The New York Herald Newspaper, November 17, 1876, Page 3

UNDECIDED. The Political Problem Not Yet Solved. —— LOUISIANA RETURNING BOARD. Msetings To Be Held in’ Private. NEGRO PROTESTS. Republicans Reply to Democratic Tnsinuations. THE FLORIDA CONTEST. South Carolina Board of Canvassers in Court. DECISION RESERVED. Opinions of Lawyers and Others on the Crisis. No decisive steps were taken yesterday in refer- wuce to the counting of the votes in either of the Shree States in dispute. In South Carolina argument was heard by the Supreme Court on the motion for mandamus to restrain = the Returning Board. A fiecision is expected to-day. Both parties in Florida claim the discovery of frauds, which should vary the result of the count in the approaching can- vass by the State Board, and both declare the belief that the State has given major- ities in their favor; but no action in the matter was taken yesterday. other than the . Issuing of counter statements by the party leaders. t At New Orieans the State Board met, organized and adjourned tili Monday without going at all intp the duty of canvassing the votes, A long answer, by the prominent republicans from other States, @eclining the proposition of democratic leaders to to-operate with them in action tending to secure a thir count in the State Board, was published. Its chief effect appears to have been to create an impression that the republicans wish to delay the decision till after the conclusion of the struggle in Florida and South Carolina; and that the ultimate action of the Louisiana Board is surely cal- Culated to be such as the republicans desire. THE DOUBTFUL STATES. LOUISIANA. ‘MEETING OF THE RETURNING BOARD FOR OR+ GANIZATION—ADJOUBNMENT TILL MONDAY— DEMOCEATIC NEGROES COMPLAIN OF REPUB- LICAN INTIMIDATION—NORTHREN BEPUBLI- cut VISITORS DECLINE TO CO-OPERATE WITH ‘THE DEMOCRATS TO BECUBE A FAIR COUNT— THEIR REPLY. (Bx TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. ] Naw Oarxass, Nov. 16,:1876 Everything bere is quiet and orderly. At twelve o’clock Messrs. Cazeneve, Kenner, Anderson and Wells, of the Returning Board, filed into the office of the Buperior Criminal Court, where Judge Shaw was awaiting them. After written blanks had been pre- pared they were all sworn to renderatrue and just return of the votes, they were to canvasa They then ‘withdrew to the State House, in the third story of which their room is. SESSIONS TO BE WITH CLOSED DOORS, Ex-Governor Wells stated to your correspondent ‘hat the sessions of the Board would be in secret, ex- cept when {t should be dcomed necessary to admit outsiders for the purpose of gotting information. He said they had no intention of letting in the State of- cers, as they were entirely independent of them. FILLING THE VACANCY IN THB BOARD. In republican circles it is current that the vacancy gow existing in tho Board will be filed on Monday next. The positioa will be offered to a conservative, . but they expect that this offer will not be accepted, for one conservative would be absolutely powerl with a majority of four working against him. After the democratic conservative party retusea to fill the place it is said B. F. Jaubert, a colored tax collector, will next step in, and if not ex-Governor Flanders ‘will be called upon. FORMAL OPENING OF TUX SEASION, Atone o’clock the Returning Board met, Present, Messrs, Anderson, Wells, Kenner and Cazoneve. As soon as they were seated the doors were closed and the preliminaries of organization were entered into, Attwepty minutes pust one a committee of the con- servative democratic party entered, when Colonel F. C. Zacharie and Judgo Spofford made a few remarks, claiming representation during the session of the Board. Governor Wolls responded, stating that the organization had not been yet completed. Senator Trumbull with several friends then entered aad re- mained a short time, but took no part in the Convention. The Board subsequently adjourned antil Monday. As yet not the slightest disposition is manifest to wecede to any of the democrats’ requests. PROTESTING DEMOCRATIO NEGROES, Daring to-day parlor L of the St Charles Hotel, whore the headquarters of tbe visiting democratic Senators and distinguished men has been established, ‘was crowded with a Jarge delegation of negroes, who desired to make known thoir grievances and to testify to the fact that a large portion of their race was against radical rule. Thoy stated to Governor Curtin, Senator Doolittic, aud others, t they had acted hitherto with \Mbe republican party in Louisiana, as representing \yneir race, but in this campaign they had become satis- ot that such was mot the case. The repablicans bed ptyuised them everything and had given them ooth- tog \their children bad not been educated as promised, ‘nd school tunds wore frittered away. REPUBLICAN INTIMIDATION, ‘They stated that there was a large majority of ne- grove in the State who would vote against the repub- lean ticket Mf force and intimidatio: re not used to koep them in line. As it now is a negro, the moment it 19 made known that he has deserted the republican his life i¢ tn danger; and the negroes who were In the room all tostified that they had to erganize for seil-deiesen The interview, whish lasied some time, J produced a great impression upon all whe were present. Most of the negroes were from the city, bad made speeches in country parishes. The following letter was handed to your correspond- ent:— CERTIFICATE OF COLORED DEMOCKATS. To ruz Epiror or tax Herap:— We, the undersigned colored citizens of the State of Louisiana, hereby certify that canvassed the State in the last election; that we spoke on the stump in the | interest of Samuel J. Tilden for President of the United States, and of General Franeis T. Nicholis for Gov- ernor of Louisiana, We oach and every one of us Voted the straight democratic ticket, State and na- tional, JOSEPH A. CRAIG, barber, 131 Common street, R, POINDEXTER, ex-State Senator. STANEY JONES. 3OSEPH LEWIS, 131 Common street, ADOLPHUS RELD, carpenter. GEORGE BRINSTORFK, cooper. THOMAS BROWN, Baptist minister, A. NALASCO, steward. LEWIS HENDERSON, labor agent, REPLY OF THK REPUBLICAN VISITORS TO TER DRMO- CRATIC PROPOSITION, The republicans who are here by invitation trom President Grant, after two days’ deliberation, have Geclined to co-operate with the democrats irom the North to secureataircount, They pretend to have made only a pleasure trip to Louisiana and deprecate attompts to influence or interfere with local affairs: Their letter is as follows:— ; New Ogieana, Nov. 16, 1876, GentLeman—The majority of the undersigned, to whom yournote of the ldth inst. was addressed, only arrived in this city yesterday evening, We havo theretore been unable to reply until this morning, and can only regret that your communication should have been given to the press immediately upon its delivery, and without the possibility of am answer accompany- ing it, You remark that you are informed that we came at the request of the President to see that the Board of Canvassers make a tair count of the votes actually cast, and ask that wo meet and confer, in order that such influence we possess may be exerted on behalf vf such a can- vass of the votes actually cast as by its fairness and impartiality shall command the respect and acqui- esence of the American people of all parties, We join heartily with you in counsels of peace and in the expression of, an earnest desiro for a perfectly honest and just declaration of the results of the recent election in Louiwana by ite lawfully constituted au- thorities, and, we may add, that we kuow of no reason to doubt that such a deciaration will be made; but wo do not see tho propriety or utility of a conferonce on the basis and subject to the limitations you propose, ter we bave po such duty impo-ed upon us; and, as suggested by tho clause of your note first quoted, we are at momt requested to be witnesses of what shali occur in the canvass of the votes, without power of legal influence over the result or over the means by which, under the laws of Louisi- ana, the result is to be determined. We cannot doubt that in this you, upon reflection, will concur with us We are here as private citizens, with no oilicial powers; we, therefore, cannot supercode or modily any laws of ‘hat State, nor have we any right to con- trol or influence any of its officers as to the munner in which they shall periorm ministerial or judicial duties imposed upon them by its laws; and should we, being strangers and without official func. tions, attempt this, we should be condemned by the people of every State in the Uaoion for an improper in- terference with local administration. The following extract from the laws ot Louisiana shows that tho Canvasiing Board 1s expressly requirea in certain cases to exercise judicial as well as miuis- terial functions. Skcriox 3 —That in sueh canvass and compilation the returning officer shali observe tho following order :— The shai compile, first, the statements trom ull polls or Voting places at which here suall bave been a tair, free und peaceable registration und election. When ever trom any poll or voung place soo shail bo re- Coived tae stabemignt ot Mpexvisor of registration oF commissioner Of viecliOn tu tora, as required by section 26 of this act, on the affidavit of three or more citizens, of avy riot, tumult, acts of violence, inumi- dation, armed disturbance, bribery or corrupt intiu- ence which prevented or tended to prevent a lair, free and peaceable vote of ail qualified clectors entitled to vote at such poils or voting places; such returning ollicers shall not canvass, count or compile the statements trom such poll or voting place until tue statements from all other polls or voting places shall lave beeu canvassed and compiled. Tne returning officers shall then proceed to investigate the statements Of riot, tumult, acts of violence, intimidation, armed disturbance, bribery or corrupt influences at any such poll or voting place, and if, trom the evidence of such Statement, they shail be convinced that such riot, tu- muit, acte of violence, intimidation, armed disturb. ance, bribery or corrupt influences did not materially interfere with the purity und treedom of the election at such poll or voting place, or did t prevent a suificiens number ot thereat from registeriug or the result of the election, wd returning othcers snail te of such poll or voting place with those previo’ canvassed and compiled; but if the said returaing officers shall not be fully sat- istled thereo! it shail be their duty to examine further testimony im regard thereto, and to this eud they sball have power to send for persons and papers. If after such examination the said returning ‘ollicers sball be convinced that said riot, tumuli, acts of violente, intimidation, armed disturbance, bribery or corrupt influences did materially in! with the purity and freedom of the election at ing place, or did prevent a suilici qualified electors thereat irom registering una voting to materially change the result of the election, then Said rewuroing officers sha!t not canvass or com- pile the statement of the votes of such poil or voting place, but shall exclude tt from their returns; provided that any person interested in said election by reason of being a candidate tor office shall be allowed a hearing before suid returning oiicers upon making application within the time allowed ior the forwarding of the revurns of said election, Hence, if there are any facts requiring the judgment of the Board upon the validity of any election or re- turns as affected by such frauds or violence it would be a manifest interference with State rights and local self-government for persons like ourselver, without official rights, to attempt to influence or control its Judicial action, Had « corresponding board in the State of New York in 1868 been authorized to pass upon the fraudulent return of votes of the city otf New York that year, anda cel ‘tion of citizens of Louisiana, however respectable, attempted to influence its judicial action upon the facts presénted to it under tho |: of that State, such attempt would have been univer sally condemned, If the duties of the Canvassing Board of Louisiana wore merely ministerial or clerical, as in the case of any officer charged by tno law with the daty of verifying and declaring the result of any election or inves jon with no discretion, as when the President of the Senate counts and declares the votes of tho electors of the several States in the clec- tion of Presi and Vice President, under the con- stitution of the United states, a different case would be presented. It js, in our judgment, vital to the preservation of constitutional liberty that the habit of obedience to the forms of law should be sedulously inculcated and cultivated and that the resort to extra constitutional modes of redress for even actual grievances should be avoided and condemned as revolutionary, disorgan- izing and tending to disorder and anarchy. To reduce the whole question, thereiore, to the mere clorical duty of counting the votes actually cast, as proposed by You, ia distinction from votes legally cast and returned, irrespective of the question whether they are fraudu- leatly or violently cast or otherwise vitiated, invelves SB nullification of the provisions of the laws of Louisi- ‘ana, which have already been adjudicated as valia by the Supreme Court, and would be wholly unjustifiable here as well as in any other State of the Union which bad provided iaws to protect the rights of vo! and the purity of tho ballot. We cannot, therefore, concur iu your proposition for a conference on that basis, Very respectfally, JOHN SHERMAN, Ohio. STANLEY MAITHEWS, Obio, J. A. GARFIELD, Oni. WILLIAM D, KELLEY, Pennsylvania, JOAN A. KASSON, lowa, KE. W. SfOUGHION, Now York, G IRVING DITIY, Maryland. J. WH, VAN ALLEN, New York. KUGENE HALE, Maine ®. 3 QUAY, Pennsylvania WILL CUMBACK, Indiasa. EDWARD F. NOYES, Ulio, Jutt EB. STEVENSUN, Ohio, JOHN COBURN, Indiann, LEW WALLAGE, lndiaca, J, M. TUTTLE, lowe, W. & MCGRAW, lowe J. W. CHAPMAN, Iowa, W. R. SMITH, lowa ABNER TAYLOR, Ulinoisa. 8. R. HAVEN, Illinois. J. M. BEARDSLEY, Illinois, Cc. B. FARWELL, Illinois, SIDNEY CLARKE, Kansas, J, C. HELSON, Kansas. Tothe Hons, Jomx M. Patuxr, Lewis V. Booy, Lr- Max TxcmseLt, James O. Broapuxan, W. R. Monni- son and others, present at the request of the Chairman of the Natioual Democratic Committee, ADJOURNMENT OF THE BOARD, ‘The Returping Board remained in session about an hour and a half and perfected its organization, Bx- Governor Wells was clected President, but nothing was done about filling the vacancy caused by the resia- sation of Arroyo, democrat, during the last campaign. After making some regulations and selecting another place of meeting the Board adjourned. THE PINANCIAL SITUATION, Gold rates here to-day are 10 per cent above New York. Banks are calling in all their call loaus, partic- ularly on State and city securities. Poor people are drawing their money out of the banks and putting it in gold, still there is no sign of anything serious. The republican authorities hore apparently try to delay their decision as long as possibie, REPUBLICANS WISHING TO CREATE DELAY. FLORIDA. GROWING CONFIDENCE OF DEMOCRATS—STATE- MENT SHOWING APPARENT MAJORITIES FOR TILDEN AND DREW—ADDRESS OF REPUBLICANS CONTRADICTING THESE RESULTS. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] TALLAuassnx, Nov. 16, 1876. The official returns continue to come in, without, bowover, changing the estimate | sent you two da: since giving the State to Tilden by from 400 to 700 ma- jority. A promineut federal office-holder here reduces Tilden’s majority to 229, but I canuos vouch sor his figures, The Floridian extra this evening gives Drew 973 majority, but docs uot figure on Tilden. It is quite impossible that Tilden should rum more than 500 be- hind Drew, libeller nos over 400. In twenty-eight counties ollicially reported the difference is us {ol- to Nineteen counties put Tilden 316 behind; three counties give hima majority of 8, and six counties show no difference at all, giving with twenty-eight counties 208 less for Tilden th for Drow, In the re- maining counties it is nos believed that Tilden will rua behind at all In some of them he will beat Drew. GROWING DEMOCRATIC CONYIDENCR, ‘Tho teeling in democratic circles grows better and stronger daily. Judge Hilton, a leading democratic elector, said to your correspondent to-day :—* Our prime danger has been passed, and passed without vital burt. This danger was in the county boards, If these boards bad gone to work and swindled us out of our majori- Mes, or refused to canvass our strongest counties, and A general impression is gaining ground that the re- | sent us up tothe State Board with an apparent ma- publicans wish to delay action until the regult tn Jority Florida is conclusively ascertained. Despatches received here to-night by the Southern Express Company give Tilden 1,500 abead on the official rewurns, with only ‘three counties to hear from. In the event of Tilden’s success in Floriaa or even in South Carolina itis likely the Returning Board here will decide In ao- cordance with the already published returns. Oona wise Hayes and Packard will certainly be returned, Every present indication sustains this view of the subject. The reply of the democrats to the republican letter is looked forward to with much interest, UMPAIRNESS AND FARTIALITY EXPECTED, ‘The democratic visitors regard the letter of refusal to their request for representation at the sessions of the Retarning Board as calculated to inspire the public mind of the North with conviction of intended un- fairness and partiality. SOUTH CAROLINA, CONCLUSION OF THE ARGUMENT BEFOBE THE 8U- PREME COURT ON THE MANDAMUS AND PRO- HIBITION OF THE BOARD OF CANVASSERS. [Bx TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Couvmara, Nov, 16, 1876. The Supreme Court room was densely packed this morning by a crowd of negrocs to hear the argument in the cuse of the Democratic Candidates vs. Tue Re- turning Boara. Jadge Moses and Associate Justices Willard and Wright were on the Bench, The array of counsel was imposing, and among the visitors were Justice Carter, of tho District of Columbia; Senators Randolph and Gordon, Mr. Montgomery Biair, A. H. H. Stuart; Smith Ely, of New York, and others, ‘The cases for mandamus and prohibition have been brought to test the power of the Board, a majority of whom ar6é candidates lor re-election, to exercise the functions in their own cases, In one case it fs sought to prohibit the Board from exercising any judicial powers in the hearing of contests and protests, and confine them tothe ministerial duty of ascertaining the result of the election as it appears upon the face of the returns, Intho other mandamus is prayed for to compel the Board to perform its ministerial du- ties, The grounds upon which the reliet claimed are:— First—That as to th ction of electors for Presi- dent, Vice President, members of Congress, members jature, und the election of Governor, uv the Board ef Canvassers has no powel, under the statute, to hear any protest or con- test and.are bound to declare the result accoraing to the returns. Second—That while the statute dees co! powers upon the Board as to other State officers such powers canuct be lawfully exercised be- cause a majority of the Board are candidates and would become judges in their own cases. Third—That the. act conferring judicial powers on the Board 1s in violation of tho State constitution, be- cause the members of the Board all belong to the ox- ecutive branch of the government, and the constitu- ton declares that no person, or persons, oxercising the functions of one department, shall assume or discharge the functions of any other. The return of the respondents admits the matters of fact stated, and secks issue only upun questions of law, The cases were represented on the part of the relator’ by Mr. James Connor, democratic candidate for Attor” ney General, and Mr. Y. P. Youmans and associate counsel, and on the part of the Board of State Canvas, sers by Mr. R. B, Elliott, colored, republican candidate for Attorney General, and Mr. D, T. Corbin, United States District Attorney. The entire day was taken up with argument, dn order was asked for by counsel tor the Court to allow the Board to proceed with the canvass of the returns jn ministerial way, simply to aggregate them in order to save time. But the order was so dubiously worded that objection was raised by counsel for the ro- lators, At the suggestion of the Court this order was amended so as to read ‘‘shall’” proceed to can- vass tho returns ministerially instead of ‘‘may’’ as in tho original, and defining the duties of the Board in such a manner as to provent miscon- struction, This defeated the object of the counsel for the Board, and to create tho impression that the Court was responsible forthe delay in canvassing the re. turns the order was withdrawn, The case seems to be so flagrant, particularly inthe mater of the candi- dates sitting as judges in their own cases, that itis the general impression the Court cannot avoid granting the relief sought and restricting the Board to a strict ministerial canvass of the votes. So far as the views of the Court can be gathered from the col- Joquies between the justices and counsel, this opinion would secm to be justified. Argument was concluded ateight P. M. and the Court adjournod, reserving its decision until to-morrow. Pending the discussion as to their powers in the Supreme Court the Board of Canvassers will have to confine themselves to a bare aggregation of the returns meet to-morrow atten A, M THE ELECTION RRTURNS INACCESSIBLE—BSTILL IN CUSTODY OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE. Caarixston, Nov. 16, 1876 T have bet returns concerning the election in this State. The legal proceedings against the State canvassers are still | fant ponding, and in the meantime the Sccrotary ol State | cundidate diligontly guards the returns. Application at the domocratic headquarters bas been equally unsuccess- fal, The two parties seem to be engaged in a magnid. cont game of silence, which will doubtless remain un- broken until the powers and duties of the Board are de cided and the count begins. Outside information is un- trustworthy. The wildest ramors are afloat. While the election of Hampton is conceded by every ot xcept Governor Chamberlain, the State ticket is claimed by both parties by majorities ranging as less than 100. not yet reported. One of these— Georgetown—is tn a remote portion of the State. In Kershaw, owing to an embiguity ja tl law, this county board met on Tuesday and has forwarded roturna The fugacious election mes- wenger and defeated republican candidate from Laurens ‘not turned up with the returns, although three United States marshals and a detective or two bave been diligently in search of him, and a certified copy bas been sent for, and will be receivea if the original is not found, Until all the returns are in it is usoloss to make estimates, bat the probability is that the democrats have elected Simpson Lieutenant Governor and Connor Attorney General, while the republicans probably elect the balance of the ticket. Latest returns do not chan; complexion of tho Logistature in which the democrats have one wajority on joint ballot Tne clectoral vote is still disputed, The republicans claim 1,000 majority tor Hayes, The democrats atill pertinaciously insist that Til jas socured at icast two electors, owing to the scratohiog of two candidates on the republican electoral ticket, As boch parties re- fuge ail accoss to the returns this may not be unltkoly, in which event Mr, Tilden will capture bis mach de- sired majority. against us, wo could never nave won tho fight, no matter how flagrantly these county boards had outraged us. I am convinced we could never have argued the Stato Board ipto voting down Hayes’ apparent majority, and giv- tpg Tilden his rignts, We should hardly have bad the : vo attempt such a thing; but the county boards lerestimated the swindling they had todo, They have all made their rejurna ud sent. in their figures, e have sworn duplicates of théir returas, and Tilden will have, from their official fgures,aclean and do- cisive majority of the votes, If the Presidential elec- tion hangs on Florida’s vote, this result puts Tilden IN MORAL POSSESSION OF THR PRESIDENCY. “Now, see what an immense advantage this gives us. It puts the work of ousting upon tho republicans. ‘They must destroy our majority before they can elect their President Had they done this in the counting (boards the world would have never known it; if they try to do it before the State Board all civilization will be apprised of their flagrant urtairness. We will have the moral support of every honest man in Amor- joa in our determination to defend our rights. Every man who 1 against agitation, against extreme and desperate measures and in tavor of the status quo, the existing order of things, will be with us; for, mark you, these are the official figures and come to tho capi- tal accompanied by seals and signatures of the county boards, who are republicans and appointees of the Governor. They cannot be ehanged oxeept by a usur- upon its perpetrators. In reply to a question as to whether he had looked into the fact on which the ropablicans proposed to base their contests he replied, “I have, This is an old question with me, Isay to you that Mr. Tilden has carried this State beyond all doubt and beyond all suspicion of unfairness, This can be established beyond peradventure, By the way, I want you to ask through the Hxkatp that ieading repubiicaus from the North come down here at once and seo for themselves that the democrats ciaim nothing but right and justice, We want republicansto come, because their testimony would be considered !m- partial, Ihave always believed Mr. Wheeler to boa candid and honest man, Now 1 should hike to have him come bere and pronounce upon the figures, or the ‘untairness of our majority for Tilden. I piedge myself that there is not a democrat in Florida who would not agree to abide by bis decision of this whole question,” DISCOVERY OF 4 REPUBLICAN FRAUD, The Domocratic Committee heve to-day discovered a glaring case of fraud in Alachua county, of which they furnish, the following particulars :— There were 316 votes cast in Archer precinct—180 republican and 1386 democratic. The inspectors counted these votes and certified to them under their official signatures. When it reached the county seat it was discovered that more votes were needed than had deen cast. The republicans then made new returns of Archer precinct, in which 219 extra majority was given to Stearms, and then, tearing up the original certificate, forged the names of the precinct inspectors to the new one. They sup- posed that this change would not be noticed or de- tected. It was discovered, however, and investigated. The inspectors each swore that they had not signed the returns bearing their names, but that they had signed another one. The ballot box was then opened and counted, and discovered to be 219 votes short. The republican Sheriff, who is one of the county can- vassers, relused to sign the county returos, and they are bere with only two signatures, There are many charges of fraud made on both sides, but this is the only one that is yet put into shape THE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION. In the Congressional race there is no doubt of the election of both of the democratic candiaates, David- son and Fialey. Furman, republican, in the First, rans bebind bis tickets’ Davidson's majority is 624 and Finley’s upward of 350. The Democratic State Ce mmittee bave issued an address this evening, tho text of which I send you herewith, it will be seen that their figures bear up the catimate I addressed you three days since: — The State Executive Commitice of the democratic conservative party bave the pleasure of announcing to the peuple of Florida tho tire success of the reform ticket—Klectoral, Couzressional and State—by eafo majorities, which are given below. Both branches ' of the Legislaturo have also been carried by the democratic party by good working majorities, so that our next Governor Will be properly supported in the wise measures of ro- form and retrenchment that the people have now tm peratively demanded at the ballot box. The contest that the people here waged against the corrupt party in power has becn fought under great odds and ata serious disadvautage, ‘The candidate of the republican party for Governor hud all the patronage of the Stato government in bis control, and all the machinery of the election laws i his hands, Oilicers here havo ‘veen displaced by hum, ciection precincts have been abolished or removed to inconvenient locations, aud tho conservative voters bave been discriminated against, But the spirit of the people has veon thor- nt in, The Board will | whic itis uncertain which course the unprinciph unable to obtain any further official | pari oughly. aroused, and they havo spoken against tne coutinuance ih power of the corrupt povernment that has so long oppressed and impoverished them. The contest bas been of far greater proportions than the poople ot Florida have rei AL Upimee officials of South Carolina and Louisiana will pursue as to the counting ol the yotcs in those States, the entire country is asked to see what we have done, and it will be our proud boast in the future that when the reform party of the country dependea upon the conservative democrats of our little Florida was equal to the emergency. In some countes infamous frauds are already being pro- to thwart the deciared will of the peopi we are threatened with @ repetition otf the scenes of the past, when cor- officials have counted out duly elected but the Stato Board, according to its own decisiun, has the authority to throw out ail illegal vote: declare the true resull, and the peo- ple of the entire country will not to of thoir right tory, and we lvok with coniider yassors to discharge tneir bigh and responsivie duties faithfully and impartially. The figures given below in proof of our victory are based eutirely from official sources and are entirely re- je, Whew the State Board compietes its dui oft incre o the republican counties the vote ¢: the voting population according to th Ballots have been miscounted, ballot boxes have beea have been excluded from the polls and otner outrage committed tor arpose of stifling the voice of the peopie; but the ittee has collected abuncant evidence of these r) citizens, patieuco and in tho trying throagh bave moueration you have displayed passed ot scenes you’ havo lately wou the commendation the work. = Our cunvass has een tairly co: and our acts will bear examinauion, We must awast the verdic country upon our case, contident that trath arid will prevail Letas calmiy wait tor the and prosperity, reconcthat VIRST DISTRICT—D«I 60 8 Godsden, e223 oe Drew's total majority 1a First district. Stearpw’ total majorit Drew's not majority in Firat distriet......ce0005 200 pation that will shock she Republic and bring ruin NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1876.—TRIPLE SHEET. county not heard from, which gave in 1874 284; add estimated 1 over tbia Vote, 95; making majority in Holme: ; which add to majority in the district aud we bave as Drew's majority in the First district, SKOOND DISTRICT, —DREW'S MAJORITIES. Bradford, 499; Clay, 166; Columbia, 184; Dade, 5; Hamilton, 28! 180; Suwanee, 1 3; Putnam, 45; St Johns, 316, STEARNS’ MAJOKITIRS, Alachua, 498; Duval, 796: Madison, 425; Marion, 594; Nassau, 10% ‘Total Drew's majority, 2,742. Total Stearns’ majority, 2422 County not heard from, Brevard, which gave in 1ST4 78 democratic ma- jority. Add estimated increase aud we have total i04 tor Brevard, which gives Drew in the Second district 424 majority, add First district, 635, and we bave Drew's majority iu the State, 1,039 Che commitieo bas not been able to get separate figures upon the State aud Kiectoral tickets from tho distant counties, but will arrange them in a few days It is only in a few counties that Mr. Tiluen is bebind the State ticket, and after making the most libera! estimates for the coun- ea not fully heard from, it is not believed that our majority upon the electoral vote can fall below 600. PASCO, Chairman, JAMES M. BAKER, W. P. BLOXHAM, GEORGE P. RANBY, J. WH, PAINE, Attest:—ROBERT GAMBLE, Secretary. THE REPUBLICAN ADDRESS. \ Several prominent republicans in the city have pre- pared a statement, which they furnish upon applica- tion to your correspondent. It 1s proper to say that the county of Alachua, referred to in the address below, {8 the county remarked upon in my report of to-night The democratic committee omit the 219 votes which they allege they have abundant proof were fraudu- lently stuffed into the ballot box. This is the only point in which the committee’s estimate varies trom the returns received. To tax Prorie oy tae Usitep State TaLLauassek, Fla, Nov. 16, 1876. The undersigned are iniormed that telegrams are Deing sent North to-night, trem this State, based upon the tables of reported majorities in the Fioridian extra of this afternoon, claiming that Tilden and Hendricks have carried Florida by 637 matority. Aa examination of these tabies shows that in the county of Alachua alone the actual repubitcan majority of 717, as sbown by the official canvass now on file, is reduced to 498 by leaving out certain precincts’ votes on false pretences of fraud, and that in a variety of other ways the actual figures have been changed so ag to give an apparent Tilden majority. The under- signed are satistied, trom a careful examination in de- tail of returns aiready received, that, allowing the democrats all the majorities now claimed in the coun- ties kept back by them, the returns from the whole State will show a majority for Hayes and Wheeler, ‘This majority can be largely increased upon ample proof of democratic trauds and intimidation, The re- publicans of Florida are not devoting themselves to marufacturing public opinion at the North, but, couvinced that their State has been carried for Hayes and Wheeler, they wwait with perfect confidence the result of a fair apd impartial canvass, which they are suro willcarry full conviction to the people ef the country. T. M, THORNBERGH, of Tennessec. T. W. OSBORN, of Florida, W. E. CHANDLER, of New Hampshire. M. MA , Chairman Republican Campaign Com- mittee. J, P, C, EMMONS, of Jacksonville. HOWARD VARRULL, of New York, OTHER STATES. CALIFORNIA. VOTES FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRISS. San Francisco, Nov. 16, 1876 Oficial returns from ail counties of the Fourth Con- Gressional aistrict, except Mono, which ta estimated, givo Pacheco (rep.) a majority of 43, It is believed that the Mono returns will not change the result, =~ ‘The returns from the Third district are still tncom- plete, Luttrell 1s elected by a majority of about 200, A FALSE DESPATCH DISAVOWED, San Faasoisco. Nov. 16, 1876. Governor Irwin publicly and specifically denies that he over sent, or authorized to bo sent, to Washington, any telegram declaring that he would not certify the electoral returns in this State because he had discov- ered truud# that would negative the ropublican major- ity. The Governor declares that he had no knowledge of such @ despatch until he saw tt in the San Fran- cisco Evening Builetin, credited to the Chicago Times. CONNECTICUT. DEFECTIVE BALLOTS FOR ONE OF THE DEMO- OBATIC ELECTORS. Harrvorp, Nov. 16, 1876. It has been discovered that on some of the demo- cratic ballots cust in this State the name of Charles R. Ingersoll, one of the Electors, was printed *‘Ingesoll.” In one town noarly all tho ballots cast were of this description. How exte Dot known. The canvassers would most votes jor the regular nominee, but the case seo: lar to one reported from South Carolina KENTUCKY. AN INCREASE OF SIXTY PER CENT IN THE DEMOCRATIC VOTE oF 1875—MEMBERS OF CONGRESS BLECTED. Lovisvitis, Nov. 16, 1876, Official returns from 101 counties in Kentucky give Tilden 60,100 majority. Sixteen counties are yet to be heard trom, but they will not materially change these figures. Tilden’s majority shows an Increase of sixty per ecnt over the demoeratic vote of last year. Congressional results are reported as follows:— First District—Boune (dem.), 10,994; Turner (ind.), 8,154; Houston (rep.), 5,221. Fourth District—J. Proctor Knott (dem.), 15,735; Lewis (rep.), 6,982. Sixth District—Carlisle (dem.), 16,404; Landrum (rep.), 8,133. Seventh Jistrict—Blackburn (dem), 18,884; Shack- eliord (rep. ), 9,384. Eighth District—Durham (dem.), 15,482; Bradley (rey 12,054. F additional the vote is not y: ‘etricts also elected democrat, but offically reported, NEW YORK, OFZICIAL CANVASS OF COUNTIES, Gosnzs, N. Y., Nov. 16, 1876, The following is tho official canvass of Orange county :— Electors—Democratic, 9,776; republican, 9,430; prohibition, 32; Cooper, Governor—Robinson, 9,750; Morgan, 9,405; Groo, 82; Griiiin, 18, Licutenant Governor—Dorsheimer, 9,758; Rogera, 9,436, Brown, 44; Armstrong, 19. Canal Commissiouer—Ogden, 9,746; Spencor, 9,436; Powell, 44; Cuddebacx, 3L Inspector State Prisons—Anderson, 9,755; Trow- bridge, 9,439; Talbot, 44; Crump, 17. Judge—Karl, 9,742; Daniorih, 9,355; Hagner, 20; Dixon, 6. Congress—Beebe, 9,800; Sweete, 9,333. Assombly—First District—Woodbull (dem.), 4,147; Grabum (rop.), 4,863. Second District—Durland (dem.} 6,563; Rockafeliow (rep), 4,56 ‘Amendment to Section $—For, 12,742; against, 197. To Section 4—For, 12,742; against, 197. Warkutows, N. ¥, Nov. 16, 1876. The following is tte official voto of Jefferson county :— Hayes, 9,227; Tilden, 7,004; Morgan, 9,168; Robin- 137; Rogors, 9,174; Dorsheimer, 7,1 182; Spencer, Ogden, 7,130; Trowbridge, 9,173; Anderson, 7,130. Fur Congress—Bagley, 9,289; Smith, 6,979. For Assembiy—First district—Skinner, 4,496 4Smith, 3,070, Second district—spicer, 4,508; Becker, 4,125. Jor the Vonstitutional Amendivenis, 8,173; against, 2. 3 Mayvitie, N. Y., Nov, 16, 1876. The following are the official ret of the vote of Chautauqua county :— Hayes, 10,065; Tilden, 5,685; Morgan, 10, ; Rogers, 10,06 049; Robin- 103; Bpen- ¥ Freeland (dem.}, 5,484. For the Assembly, in the First district, Williams’ (rep.) majority 18 1,051; in the Second district, Case’s (rep.) mayority 16 1,924, Bixouamutox, N. ¥., Nov. 16, 1876. The official returns of Broome county are as fol- low: Hayee, 6,766; Tilden, 5,424. Morgau:, 6,733; Robinson, 5,451. Rogers, 6,754; Dorsheimer, 5,441 Spencer, 6,753; Ogden, 6,439. Fylde a 6,753; Anderson, 5,439, ‘The prvbibition ticket received 41 votes. Hopson, N. Y., Nov. 16, 1876. The following is the official vote of Columbia county :— For Prosident—Tilden, 6,309; Hayes, 5,709. Court of Appeals—Earl, 6,262; Daatorth, 5,817. Governor—Robiuson, 6,235; Morgan, 5,538. Lieutenant Governor—Dorsneimer, 6,282; Rogers, 6,846, Canal Commissioner—Ogden, 6,283; Spon 5,644, Inspector of State Prisons—Andersou, 6,281 Trow- bridge, 6,846. Ce Mansfeld Davis, 6,964; John H. aun! as pI ssemb!. the First district, Jacob H. Proper, 8,362; stephen W. am, barrel ‘Becond district, Hugh W. McCletian, 2,876; Joha T. Hogeboum, “Constitutional Amendmonte—For section 3, 17,2105 against, 603, For section 4, 7,210; against, 602 _— OHIO, THE OFFICIAL VOTE CANVASSED. Corumncs, Nov. 16, 1876. ‘The official vows of Ohio was canvassed to-day by | 658,649, . decides the contest, be oxclaimed, Seerctary of State Bell, in the presence of Governor Hayes and James Williams, State Auditor, with the following result:—The uumber of votes cast was 9, of whieh Hayes received 330,608; Tilde 4,057; Green Clay Smith, 1,! {anti-Masonio candidat plurality over Tilden is 1,516, DISCUSSING THE SITUATION. VIEWS OF JAMES H, HEVERIN, Imapscrnia, Nov. 16, 1876. James Ul. Heverin, a loading member of tie Fuila- deipbia Bar, in speaking of the political situation to a Hexavp reporter this eveming, said that the aspect “of affairs was appalling. It was something entirely uo- precedented and unprovided fur by the teunders of our government. He considered that the eboice of the next President of the United States would be de- cided by two negroes and three white men ip a Soutbern State. ‘hat such a condition of affairs could ex!st be thought a revelation of how weak our governe ment really is, and ifthe difficulty is poacably overcome every lawyer would sce the necessity of immediate amendments to the constitution, The correspondent asked what be thought would be tho course of procedure at thu counting of the elee toral votos in the House in February next, and if he apprehended trouble? He replica that he greatly feared trouble, Much, however, depended om whether or not the famous twenty-second joint rule bas been abolished. Myr. Randall and other democrats claimed that it still existed, but the repubiicans asserted that 16 ceased at the lust session of Cougress, If that rule ts sulin force, aud either House cam object to the counting of the votes of amy of the States, the situation coatronting us 18 indeed serious, for the democrats way refuse to be present at the opening of the certificates trom Louisiana or Florida if the Hayou electors are returned, and they believe, or claim to believe, the return to be itiegal; or the republicans might claim that the Tiiden majority in New York is fraudulent, and may reluce to assist at the opening of the returos from that State, This last is lnprabetle, ot courso, but there if hardly a limit to the possibilities The House, which ts democratic, might resuse to attend at ail if Hayes is elected. Sup- pose they retused to be present, who could compel them? It would not be a violation of any law, because the constitution does not fix any time tor the opening of the rewurns, [t provides that it shall be done in the Joint presence of the House and Sonate, but there is do, precedent for what way arise next February. So much depends on whether or not the twenty> secoud rule still exists that the question deserves more thought than I have yet given it, Thi joint rule Las bean in existence for over four ye ‘and has been re-enacted every session. if only House rescinded it aud the olber re:used it would ay Jouger be a joint ru! 1 am under the Impression 1t stil exists, Iwas told soby a United States Senator terd: It was under that rule that the yo Nebraska and Georgia lor Greeloy wore thrown ont by the 3enat Another difficulty, I unde: stand, is that there ig no provision in Florida Louisiana 1p cause of the death of elector, If one sbould die in either of an those States itfis probable that Hayos might loxe his election. Don’t you sce what a little thing way affect the result aud what temptations are thrown belo: men by such a dangerous state of 3. Teb thou. sand doliars given to oue of the electors from one of the Southern States to take u trip to Europe, or even & murcer may grow out of this. Another complication in tho case 18 the election of men in Oregon and Ver- mout as electors who are ineligible by reason of holding un ofico of trust under the government, Iti a question whether this creates a vacancy. If 16 does create a vacancy, then there is no doubt that, under the United States law, the States would bave the right to supply the ncy, for the constitution provives that every State shail have the right to pro- vide for a vacancy in the Coliego of Electors. lsay that this is a question, becuuse the constitution de- clares that m0 su person shall be chosen, and ‘t paturally does not provide any remedy for what is not supposed to be possible. It is vary likely that the samo thing may bave occurred befor and that ineligible men may ha made electors but it has never been neticed, because the contest was never so close be: In Oregon and Vermont, where these two ligible men b: been chosen, the republicans ‘will claim that @ vacancy exists, and that the places of the men may be filled, The democrats, of course, will claim that the elec. , in which case no one could be and the democratic elector whe the most votes would claim the ‘This vd) anid result in the loss of tho popabices majoriy © 1 Stato, If Loutstana or Flori: declared there wiil undoubtedly be a democratic prot! House and a vote contest. The House mig.: »+ and refuse to be present at the count. ‘This j¢ vs & unscrupulous had_ received right to cast the vote for the State. fear. 1 donot know 4 remedy there cm (by "0° the threatened trouble except coolness and form ” op both sides I do pot think thé peo? departure of Northorn. men to ‘the © 4% will result in any practical good a woll meant, but will not accomplish anything, eonare tho law says the canvass must be in secret; ‘sau © if they are allowed to be in the room through cour they cannot have au opportunity of property « ing the returns. Tho Returning Bi in will probably meet next Saturday, w! the will expire, They will do nothing until Moniicy, the democrats will claim that they have had, + days to fix the votes for Hayes, I do not see plan will result in any good. 1 certainly th) »© the dangers arising from this clectiy result in a demand which will be heeded for ibe» + in tbe system of electing the President and py :'F. the abolition of the Electoral College. Mr, Lewis C. Cassidy, another well kno nis lawyer, was interviewed on the i. Re entirely agreed with Mr. Heverin. HON, W. B, MANX'S VIEWS, Hon. William B. Mann, for many years District At torney of this city, oue of the oldest and best knows lawyers in the city, is convinced of Hayes’ election, and is hopeful of ap understanding and a subsidence of the excitement betore the Wednesday in February when the Electoral College mects, Being asked as to the probability of the contingency suggested by Mr. Heverin as to the result of the choice of ineligible men as electors in Oregon and Vermont, ho was of the opinion, he said, that this would certainly not lose the republicans the electoral votes of those States, He also said that he was under the impression that Mr. Heverin was wrong as to there being no provision ir cas@ of the death of @ Louisiana or Florida elector, H¢ thought there was. sy INDIANA LAWYERS ON THE SITUATION, IxpiaNarouia, Nov. 16, 1876 The complications of tho Presidential problem aby ‘orb not only public attention, but the legal profession is thoroughly interested in the various and serious aspects of the situation, The views of distinguished lawyers wi geemed of importance, and your corre- spondent sought the opinion of some of the many prominent membors of the bar of this city. My frst visit was to JUDGE HEXKY W. HARRINGTON, late candidate of the indepondens party for Governep alter the surroader of Waicott to Harrison and Hayes, Judge Harrington was formerly a democratic member of Congress from Southern Indiana, and has a first class record as @ lawyer, He suld:—‘The proposed procedure of the Louisiana Canvassing Board to not only throw out votes at will, but to count votes aa baviug been cast which were not cast, is clearly an- tagonistic to our form of popular government. It 2 were in Congress I would vote and work to have (he result of the clectoral vote based on returns so tamperod witn thrown overbosrd and declared void. On the question as to what power the joint convention of the two houses of Congress possesses in respect to the counting of the Presiden. tial vote, he said the power clearly oxists, by reasom able implication, in such joint assembly of Congresq to investigate, confirm or reject the work laid betore it for inspection, else why a joint assembly? No doubs, sir, but they have clearly implied, if not explicit, aw thority to go into @ full investigation of ail con. tested or doubtful matters appertaiming to ugh the the returns certified to them thro Vice President, Suppose there {is a conflict of State authority, and that two sets of electors bhava cortitied action up to the Vice President, his duty set forth in the constitution to open the pack. ages, but he ts not ordered tocount the votes, His duty might be to inform the joint body of the cun- tents of the papers belore him, and then, whore there was controversy of contest, the joint assembly cot proceed to dispuse of the complication, ision being fioal’’ J asked bis v! eoucerning gible eivctors in Vermont and Oregon, tied Harrington thought « postmaster came within the prescribed class uud would not be eligible to act as am elector, but b ‘¢ it as his opinion that, by resigo- ing after election, but belore assumin ‘dutios of he office of elector, he became eligible; in other words, that the prohibition was exerted, not as to the peo; Privilege of election, but as to ie person acting aa elector while ander the disability. WHAT JCDGE M. B. WILLIAMS THINKS, IT next met Judgo M. B. Williams, formoriy of Wis- sin, but How a leading practitioner of this State, He f the law irm of which James Bucbauan, Kuown as Ae head, Judge Williams expressed bis opron that whatever may be the action of the unsetu- puloas manipulators in (he carpet-bay States Governor Tilden's election is already assused by tho clectora co of the constitution wore eligible, R re thoreiore vacancy cuuld be ore. y electors, and that the ehgible candidate receiving the largest voww is the elector chosen. Jamos buchanan coincided with opision ex: reased by hislaw partuer, Judge Mr Bucbauan added if the republicane of nde hea: acted om tho wire suggestions of the ‘Yous Heratp, which course |, as ap and Cooper maa, urged them te pursue, east thely vote solid lor the Mever Cooper had thes tutes t in the bave dangerees poanibilities. Major J. electio election di Mason J. W. GORDON’ W. Gordon thinks that the oy wl the (ay, and the man of set of mon who,