the State of Oregon.' Rejected Yeas 7; nays 8; as above. A vote was then taken on Mr. Edmunds' original proposition, and it was adopted, yeas 15; nays mine. Mr. Morton then offered the following: Resolved, Thnt W. 11. Odell, J. C. Cartwright and J. V. Watts, the persons named as Electors in Certificate No. 1, are the lawful Electoi s of the State ot Oregon, and that their votes are the votes provided for by the Constitution or the United States, and should be counted for President aud Vice l'resident of the Uuited states." Mr. Huuton moved to strike out the name of J. W. Watts. , Disagreed to yeas 7. nays 8. Mr. Morion's resolution was then adopted yeas 8, nays 7. as follows: Yeas Messi s. Bradley, Edmunds, Frelinglmysen, Garnetd. noar, jiorton, -Miner and strong 8. Nays Messrs. Abbott, Bayard, Clifford, Field, Huutor, 1'avne and liuirman 7. The decisiou of the Commission was then drawn up aud signed by the eight members voting in the ntnrmative. On motion of Mr. Morton, the injunction of se crecy upon the acts and proceedings of the Com mission, except tis regards their report to the joint session or Congress, was removed, nnd the Com mission adjourned to meet in the Supremo Court Room, at l o ciock to-morrow. KEi'ORT OF THE COMMISSION'. The report, in substance. Is as follows: The Electoral Commission having received cer tain certificates and papers purporting to .be cer tificates of the Electoral votes of the State of Ore gon, and certain papers accompanying the same, and objections thereto, report that it has duly considered the same, nnd has decided, and does hereby decide that the votes of W. H. Odell, J. C. Cartwright and J. W. Watts, persons named in the certificate of the Secretary or State of Oregon as the persons receiving the highest num ber or votes tor i resiaennai taectors, are tue votes Provided for by the Constitution, and that the same aro lawfully to be counted as testified to lu the certificate of said Electors, namely: three votes for Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, for President, and three votes for William A. Wheeler for Vice President. Tho report will further set forth thatthe election of Watts bvthft other two mcinheis of the Electoral College was in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Oregon. The grounds for this decision, so far as they con cern the eligibility of Watts, are, substantislly. that it Is competent to go behind tho certificate of the Governor so for as the same is not founded upon the action of the caovassing or returning authority provided lor py tne laws or tne state, which authority, m tho case of Oregon, is held to be the Secretary or State. Tuc report will also take the ground that It Is not essential to show that an Elector was eligible on the 7th of November, provided it be shown that he was eligible when he cast nisvote in tne f.ieeiorai College, and the fact appears that the alleged In- 1. 1 1 . . i . I a l.'l,.itrtp Wntta wna hnueil In OH ( TB(nnir caused by his own absence from the Electoral Col lege, and that he was not mciigioio at tne lime he cast his vote. EEPOBT OF THE DECISION" IN TtTtJ OREGON CAF Washington. February 24. The two houses of Congress met in loint convention at noon, and the decision of the Electoral Commission touch ing tbe votes from Oregon was read. The brief ground of the decision which is in favor of all the Hayes Electois Is, that the said Electors appear to have been lawfully appointed, and they voted as sucb at the time and In the manner pro vided for by the Constitution or trie United States and law, and the Commissioners are further of opinion that by the laws of Oregon, the duty of canvassing tho returns of all the votes given et an election of Presi dent and Vice President, was imposed upon the Secretary of State, and upon uo one else; that tbe Secieiary of State did canvass these returns, and ascertained that J. C. Cartwright, W. II. OJell and W. Watts had a majority ot all the votes given for Electors, aud had the highest number of votes for that office, and by the express language of the statutes those persons ore deemed elooted; that in oliedlence to his duty the Secretary of State made the canvass and tabulated tbe statement of votes showing this result, which, aooording to the law. he placed on uie iu his omceme tn ot Decem ber. 1976. All this anpeais by the official certificate tinder the seal of the Secretary of State, and signed by him and delivered by him to the Electors, and forwarded by them to tbe President of tbe Senate with their votes; that the refusal or failure or tbe Goveruor or Oregon to sign the certificate of the election of persons so elected does not have the effect of defeating their appointment for such election; that the act of the Gov ernor of. Oregon lu giving, to k. cronin a oertifl- cate ot his election, though he received a thousand votes less ihau Watts, on the ground that tbe lat ter was ineligible, was without authority of law, and Is, therefore, void; that, although the evidence shows Watts was Postmaster at tbe time of bis election, that fact Is rendered immaterial by his resignation, both as Postmaster aud Elector, and his subsequent appointment to fill a vacancy in tbe Electoral College; that, as a cousequence of tbe foregoing, and upon the grounds before stated, tbe paper purporting to be tbe certificate of tbe Electoral Vote ot Oregon, signed by E. A. Cronin, J. N. T. Miller aud John Parker, is not the certificate of votes provided for by the Constitu tion of tbe United States, and ought not to be counted as such. Members of the Commission agreeing and approving of this decision are: Samuel F. Miller, W. Strong, Joseph P. Bradley, George F. Edmunds, O. P. Morton, Frederick T. Freliughuysen, James A. Garfield aud George F. Hoar.' The presiding officer asked whether there were objections to the decision. onjhcrioN to Oregon. , Senator Kelly objected to tho decision on the following grounds: First That Watts was not elected. Second That ho was not appointed. Third That be wos disqualified to receive any appointment us Presidential Elector or to sit as such, In that he held an cilice of trust or profit under the United States. Fourth ThatCromu was elected Presidential Elector lor Oregon, and, in accordance with the law. cast a legal vote as such Elector tor Tildeu, and that sucb vote should be counted. The obiectiou is signed by Senators Kelly, Whyte, Cooper, McDonald, Norwood and Hereford, and by Representatives Lane, Fcpplctou, Jeuks, Vance, Throckmorton, WiKe, Wigninton nnd Luttrell. The presiding officer asked whether llieie were auy further objections to the decision, and, there being none, lie announced thatthe Senate would withdraw to lis chamber in order. XLIYtn CONGRESS SECQKD SESSION. Western Associated Press Ueport. bEXATE Wapiiisgion. Fcbrnnry 20. The sebion ot Xhe senate was renuiue-1 nt 1. but no btimiy'rt was ioiih, tlie SVnate tmlv itw-ituiit; tlni uulili CHtiou of Urn 1 1. -use that it was n-.Hi!y to continue the I'lMiut of Uie K Ire toral vole. Turn imttlic:timi was made at l ::, niirt tti- senate repaired to tho ctiaiuber of Uir lloust? of Krpresrntauve. L'pou ivtutniijir at P.M., tho President jv tern. announced that the Senate having wittiiiiawii fvom tne Jniut meeting of tne t v,o Ihhiwh u kuWuiiksiod of the objection t-t emutiujf the t:euf I. Ji. Ji o.se.n tn. an KWtor for the btat of Michtguu, the objection would be read. The secretary having rei such objection. Mr. Al liftou submitted the following: ''RettolVi'd, That tbe vote east hy Daniel L. Cross mau, as K lector iroui the fttate nf Mn l-iau. l-o and tlie Hume hereby directed t be counted, Dolwuh ulauditiK the objection thereto." Mr. Stevenbou inquired if Senator Ailii.:i knew for a fact thut the person adeged to have been ineligible was not a Ooverunient oltiet r. Mr. Allison replied that lie did not. but he heard the testimony read before the J i'lt meeting. Mr. Rayurd aid that thw t' Simumy was not as clear npou thid very important (subject a the senate might desire It to be. Afier considerable debate, Mr. Allison modified his resolution, so as to read 'Resolved. 1 hat the objrerion made to the vote of Daniel (rosmiiau, one of thn lectors of Michigan. 18 nut good in law, acu ia not Hnstuiued by any lawful evidence. "Reholved, That the Raid vote be counted with the other votes nt Klectors ot the said State, notwithstand ing the ohjeciioii made theiero." Mr. Why tp said tie could not vote for the re notation of the senator troui Iowa, an it Ktuod. lie therefore submitted th- following as a substitute: Ordered, That while It is the seitHo ofSthe Senate that no senator or Representative, or a peisou holding au othee or trust or preflt uuder tlie I'uited states shall be appointed au Klevtor. and that tins piovici n of the Constitution thall be carried in its whole apirrt Into riid execution, yet that proof in not t-uch as to jiistny the exclusion of tlie vole of Daniel lu (.'roHHiuan, n. h one of the Klectors of the state of Mieuiau, and that his vole should he counted." Air. Norwood said wheu he Mimed the objection to thevoteot t'rosmuan. thi njormni;, he knew notuiufT as to what the nrooi would be. He was H( Uriel trom the evidence which bad been su'onirfed that it wa not snfli-.-ient to exclude the vote of this Kleofor. The substitute of Mr. Whyte wa rejected by a strict party vole, yeas 27, uaya as follow.-: Veart Messrs. lirirey, K.iiuinti, ltavard, Hoiry, fock rell, t'oouei. Davis, lie nuts, Knbm. t:obith aifc. Here ford, JohOHton. Jo:ie9 of Klorbl-, Kelly, Keruan. Mct'reeiy, McDonald, Maxey, Mt iijuoii, Norwood, Randolph, Ransom, Saul.-hury, Stevenson, Yulacoa byte and Wither 27. Nays Mesn. .Alcorn, Allifon. Anthony. Booth. Bout well. P.ruce, Huraaide. meroii of Pennsylvania, Cameron uf Wlco;iMn, cnafiee. 'Iiriellam y, t lvton, ''onover, I'tRgjii. 1'aween, l(rsey. Ferry, Kreimshitysen, Hamlin, Harvey, Howe, Inc. ill. .Ion' oT Nevada, Lo pan, McMillan, Mitchell. Morrill, Morton. P,vidoc!r. Pat terson, Kobt-rtseit, Sara-cut, Mirinau. fcjeucei, Telier, W'ailleiffh, West, Wmdoin and Wiij;ht Hif. The question th-it heii.K on the i-Jut!on of Mr. Al lisoti, Mr. McPonaM moved to amend the brat lesoiu Uon so :t would t t ail: 'Resolved, That Hi objection in uie to the vote of Daniel L.. t'rossman, one ol the, J-.iccwrs of !i caiman, iH not sustained tv lawtit! evidence." R'-Jeeted yea 7o, nays, :S a strict party vote. Mr. Cooper demanded a aeparar vole on the lesolu tions, and tho tir-t one, as eiibiuM tei by Mr. Alasou, was aieedto by a vote, ol ye. 4o, nay- 17. The second icsoluii n was then Uiiuuiiujusly agreed to yeas O.i, nays n.-ne. Mr. ChiiMianey mcved that the I!"ji-,f br- notified of the action of the Senate, and also that the s nate was ready to meet the House and resuino tho coutit. Aerreed to. Mr. Harvey presented the credentials of P. P.. PInmb, elected V nlted stated senator from ine fctato uf Kan-has.- Placed on tile. Mr. Lor$ey said lie was nnextioetedly called; away from the Seuate yesteroaj-. hut had D ncd to retain in time to vote ou too L-oui.oaua case. Hi was not able to t-et back, but if he had In eo pres"nt he would have voted to sustain th decipeMi id ihe Commission, At o:l." n uiessace was received from the Home an nouncins: tlie action ol that body in irard to the vo!o or Mr. t rossman. of MichiiMn. Klector. Mr. Allison moved that trie S-it !t-j proceed to tbe tali of tne House of Representatives tj resume the conn t. Tlie l'resident pro tempore said the 1Io!te had (riven the senate no notice that it was re.-.dy to re;eive the body. Mi. Pflfrent said no furrhe notice viis necesa.iry. so the motion ot Mr. Allison was agreed to and tno Seu te h It ii h chamber. Upon return iiiir at .:"-) the President pro tmpor stated that The senate had with ir.iwn fmiu The i iinl Vieetiue on an objection submitted to the vote of the st-t ot Nevada. 1 he nldecuo'i to t be vote o? R. JI Tairrrtt. an I ".lec tor from th;t State, submitted in J ii;t lne-d ;ntr. w us then read and al-o the tesi imony vt Mr. I'ajrett as taken hy the Committee on powers and JM iviires vt tue House, in lewaid to his holdimr ibeenh-et.t 'jeik of tbo U Hired States Court . but whicil he SU.ted he lesitrned on the b'th ot .November iii-t. Mr. . Tones of Nevada, submitted a lcffotatbtii that the vote of K. M. Hasnetf be comired witii l.:eothr votea of Nevada, notwithstanding the ti-ueetmn made t hereto. A pTed to unanmionsly, and 1 be Srrrclai y was directed to noti:y tho lloitsj of Rej:re3.jtuTi ves of the ftction of the Senate. At t.T. the secieiaiy ti tnrned and reported that the House had t'iken rece-js b.vnre lie re.tehe i fi hail. The Senate thcu took, recess until lu o'clock to-morrow, HOUSE WA(?lilNt;TONf February CO. Tlie House met at 10 o'clock. Haif an hour was con- j huwd in calling tlie roll to ascertain if there was a ; ovmrum luesenl. That fact having been ascertained. I the regular ImMiiesaof tbe day whs intmd.irid bv Mr. (iibsoii otteriuH order Unit the Hayes Kiectoia! votes for Iiuislana be not counted. Mr. Hurlbut moved to amend br striking out the word "nol.'1 The discussion was opened br Mr. New. who fluid that he voted for tho J-.l-cfoial 'ommiH-mn Hill without hesitation or misalvtiifr, ami he was not ashamed ol the support which he had civen to that measure. He ac cepted , without ijnaliticntion, bis humble Marc ot the responsibility, lie would vote to sustain the objections lo tbo decision ot the Commission. He was iu favor of proceeding without unnecessary delay to the comple tion of the count. Mr. eeiye said that In the case of the L"n:slhna election tbe cot motion on one bid wormed hh heinoua as the cruelty on the other sido was horrible. He found It quite impossible to eay winch of tbe two sets of Electors from l.ouhVann voiced the true will of the people of that State. It would have been bard to find wikit and more candid men than those who had pronounced the derision of the J-.lectoral Commission. He appreciated the strength ot their t-osit Ion. Con gress could not be too Jealous of the constitutional rijcht of the State to choose its Presidential Klectors. M r. Jovce deciaied the whole scheme of the election to the Piesidency of the erand Hand of Crmuen y Park had been a sunero Denucratic cheat from bet: tu ning to end. Mr. MeMahon sal.l the decision of the Commission In the case ot Louisiana was woro iu its consequences to tbe American people than the decision lu tin? Florida case. As to Oregon, tns Democrats loofceu iorwaru with much hope to the decision in that caso. Mr. Rice undented against the wrong and violence emlmdied iu thedecis.oo, and argued that (he whole su b- Jeet should be referred baeg to the Ceojinisaioti. Jir. waller sou iose m mm in irnon jai'My ine floor and galleries were hushed into stihnes. Ho Slid If the acceptance of the inevitable with resolution and dignity be the highest, as it is the laresr, form of i oarage known among mm, it la made harder in this present instance by the consciousness ot double floating and f-iUl plav. "Two courses are open to the majority on this floor. On tbe one hand, a passionate outcry, al onee impotent and childish; on the other baud, without of fering needles obstruction to the progress of events, an osrnesr, manly, but temperate protest agaiust what we believe a great and grievous wrong. In my Judg ment the latter is our clear and butinden duty. Wo owe it to the necessities of the caM. We owe it to tlie country. We owe it to ourselves. Het ause wo were duped by false pretenses Into a snare, tarnishes no reason why we should forget tbe ohligatioua that prcus upon honorable men. In tho very act of pas-ing the Klecioral Commission Hill we provide! lor tho contingency that ha come ntvm us. I voted for that measure in perfect pood faith. The result is against me, and detesrable ni I must think the means that brought it about, I accept it ai a finality. I snail go to my peoplo and tell them all tor as cow advised thev know only a part, and wben thev have taken time for reflection they will, I am very sure, illustrate tbe wisdom and grace of mod eration doing nothing that does not bee, me good citb zena. Ufe will still go forward. Inep te of all this there are many things to live toi yet lu this rough world, and among the ret4hat day of reckoning, "io Jrr, Dirt Ufa," when the dark fchall bo hht and the wrong be made righr. Mr. Hanford defended the decision as one which, nt side of party feeling, would meet the arproral of the whoie American people. Although there had been In vestigating committees Into the elections in Flo rid i, Louisiana and Oregon, which bad found much crooked ness, vet iu all the words spoken, letters written, tele grams senr, there hid not boon traced to the President elect or to anr member of his household one word that would bring the blush of shame to the American peo ple. I Applause, j The Speaker here anrnnnced to day's legislative ses sion begun, and atter prayer nd reading ot the Journal the debate was resumed. Messrs. Kelley and Pratt were the other speakers supporting tbe decision aud Messrs. Wood aud Cox against IU THE DEBATE CLOSED At 1 oclock. and the House then voted Ira Mr. Gibson's agreed to, aod It was adopted; veas, 172; nays. 90: party vote, except Seelye and Pierce, of MissaboaeUe, who voted with the Democrats. A message was then sent to tbe Senate that tb Aonse waa xeady to uom that 4kx1j in joint convesv Una. JOINT CONVEXTlOIf. At 1:35 the Senate and House met In joint conven tion. The presiding officer stated that tho two house, acting separately, had considered and decided the ob ject ions in tbe certificates from the State of Louisiana and that the action of each house would now be read. This having been done, the presiding officer announced that tbe two bouses not having decided otherwise, Ibe decision ot the Commission would staud id force, he directed the tellers to declare the vote of Lomsiaua. Henatur Anthony, one of the tellers, thereupon, an nounoed that lAulmana had given eight votes for Haves for President aud cigut votes for Wheeler tor Vice President. There waa no manifestation of any kind at the an nouncement, and ttie opening and counting of the cer tificates nroceeded. the Htate of Maine giving seven votes for Hayes and Wheeler, Maryland eight vote for Tildeu and Hendricks, Massachusetts thirteen vote tor liayes and Wheeier. MICHIGAN. When the certificate fiom the state of Michigan was read, giving eleven votes tor Haves and Wheeler, Mr. Tucker, of Virginia, rose and presented objections to the counting ot the vote of Dnniei crosamau, oue of the Klectors, declaring that oue lien Lou Hane.hptt having been elected oue of Ibe Klectors for the Mate ot Mlolit gau. and having held aud still bohnug an orhce, of United tstales Commissioner, hud absented himself from the meeting oi the J' lectors ou the thh of Hccotu ber, and that his plaoe shoutd not have been filled hf the olher Flectora. The objection claims that the fact that Haneheit ab sented himself from the meeting did not create a va cancv, and therefore that baiu Cros&ojau had not been duly appointeo an K lector. 'ihe objections also u bunt the lestlmonv of Hen ton Hancbett before the Commute on Privileges, inwhtctt he statedMuat be has never resigned hisoili ens Co it d Htates Commissioner, and I bat he absented him self lot that reason from the meeting of the Kiectoia. Tbe objection is hierue t by Senators .Norwood. Wal lace, Haruiim aud Hereford, tnid by Ueprt .-eetat1 vea A. S. Williams. Tucker, Vance, if Ohio, MeMahon, It ice, sparks, M a-sh, Savage and fluid. The presiding othoer thou anked if there were any furlhei objections, and none ciiig inaile. the Senate) withdrew to let tho objretuu be consider d and acted, on by each bouse taepaiat lv. The Senaie having retire! upon the objection offered by Mr. Tucker to counting tbe vole of CrcMMiiati, Klect or from Michigan, Mr. bombard moved that tue House take a recess until 10 to-morrow. Mr. Halo raised the point that the general scope of tbe Klecioral Commission iii'l intended to pi event uey luy. and that a motion for recess was not now in oider. ;J"he speaker said as he understood tlie intent ami ecopo of the bill, a motion tor recess was iu order, aud he overruled tue puiiiU lu tbe course of tbe discussion of tbe question of re Cess, Mr, Wood opposed tiie proposition, and submitted thai, as it was still early i the da v. obieeiim to tbo count from Michigan should be presented ui once, dis cuhs.i1 aud acted ou. The Klecioral count dtiould pia Ceed. Mr. TncVer disclaimed any idea of Interposing olooe. tion (or the purpose, of delay, lie had nothing to da with the motion I t a recess. Mr. Southaru defended his motion for recess on the g rou nn that the members should have tin:e to consider aud act upon the objection. He, lor one. de-ored delay aud was iu.no basic to install iu the Presidential chair several days before tbe cmst ldtlonal time. On a Hiaudmg vote the motion was voted down by s large majority, and then the yeas aud n.ivs were ie mutided and taken, uud again tue recess uua defeated; yeas, 07; irtys, llJ. Mr. Tucker then offered a resolution declaring that Daniel K. Ciossmau was not appointed hicctor by lLo State of Michigan, as its Legislature directed, aud thb his vote as Klector shall not be counted. He went ou to argue that Heniou Huucholt, having beeu chbseu by the people as an Klector, aud he being ineligible on occount of holding a Keaeiai commission, tuere was uo provision in the law ol the Leisiatuie authorizing the College of Klectors to appoint another p-rsou iu hia place. Mr. Conger said that It "as pot the ilist time a great statesman jumped at a conclusion without knowmc Uie law, aud quoted fiom the law of Michigan to prove that the ful ure of Hunt-belt to appear at Uie meeting of ihe Klectors constituted a vacancy, that It was com petent for the other Klectors to fiil the vacancy, and thrtt therelore irossman had beeu fairly appointed au Klector. Mr. Uuckner replied to Mr. Conger, and referred la tlie unanimous decision ot the supieme Court of Khmle Island against the proposition assumed by Mr. Conner, but that decision, he said, had been made when there was no temptatiou to pervert tho law to au un holy purpose. Mr. Itrittnt argued in support of the objection. Mr. Lawrence argued, from tbe statutes of Michigan, that the ooJlciioii iu this case was not well founded. Tho statutes were inteude.t to cover every cane ol va raucy (bar miaht arise, without regal d to the manner, in which it arose. M r. Jiuhueil. of Michigan, asked M r. Lawn nc-e whethet theio was any piviol of llaiichett's disqiialill cati'.n. Mr. Kawrepce replied that there was no such proof, and '.here could not be, ttecatise Ibe House was ii'C;ipa ble of taking proof mi (he subject, aud it was a Hoard oi f anvassers of Michigan. Mr. Foster, ol Ohio, (who represents the distiict in which tioveruor Hayes icsides,) spoke of ibe duty of Ixdh patties to abide by Ibe decision of tbe Klcctorak Commission, mid said thi. is not a time for uteio pat tv eniit'Uiou. The exultation of the pa 1 1 n t over the Isauou's escape fiom tho dangers that threatened Itspo.ico. prosper t!y and hiie.pincss. is titling sod plott er. In Ihe tiiuii.tdi id iM-tiee ovei disorder, and possible civil war, both parin-s can unite iu exultation. Winlo I do not nj'iice simply in a pany Miisef j do rejoico that one otitic puiest mid most pa'.iodic of oni iellow ciuzein is to guide ibeiill'aiis of this (iiivcinmi nt lor f.iui Vt-ais to come. Jlepresentuig, hs 1 uo, toe disli.it iu which Gov inor Haves resides, and being a lite-long acquaintance of iiis, I tli spe.ik (be opinion of all pemous who know him when 1 cay that his atlmintl rat iou vwii be wie. put run ic and Just, net wwhstiiiang whatever may be aid to the o mlrai v, In lo or else where. The people of nli sections t-t ibe c uutry m:ty confidently t xpeci fiom him not only fair but e,fneiotM consideration. His b t'er of acceptance is the cxpiett tioii of a uuii of the hroa-ucst patriotism. 1 feel ci titiit that I shall be sust allied by bis act s w hen J say tiiht hi highest atnbi i'n will be to auminmter tbo iiovcrumeiil so pal i lotirallv and wisely un to wij4 away every nec---ity or excuse for the loimatiou of parlies on a sectional bis s, mi I all tiv.cea t p;i.rfy color lines, ht theiejiter and foievt r we shull hear no moie ol a bond South t r a united Notih. i be, ttag tdiall lbtat ovel States, not pioviin-es; over lreeiiieii, not subjects. When Oovtrnor Hayes appealed t- t-tio. pt tf-, pie of the South in his tetter oi Recvpf aticc. br add) eased them as "my cojinrvnn u.' And why not his couutrymeu? Aio not tbo Southern Mates the itjoal of those in the .North, Ka.t or eM. and is not tue South au inn-grid pin t of lho N'Hliont Jt has been said bioM ung y, uud for II. purpose f uliin: g tbe wild p:isions ;( tijo human I.eart lo bad aciioiis, that the South, under Presi-li nt Hays. must submit to an uncondi: loT-al sum nder lo I be Iiepn bii c.iU tarty. No, Mr. Nn sucb dniaiid wi!l be made. Ail thai ill be ev peeled is a pin i lotic ct.ope: at ion of the Soitthi ru patriots iu the gieat woi k of TCMlor.tfma through tbu I'uiou, the C-n-di1utmn nnd tbe eiiloicc litent of the laws. liithMicat W riktiie ieov .tenta tive lio n of t he Soul b b.'Ve nh ea-'y OK' ntu uisbrsl theinseivcs lor patitodstii and Ma1"inaiiHhip Out Jug the pendency of this present cims iu our hiMoiy. M r. r parks, of 1 llinnis, hi reply to Mr. J crater, sai t that be doubted the patrioli.-m of ai.y in in who look an oltlee thrust iipou him hy fraud, and which bo K:ie tliatbegetthione.il liaud. He imagined "lit- iiiilo gentleman front t.rjinercy Fm k ' p.iyi-! a v f i to Hayes at the lute House, and saving, as be Iook up his bi't to leave, "i-ir. a ooai lei million oi pennle votod for me more iJian voted I r vou, an i a ciear-y defined inajoi ity o Ho Klecioral v. do id i l.e roim 1 1 y wan for me. but tbroii;;ii your la.rcaliv, HcomidrePv, fraudulent Keluntiim Hoard.-", you have stub -ti the t-ltiee frwm me." Mr. W. JI. Williams, of Michienn, was sutpiiMft at the ease w ith v, hit U hs I lemociatic f i ien is rolled out the word 'Srauu." wben the were attempting to de fraud the Male id Michivra-i ot a pari of ih olc. and that on the purest nnd inobt linked technicality. Mr. Jeuks envied tho loiiowiug as a substitute for Mr. Tucker's amendment: 'VAheieas. Ibe fact bat been estabif-hp 1 that if U about twelve years since the alleged irielu-ible l lector has ex.eieia.-d auy or the functions of I h- mho e of t nif,ed States Coinnnss'oner, und ills not sufficient 1,' proven that ai the time of Ids ai pointmeut he was an chieer cf the United Slates, tueieforo Kesolved. 'I hat Ihe vote objected to be counted. T.ie substit uie was ngived to without division, and the (Senate was theieupoii notified ol Ibe ac'ion of ibe House, and ol lid readiness to meet the Senate in Joint convention. JOINT COVETK)X. At r:20 the PenatotB again entered the Halt, tbe pie siding officer took the speaker's chair, uud the Juibt Convention resumed its session. Ou coneui rent action of each house In over rating the objection in the case of one of the Michigan Klectors. the eleven votes of tnat state were an nounced as lit in cast for Hayes and VT,ee!er. i hen followed the Stateoi Minnesota. u i:h five rotra for Haves ami V heelei ; M tssiaslppt, with em ht ol ts for Ti deo Mild Heudrick-?; Missouri, with ti'teeu vote forTilden aud Heuducks: Nebraska, with three votes for Haves and Wheeler, and Nevada, with three votes for Hayes and W heeler. Mr. Springer objected to the count of oue of the three votes of Nevada, ou the ground that an Klerior, K. M. Daggett, was, at. the time of Ms appointment, una for a long; time previously, aad theteafter continued t'i be, a tinted States Commissioner foi the circuit and J'Ntiot, Courts of tho Cuite;! States In tho Uislrict of Nevada. I he objection is signed by Mess s. springer. Tucker, Vai.ce. of Ohio, Kpatks, f-avnt,c. Marsh cud Jinks, Representatives, nnd by Sen a lots Bainum, Wallaxe and Hereford. The object iou 3 b.'iVin been read, the Senators with drew. Mr. Pprineer move-l that the House take a recess till 10 o'clock To-morrow. At tlrst there was a majority of twenty against tbe motion, but several Republicans changed their vote tiom no to aye, and the motion was doc ia red carried t to ST. The House, therefore, took a I cress till 30 o'c'ock to moriow. As the vote on the question of teces, after the sepa ranon on the MirbiKan count, may bo regarded as somewhat indicative, the afllrmatlve vote is given lit full, as follows: YEAS. M essrs. AsliO, P. aiming. Plaekhurn, lltwjiie, Cabeli. Cald-vcll of Ala., Caldwell of Tonti., Cste, Clarke of Ky., Cochraue, Cook, CdVan, Havis. Inbrell, Kins, Forney, Fuller, Hamilton of led., Hariridfio, Hooker, Humphrey, Kurd, Jones of Kr., Kuott. Kander of Intl., Kane, Jaw, J.ynde, McM ahon, Meade. Millikin, Mouey, Morrison, Mutchler, O' linen. Odell, . Phillips of Mo., Poppielon, Rice, Kuss of N. Sayler, Shealcley, SJemon. Smith of Qa.t SeitMiafd, Spa i ks, Teriy, Thompson, Thoina, Tbrockmor ton Tut uey, Vance of Ohio, Availing, V alsh, hitthorne, V.'iggintou Wilson, W.Vft-57. SENATE AVA?uiNdro?f, February 21. The session was resumed at 10 and the Senators waited the notification ot the House decision lu lbs Nevada case. The house doejsion was received at 11:40, when ins benale pioceedt! to the hail of tbo House. a. large number of reports from various" committees were made, and at the expiration of the morning hour, the unfinished business, being a bill to amend the Pacific Railroad act so as to create a unking fund for the liquidation of the iodehtedtjCHa due tue government bv the Piicinc Kallroad Companies, was laid aside inform ally. iHh the understanding that it should be con sidered as niifluished business. The Posi-olbce Appi pnatlon Bill was then taken up. I he Chair laid before the Senate a letter from the fiecietarvot War, incloalng the report of Major Mer rill, ot the Kngineer Corps, in remrd l the i onstruc-