The New York Herald Newspaper, November 18, 1876, Page 2

STIL FIGURING No Solution Yet of the Pres- idential Problem. SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTING Session of the State Board of Canvassers, Secret DEMOCRATIC Great Excitement and Anx- jiety in New Orleans. PROTESTS. DEFECTIVE BALLOTS Shall They Be Counted or Rejected P VEXATIOUS DELAY IN FLORIDA. Democrats Urging a Speedy Session of the State Board, Ren anne ee A single step forward in the determination of tho Preeidential probicin was made yeaterday fonal order by directed the State Returning Board to proceed with the aggregation of the returns for the tnfor- mation of the Court, and that body proceeded, In the presence of committees of both parties, to exes cute that duty, This action of the South Carolina Court eeems to baye been erroneously reported at New Oricans, wher it way understood as confining the State Board to the simply ministerial duty of counting the voles returned, with no power to ad- judieste upon their legality, and as virtually giving the State to Mr, Tilden, Great excitement was Protuced. To this was added the effect of a discovery that many defective republican electoral ballots were | polled, having only the names of three electors dof eight. the msi vy democratic visitors to the answer of the tepublicans. I Florida the Democratic State Com- hittee have asked the State Canvassers to fix an early ly for the canvass; but as many county returns are no day has beow named, and the count may wozsibly Le delayed till the first week in December. FLORIDA, DiLaYS IN THE COUNTY RE- ND OF THE DEMOCRATIC COM- VEXATIOUS TU: DE: MITIEE FOR AN EARLY MEETING OF T. STATE BOARD—REPUBLICANS WILLING TO | WAIT FOR RETURNS-—-A CARD YROM MR, CHANDL (bY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. ] Tantauassne, Nov, 17, 1876 The democrats made a sharp and decided step for- ward to-day. Having deciued to got the Returning Guard to work as carly as possible, they addressed through tueir committee the following paper to the members of the To the Hon. Saat i, Mutix, Secretary of State; para © A. Coweitt, Comptroller of Public Accounts, and Wititast ARCHER Covke, Attorney General :— GENTLEWEN—We request you, us the Board of State Cunvassers, to proceed to s the revurns of the eeveral countns wherein an election vook place of electors of President aud Vice President on November 7, 186, so tar aa the same have been re- We desire to be intormed of the and place, so that the traud may be bich exists in some of them. As this proof re some time for its accurate determt- tn our Judgment, of the importance gn an early day, that the & » With svetion 136 of the Rev cutive, In tbe United States, may be enadled on De- uber 6, 1576, to deliver to each elector chosen certificate whieh enutles him to act as an elector of this State on Wednesd quired by section 185 of the , December 7, 1876, as re- atntes, “0, of Conserva- Chairman of State Executive Committee ‘ve Democratic Party of Florida. RANEY, . BLOXHAM. fartamas Nov. 11, 18 NECESSITY FOR PROMPT ACT: Mr. Pasco has stated in regard to this communtica- tiou that there would be a number of tedions contests betore the Board neces they wore fuirly and legitimately discussed. nizing this fact, 1t was the desire of the democrats to Reco, have the canvass begun and the very fullest oppor. tunity offered to get at the real truth of all points at issue. As the United States lw Fequires the Governor's certiticate to the State clec- tors to bo issued on the 6th of December, no discus- Bion could be prolonged beyond that date, and he feared that unless the matter was opened at once there would not be time to give all parties a proper hearing, | are armed | geressive or defensive, that they | He announced that the democra with all the proot, need, and were ready for the tesue to be made, ANSWER OF THE HOARD, Your correspondent called at once upon the members of the Board to sce what their decision would be, Compiroller Cowgill said that he would adaress the committee an angwer to-morrow, aud declined to com- mit bimseif to-night on any point, Io, however, quoted the Jaw which says the Board snail meet “ou the thirty-fifth day after election or sooner if all the returns are in.’’ Ho said he would be bound by that, Me then remarked that all the returns Were not in, as the jaw required, and loft the intereuce that, watil they were all im, or until the limit of the w had expired, be would mot agree to begin the punt, Juage Cocke said that he should agree tothe re- quest of the commitice, Allowing the law quoted by Mr. Cowgtil to be correct, he quoted a further clause, here which says, “Tho several counties may then be cauyassed,” and contended that this ad- mitied the right to make a serlatim canvass of the returns as they come in, of course, however, keep- ing the canvass open till the thirty-ffth day for any counties Whose returns may not have arrived before that date. Mr. MeLin could not be found, but it is reliably Muted that he would oppose the beginning of the count Mill tue returns were all in REPUMLICAN POLICY OF DELAY. Indeed it 1s clear the policy of the republicans, who were very much demoralized at tho sudden movement of the committee, to postpone the opening of the can- rass to the last possible day. Their object for this, it is alleged, is either not to moet at all before the 6th of December if the county returns are not all in by that time, and thus jet Governor Stearns issue his — certificates to the electors as ho ts bound by the United States law to do, without there having been been a canvass Of the State vote; or ifthe returus should all arrive before the 6th prox. the canvass will, of cource, com- Meace upon the arrival of the last county recurns; but the time will then be too short for the full discua- sion of tho matter before the Board The work will be short ana sharp, Testimony and arguments ‘will be stifled by tho hasto required to complete the count by the Gih of December, The democrats are ry indignant at tho enforced delay. They desire to fair and fuil hearing betore tho Board, and fee) bas shat they are about to be cheated out of it, ‘A REPUBLICAN CH.NGE OF TACTICS. The republicans have contended previously that the nvas might be opened before the thirty-Mfth day, and belore the full revurns were in. For some reason or other they now decline to begin, A vrovis. | the South Carolina Supreme Court | A spirited replication was issued | id Statutes of | rily involving much time, it | | | To rue Error or rx Heraup NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1876—WITH SUPPLEMENT. yo uments of the government in their bands wey can lose not! by waiting. DEMOCRATS GROWING CONPIDENT. ‘The feeling to-day is notably better in democratic circles, and there ig a very strong confidence i the result, A Northern mau, who bas been quietly ob- serving things, remarked to me to-day that he noticed great weakening among the republican mana- gers. “They can practise their doubtful ieuer schemes," said he, “comfortably enough when they have only loca! issues to handle, and are hidden in comparative security, but when, ag at present, the calcium light of nations! inquiry is throwo flush upon them and the whole American people is looking them squarely in tne cyes they will not be likely to perpetrate any out- rageous frauds. They are already getting uncomfort- able under tho terribly searching scrutiny that !s bear- tng upon them.” Mr. W. E. Chandler says:—'It appears as if the whole white population of Florida were a police board detective force and aflidavit workers for the demo- crats, while we have only a witness scattered about bere and there.”’ The returns from four official counties have been reaa to-day. One of them (Walton) shows a demo- cratic loss of twenty-seven from the committee's esti- Mate, and the other (Marion) a republican loss of ten from tho same estimate, The others agree exactly with what was claimed. FLORIDA SAID TO BE SURE FOR TILDEN. It is simply impossible to Mgure Tilden’s majority below my estimate of tour days ago till the State Board bas met and changed the resul, All the counties are rellably reported. Mr. ‘fulden will have the electoral votes of Florida unless the State Board the majority accorded by the official cunvans of the county boards, It is impossible tu get from the republicans the figures upon which they predicate their majority, With no apparent rea yon for keeping them to themselves they bevertheless reiuse to give apy data, ‘They will not even coutra- dict any Sgures made by democrats except ina gon- eral way. The ouly attempt & republican Oguro that Lhave econ for the list three days was in the bands of a federal oftice-holder with whom you correspondent bas consulted during the whole count. Ue Myured Tilden’s majority down to 229, but could do ho better upon the niost hberal republican estimates. Your correspondeut presented the despaich of tho Henatp to tho signers of that addreas, requesting them to give the figures upon whieh their claim was reciting that where so positive @ claim was made there must be some special data on which its figures were tounded. The signers declined to give the figures, but Mr, W. E. @isadler furnished your correspondent with the annexed card:— MRE. CUANPLER'S CARD, VaLLaiassex, Nov, 17, 1876, To tm Eviror ov tix Hikau Your telegram 1s received. We have a knowledge of the vote in ail the republican counties and in about two-thirds of the democratic countios, and will promptly give our figures when the returns are in from the remaining democratic count We baso our opinion that Hayes has curried the te upon the figures belore us, showing inaccuracies im the democratic tables of majorities in counties reported as published iu the Boridian, and upon the convie- tion derived {rom previous votes, and the bost informa- ton obtainable, that the honest, uctual majorities in the counties not reported will not overcome tho pres- ent majority for Huyes, Those counties are leid vack for some reason, What is 1% The county seat of Wakulla is not over twenty miles, und that of Taylor net over forty miles, from Tallahassee, and their returns are uot reported, ‘There is reason lieve that it 1s intended to make the tne mocratic majorities large enough to come the present majority for Hayes bring them in too tate to enutle the proofs that the returns are traudulont be obtained betore the Presidential reverses based, local to canvass must be couipleted oF the electaral vote of Florida is lost. I Terpectivily suggest that ycu hurry up the delinquent democrats and not the ropublieana, who are not tn de- fault, . E. CHANDLER, That this matter may not be misunderstood, | state that the democratic counties alluded to by Mr. Chana- ler as bemg behind are uot in control of democratic managers, but of repubhcan managers, appointed by | the Governor, who alone have tho power to canvass the vote and forward it Itts not fair that the onus of not hearing from the democratic counties shoald be put upon the democrats, au tho republican managers aione havo the power to forward the re- turns. The first suggestion that Mr. Manton Marble made when he arrived was that special couriers should be sent out'to insist upon the carly forwarding of the returns. The democrats feel great uneasine:s at this delay of the returns, as they ure in the hands of county republican beards and subject to possible manipulation, There are not loss than a Wozen couriers now posting to distant counties, by democratle orders, to insist thas the returns be forwarded at once, feeling that the republican majority in the State Board had the power to open the canvass at any time, They have been especiaily sealous ia hurrying up the tour other democratic countios. It 1s demonstrable to any one wishing to 0 Into deialls that Tilden has a majority in the State as canvassed by the county boards, This being true, the sooner the democrats get thoso returns safely stored ip the Cupi- tol the sooner will they be secured from all possible manipulation, The decision of the Supreme Court in South Carolina, doclaring that the tunctions of the Re- turning Board there were purely ministerial, caus great rejoicing here, TUR POWERS OP THE RETCRNING BOARD, It has not been proposed by the democratic man- agers bere, up to this time, to bring a similar question before the Florida Supreme Court, as thero was an ndment to the act creating the Board, passed in which appears to especially confer judicial pow- ersupon it, McCreary, iu his ‘Law of elections,” excepts Florida aod Loulsiana from the general opin- on, declaring that returning boards bave no judicial functions. The apparen: certainty that the Board will refuse to commence the canvass, as requested, but will postpone it tll it WHil be too late for the democrats to secure a fall hesring, bas put them te looking tuto the authority ucder which the board is acting. It is quite probable that proceedings will be commenced promptiy to see it the board cannot be forced to commence canvassing, or whether it canuot be restramed by injunction from exercising any judicial functions at all.” Congressmen Thornburgh, of Tennossee; Goneral F. C. Barlow, of New York; Samuel G. Thompson and G, W. Gutlive, of Pennsyivania, have arrived bere. A iarge wumber of private citizens from the North are here studiously observing the ran of afairs, DESPATCH FROM GENERAL BARLOW. TAaLiamasseR, Nov. 17, 1 To rug Eviron of tan HenaLp:— 1 bave only been here since four o'clock, and have not gotatasingle return. I can’tgiveany figures and have not yet formed an opinion. When | make up my own mind I am perfectly wiliing to state it frankly. I am certain that our own poopie in good faith believe that Hayes bas carried the State. 1 can state no more now. FRANCIS C. BARLOW. A BEVIEW OF THE POLITICS AND POLITICIANS OF THE STATE—THE LAWS AND THEIR AD- MINISTRATION — POLITICAL MORALS — THE ELECTION oF 1872—FacTs, FIGURES AND HISTORY—THE NEGRO VOTE—NOW IN- CREASED—ALLEGED ¥YRAUDS—THE Late BLECTIONS—-PRACTICES AND PLAXS OF BOIR PARTIES COMPARED. Jacksoxvittr, Nov. 14, 187 In order that your readers may fully comprehend the situation in this St Iwill go back a little and give them a few facts necessary to be koown in order to arrive at a truthful comprehension ef the political status of Florida, now causing so much anxiety throughout the country. Florida isa sparsely settled State, particularly tn the weet and south. In these two sections the people are almost entirely white apd Southern in birth and feeling. Many of them, “how- were, during tho war, deeply atwwched to the cause of the Union, and were loth to enter the Confed- erate servico, into which all able bodied men subject to military duty were compolled to go, either willingly or unwillingly. This caused alienation uf feeling m many instances, and as these people neither approved of the measures of the Confederacy nor the steps taken by the Unied States to secure is deteat, nor after the war @ settlement of the issues Involved, they have been very w path: regard. ing political affairs, It has hitherto been impossibie to prevail upon them to register and vote. They would nm Jor carpet-bagzers and they did not care to vote for those democrats who had been actively en- gaged in tho war. They were simply indifferent, Un- der these circumstances the republicans have been able with the legitimate vote, backed by the necessary With all the de- | frauds in those counties densely populated with treed. men, to overcome the democratic majorities of the white countics. A REVIEW, ‘There are thirty-nine counties in the State, of these twenty-nine bave almost exclusively a white popula- Mion, cight are overwhelmingly colored and two very nearly equally divided between the two races, With the negro vote in these ten counties the fow white re- publican leaders have been able, with the ald of fraud, to overcome the white majorities of the other twenty- Bine counties, It isa notorious fact that in almost every election since 1868 the democrats here had an houest majority, but have been invariably counted out Aud to facilitate this fraudulent counting the election laws of this State seem to have been framed. But, bad ag the law is, 1ts adiminisiration bas been influitely worse, Under the law the Board of County Cauvassers: consists of the County Judge, the Clerk of the Circuit Courtand any justice of the peace upon whom the County Judge and Clerk can unite, These positions are, with a few honorable exceptions, filled by bitter partisans. That elevated seuse of judicial honor aud fairness which the Northern people expect to sce in their jrdges frequently gives place here to the lower morals and habits of the partisan politician, This be- tng 80, 1t has invariably happened that enough oflicial Gishonesty has come to the surface in each election to give the election Lo the republicans, though fairly won by the democrats. AS an instance, we state the fact that in 1872, when the majority i the Senate und Assembly hanged upon the resuit iu Columbia county, the most shauiel frauds were perpetrated tbere, The Cousty Judge, unwilling todo the dirty work expected of him, lett tho State to avoid canvassing the vole. The Vlerk ot the court, himself arepublican, with the Sherif, who, in the absence of the County Judge, is, by la supply bis place, met to canvass the yore. The Clerk of (ue court, having precedence, nominated a respect+ able and houorable genticman, Who was a justice of the peace, as the other member ef the Canvassing Board; to this appomiment the Sherif would not Wer partisan and altogether unreliable, should bo chosen. The clerk demurred, but offer tak other justice in the entire county; to this thé 5 would not consent, and an adjournment was had to a ofthe same day, During this inter Of the peaco im the whole county wax prompily re- moved by telegram except the one chosen by the Sheriff toact with him, Under these etreumstances the Clerk refused to proceed with the cauvass, and for this re- fusal was arrested by the United States authoritice, but subsequentiy discharged, ‘The Sheriff and the said justice proceeded to canvass the votes, They counved Ube fraudulent and illegal ballots cast, and declared the republican candidates elected, When the State Board, consisting of the Comptroller, Secretary of State and Atsorney General, met to make a tual canvass the acts were presented to them ina legal manner, but they refused redress against these frauds, aud counted the illegal and fraudulent votes, tne Attorney General, we believe, dissenting, THESE IDENTICAL FRAUDS were those exposed iu the Congressional investigation in the case of Walls (rep.) vs. Finley (dem), the latter of whom, by tho rejection of these fraudulent votes, obta.ned his scat, At a previous election Hon. 5. 1. Niblack, Congressman clect, was in a simular manner counted out and afterward obtained his seat through the expogure of the frauds belore a repub- Mean House of Represenwuves, At tho sume viec. tion W. D, Bloxham (dem.), caudidate for Lieutenan Governor, Was similarly counted out and alterward’ through the exposure of frauds, obtained tho? office to which he was elected through a decisiou of the State Supreme Court, two of the judges being re- publicans. I state these tacts, which’ are now matters of%istory, thatthe people of the North may realize the danger which menaces us 48 a {reo people Samuel J. Tildea, in the opinion of your correspondent, kas fairly and houestly won victory in this State, and the very men who were the prominent and main act- ora it the untair and fraudulent action detailed above to examine and declare the result of the vote ate as cast on the 7th of November last. They are republicans and partisans, and, judging their future by their past what are we to expect THE LATE RLECTION, As to the present cont it has been active and bit- ter beyond precedent. The republicans bere relied mainly on increasing their vote in the negro countics and boldigg the be,rces iaithtal to their party where they were im the minority. The first they have accom- plished, largely tocreasing their vote in ait the negro countios save two This was effected largely by repeating, »y voting minors, by bringing from te jail of the countics those contined therein ana voling ikem, aud, rumor says, voting Women in male ature, which last coul been easily done when each great crowds of col people tere voting 1m solid phalanx, The democ reulzing Crom the first the onerous nature of the cans vass and the difficulties to be overcome, iaid their plans with consummate shill, In the first place, they put in nomination a State ticket unexcepuonable in every re- spect, not only to Southern people, but to those North- ern people who have recently made our benutiful Staig their bome. They then instituted a plan of thorough organization, which has ramified the whole State and is pertect in ity details; tt grasped tne Individual voter ip every quarter of thu State, and brought ail ap to the work at the decisive moment. It also orguuized a sys. tem of challengers and adopted other measures nec tary for detecting and exposing fraudulent and ihe; voting of every kiua. ‘*Register and vote” was the democratic watchword from the beginning of the cam- paigo. Again, one of the main duties enforced (hrough- out their ranks was submission to lawiul author- uy and the necessity of avoiding all collision, And this latter fact’ will explain, in some measure, why it Was that Southern men, hot blooded ag they are, could brook unheard-of insults at the bands of negroes on the day of clectiou. "ho pohtey of the republicans during the campaign was to wave the bloody stirt, while that of the demucrats was to plead for conciiation and fraternity. As a result, the democrats have won # victory. Contribut- tug o this result was tatly the mereased white vote resulting from tiuudreds who had not voted since the war coming to the polis on the day of elzetion and voting. Their vote was swelled by ujarge number of independent Northern republican citizens who united with them, a8 also a considerable colored voto in every county. HOW THE RETURNS Came 1x, Returns from the republican countics game tn first, they Ueing uearer to railroad and telegraph communi- cation, With the incr pajorities Wich these re turns showed the republicans were confident of vic- tory. They sent the story ot their triumpl in every Girection dashing over the wires, the democrats, in the meantime. remaining confident, because they knew their strength, and the returns as they came tn Justitied thelr expectations of large gains iu the white counties aud the reduction of majorities in a few re- publican counties, White the republicans wero thus confident ana happy their journals congratulated the people upon the quiet and orderly election. we Sentinel, their leading gan at the cupital, 1u its issue of the 11th, says that 1 was the most quiet election ever told in Florida, and congratulates the people that violence of every kind and bioodshed was pravented by the law abiding and quiet demeanor of both partios. But as #00n as it be- came evident that the victory was with the democrats the republican press began to cry out against demo- cratic fraud and violence, and their leaders fashod neross the wires tales of Ku-Kluxing returns, &e, ke Emissaries were sentin uli directions wiih instruc. tions, and as @ consequence fraud began to devolop itself, AN ILLUSTRATION, In Alachua county, with a heavy colored majority, throuut the influence of leading men, aided by Menard, tue colored poet of Florida, who was an independent candidate for Congress, the republican mayorty was cut down to 479% Senator Dennis, who hus always Deen an active developer when uiajorittes are needed, and who may bo sad with truth to contro: all the viticers of that county, pers stently claimed S8u0 majority, though the preciuet returns stowed a majority of oniy about 479, The canvass of the Votes was made in that county on yesterday. Toat fraud was comuitted will be made apparent irom tue following telegrams, published in this morning's Press—ono from an ex-circuit judge of abtinty, miu. ence and integrity, tho other trom an injelligent and highly honorable lawyer, the son of Geveral Finley, tember of Congress trom this district Gainsvinte, Alachura County, Pia, Hon. J.J Dasuxt, Chairman, &e. — Returnssent up frou Archer precinct (9 535 votes polied— WW, 13, 1976, 2) claiming republican and 136 democratic. Two. bystanders make siidavit that the tae proven . ¥. FINLEY. These telegrams need no comment. The facts they set forth show plainly that premeditated frauds wero practised, NO ADMITTANCE. In one instance, at Pulatka, the United States Super- visor Was retused admittance to the room where the polls were opened, though he exhibited his commission and demanded to be admitted. The refusal was mado by a Deputy United States marshal and a State mana- ger of elections, INDIVIDUAL CASKS OF ILLEGAL VOTING can be shown by the hundred. Penitentiary convicts unpardoned, boys of non-age, aud non-residents by the scure, and mustly neyroes, were allowed to vote in almost every section of the State, a majority of the mapdagers being in every case repybiican, In one county (Manatee) the Clerk of the Court pretended to have resigned, depriving the peop'e thereby of the op- portunity of registration, Governor Stearn was ap pealed to to appoint a successor, but this he failed to do, The former clerk, however, conseuted, at the eleventh hour, to serve the people and register them, This morning the Union, the republican organ of wis city, intimates that the voie of thiy county, which ave nearly 400 democratic majority, will be rejectod y the State Board. TROOPS HAVE ARRIVED capil, and, notwithstanding President Granv’s noble words to General Sherman, the people fear slat justice will not be done. They tear the PARTISAN INFLUENCE of Secretary Chandicr, chairman of the Republican National Executive Gommitiee, and wel: they may, if there 1s any truth in the following telegram which bas bished :-— pepe Wasu:xorox, D. C., Nov, 8 1873, seorvie must be made repiblieas, Troops aad mone hg A aiemcui yd Tunderstand that the operator in Tallatasseo has teen a because of the publication of this telegram. If it Was not sent there was nu ground for the dis charge of the operator, for he could not have divulged A inesnize Which never parsed Over ine wires; Il, ate , and demanded that another justice of the peace, | ot whom would dare risk thoir reputations as lawyers H ‘the coutrary, the mersage was sept. it should open the | eves of the American peopie aud cause them to trem. | Die for the safety of coustitutional liberty. WHAT THE DEMOCKATS REQUIRE. All that the democratic leaders in this Siate demand | is perfect fairness in the count. They onty desire the | people as legally expressed at the ballot and (hey took to the Haxach with the he country, whose voice 18 more potent | ‘of tederal power, wud betore mad designs of the politicians will go down eds snapped by the storia, to demand ard seo that justice be done, HB. MeCALLUSL LOUISIANA, EFFECT OF DESPATCHES FROM SOUTH CARO- LINA—DISCOVERY OF DEFECTIVE REPUB- LICAN VOTES FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS—- DEMOCRATIC REPLY TO THE RUPUBLICAN DECLINATION TO CO-OPERATE IN PROCURING AN HONEST COUNT OF THE VOTES. (B¥ TELEGRAPH TO THR HERALD.) New On.xaxe, Nov. 16, 1970 The democrats bave been very active to-day procur- ing affidavits and other evidence from Ouachita, aud the Fehcianas, testitying to the perfect quiet with which the election was conducted, In this they have been i very succeasiul, several republican officials testiiying in their favor. James E, Anderson, Kellogg's State Supervisor of East Feliciana, and United States Custom House officer, says that the election was peaceably and fairly con- ducted. Ho says that the large democratic gains made thero were legitimate, and that he signed tho returns to that effect, because they were true, The negroes were not molested anywhere in balloting, aud numbers of them Yo showing that th men from the poils, THK SOUTH CAROLANA COURT DECISION, The reception of a despatch trom Columbia, 8. C., giving the decision of the Supreme Court, has created u great sonsation, tis regarded not only by the vis- itors, but by the people here, as virtually «ettling the question of the Presidency, and It is thought that the Returning Board's contemplated action will be para- lyzed, Republicans claim that thia decision will only | Tesalt in the election of Hampton, Tho vote being so close, they are awaiting further advices very anxiously. Governor Curtin and Hon. Samuel J. Randall are of the opinion that this decision, being that of a court of last resort, must cantrol the action of the boards in all three States, and that whatever may be the result in South Caroling It defines the duties of the Board here ag purely clerical, in which caso MR, TILDEN’S SUCCESS IS ASSURKD, On the other han nator Sherman says:—‘Tbe decision cau ouly apply to State officers, and has no weight whatever on the pational question, Tho de- cision greatly ; STRENGTHENS THR REPUBLICAN CASK. "? Governor Noyes says that “‘the returns show Hay: to have run 1,600 ahead ot bis ticket, and be cons quently carries tho State, The decision does not bear on the electoral vote. There is nothing in it to alarm.’* ‘The general impression among others varies in ac- cordance with thesd adverse opinions. Senator McDonald 18 not yet perfectly satisfied about the vote of South Carolina, but it the news received to- night 18 correct, Mr. Tilden is undoubtedly elected, But even in that event tho Louisiana question MUST BE SETTLED, and a very strong committee would still be left here to conduct the case, He represented these opinions as indorsed by all the democratic visitors here, They all united tn the opinion that it was of as great and immi- nent Importance as the national issue. DEFECTIVE ELRCTORAL VOTES, Govornor Curtin has just informed your correspond, ent that among tho official returns received by the Returning Board are those of five paris! in which no intimidation is alleged or charged, in which, by a mis- take of the local radical politicians, onty the namo of the two electors at large and the one forthe district appear upon the ticket, thus leaving the balance of the republican electors running bebind the ticket some 1,900 votes. 4 STUPID L088 OF THREE THOUSAND VOTES, Ali these parishes are republican by a large majority, and itis known that other similar errors exist which will increase the discropancy to nearly 3,000 votes. This seoures the State undoubtedly fur Tilden, the Re- turning Board to the contrary notwithstanding. Some three days ago we knew that some great blus- der bad been committed. Violent altercations were heard in the Marspal's office and Custom Mous>, but tho secret was foundto be impenetrable, 1t was, bo doubt, the discovery above alluded to, [he parishes in which the defective republican ticket was voted aro Concordia, West Baton Rouge, lberville, Iberia and Saint Martin, {ts generally rumored that tho repub- licans are consulting upon the possibility of placing the defective names in the Electoral College by substi- tutes, but on no positive authority. HOW TO REMEDY THE OMISSION, Prominent republicans now admit the discrepancy in the electoral vote, but claim that the names of tho Hayes and Wheeier State electora being upon tho Ucket Is prima facie lence of the voters’ intent, and they mast be counted accordingly. It ts said, and on good authority, that the Supreme Court of the State will deliver an opinion in contormity with these views before tho vote is counted. Chief Justice Ludeiing is tn the city, and probiébly camo hero for that purpose. THR PROPOSITION SCOUTED 48 ABSURD. Hon, George W. Julian and Governor Curtin whon apprised of this tutention dented tho right of upy such decision to control the action of the Board, and said that no names can be counted in an election except those voted for; that any attempt to do so would rouso a feeling of indignation that would startle the country. When asked how they aad their confréres would act, tn case such attempt was nevertheless made, they concurred jn saying = th they would appeal | to the raidical statesmen present, not one THK REPCBIICAN TICKET, was nothing to koep the colored and statesmen by indorsing such an enormity; that these gentlemen are honest, fair minded men, although republicans, aud would never, under any circum. stances, indorse heresy at onco so absurd and so fraught with danger to our institutions Senators Trumbuil and McDonald laughed at the idea, and said such a nption would be never enter. tained outside of Louisiana. Other distinguished vis- ttors upon the democratic side speak in the same in- credulous terins of the proposition. WAITING TO LEARN THK PACTS. Senator Sherman, when spoken tv upon tho subject, said he would not like Co give @ basty opinion upor so important a point, but bis opinion now was that the people elect the electors, and aot Hayes aud Whee! Names of electors not upon a ticket could not bo counted. Asyethe had heard nothing of the caso oceurring here. HESITATION AMONG REPUBLICAN LEADERS, Governor Noyes, Mr. Ditty anda number of other republicans al] refused to give an opinion on the sub- ject. They did not think it was in the purview of their duty, All these gemtiemen, with Cumback, Sherman and Governor Warmoth, were im earnest conversation over the preparation of a reply to the democratic letter. All exhibited signs of excitement, particularly Goveruor Noyes, and a deep auxiety was expressed to hear further trom South Carolina GROWING EXCITEMENT AND ANSIETY, The excitement in the rotunda of the St. Charles Ho- tel exceeds that of uny other night during the cam. paign, Nearly all the prominent local men of both parties are present, Amoug them ore Ge Georgo A. Sheridan, who gave it as bis opinion that if the news from South Carolina gives @ democratic victory the Returning Board here will certainly count in Til- den and Nicholls, Mr, Wells, of the Returning Board, has just ad- dressed a letter to Senator Trumbull and others, pro- viding tor a committee of five of each party to be present during counting of the vote. AVFIDAVITS ON MOTH SIDES, The Democratic Committee have received several hondred affidavits from negroes and some from repuo- ican officials in Ouachita and ‘*Ball-dozed" pariahos, showing that there was a peaceable and quiet elec- tion, and siso showing intimidation of negroes who desited to vote the democratic ticket but did not do so for fear of violence from republicans of their own color, The republicans have counter affidavits which in y cases show violenco and intiuidation where tne democrats bave sworn nothing of the kind ex. isted, COMMITTERS TO WITNESS THR CovyT, It is stated to-night on good authority that the Re- turning Board, when it meets to-morrow, will reply to the application of the Democratic Committee. allow. ‘ng Ove members from each party to be present during the canvassing of the recurns. BUSINESS AT A STANDSTILL Business continues extremely dull, with mo prospect of improvement until the present political dispute is adjusted aud the election of President sevtled, INELIGIBLE ELECTORS, The Evening Democrat says that twoof the repub- ican electors in Louisiana held offices of profit and (rust under the United States atthe time they wero Yoted for, and are, therefore, ineligible, 0, AL Brewsier was United States Surveyor Geverai for Lout- #iana, and official documents signed by him during the canvass are in existence. The day alter the election he sent on his resignation, and, itis believed, apte- dated it to remove his ineligibility. Judge A. B. Lavisec, another republicaa elector, is, we are informed, a United States Commissioper—an office of profit and trust; aud he ia, therefore, tneli- gibie. THK DEMOCRATIC REPLY TO THK REPUBLICANS. The following reply of the democrats to the republi- can letter has been delivered and published thie even- ing:— Te tke Hoxs, Jouy Suerway, Staxuay Martunws, J, A. Ganvixtp, W, D. Ketiny, Jous s. Kas: Sroventes, C, lavine Durry, J. ‘k Hate, M.S. Quay, W. ves, J. E. StRvENSoN, Jomy Concuy, ck, Joux M, Terris, cGrew, J. A, Car. wax, W. RK. Sain, Auer Tartor, 8. R. Havey, J. M. Bearpsuey, C. B, FakwekLt, CouRTLaNDT PaxkER, Stoyxy Crank axp J. C. Hinsox i GextLymay—We are in receipt of your answer to our letter of the Lith inst, in which you infurm us of your determination not to conter with us for the purpose of exerting such influence as we may possess in behalf of such & canvass of the votes actually cast atthe election in Louisiana as, and impurtiaiity, shall command thi respect of all parties. We sincere! of Our attempt to secure the co-operation of the citi- zens from other Northern States in furtherance of the purpose which, us we supposed, bad brought them hither at this juncture, We regret it all the more be- cause your reiusul to confer and co-operate with ns Appears to be based upon a serious misapprehension of the language, no less than the spirit of our com- munication, It can bardly have escaped your notice hat our statement of tue result to be attained by the co-operative action which we sought to bring about by its fairness quiescence and regret this failure was a stmple reproduction of the language of President Grant (at whose request, we un- dorstund, you came —_here,) in his recent ordef to General Sherman. ‘That language was doliverately used uo doubt in view of the tact—about which, as We conceive, there can be po dispute—that the first and most essential prerequisite to un honeat d just declaration of the result of the recent election in Louisiana tsa fatr and impartial canvass of the votes actually cast, and it scems to us that you do the Presi- dent great injustice tn supposing thai im speaking of the votes actually cast he meant to in- clude votes illegally, as you certainly do us Injustice by = the imputation of a desire to jnsist upon such a narrow and vicious inter. pretation. In our judgment the expression ‘votes actualy cast’ of necessity designates votes legally nd as aconsequence of such votes only did we to secure & fair and impartial canvass. We beg leave to say, therefore, that you are mistaken ip tho beliof that wo sought unduly to narrow the basis on which we invited your co-operative action, and you are no less in error in atinbeting to us @ pur- pose to interiere with the legal anthorities of the State im the discharge of their duties, to claim rights and to arrogate to our- selves powers which we do not possess. In writing our latter we were fully aware that both the organiza- tion and action, whether judictal or ministerial, of the Returning Board of Louisiana were beyoud any au- thoritative control from without, and that it would be tho height of arrogance and folly to attempt to alter the laws of a State uf which we are not citizens, or to obtrude our interpretation of these laws upor those whose duty it 1s to administer them; but we had sup- posed, nevertheless, that there was an intineace which might be rightfully exerted by citizens of this republic who are strangers in this State, und we bad taken it for granted that your presence here 1 response to the Suggestion of the Fresitent was a recognition of this fuct, We had supposed that tt was not improper tor us to remind the authorities of this State by our mere presence, ut least, that there are certu:n rules of fair- ness and justice which underlie all constitutions and Jaws, apd upon whose observance must depend the ac- quiescence of the people of all pueties in tho declared result of the Louisiana election, Rules such as these:—That no one ought to be judge in bis own caso; that tho decision of any contest ought not to depend upon the mere arbitrament of one of she parties thereto; thut before such a decision is made both parties oaght to be fully and fairly hoard, all questions of law ought to bo decided in contormity with {8 established gencral principles, and all questions of fact upon evidence duly presented and weighed under the rules, which aro of ‘upiversal recognition in all the States of this Union; that the trial of all causes, involving public interests at least, oughs to be public, and that all the procced- ings resorted to for the purpose of determiming the issues in the present electoral contest ought, by their ‘manitest impartiality, to disarm tho suspicion that the forms ot !aw have been perverted into instruments for the violation of its spirit, In this connection we may be permitted to observo that, while undoubtedly, as you say, @ sedulous cultivation ef the habits of obe- rence to the forms of law is vital to the preservation of constitutional liberty, it 1s no Jess important that a refusal to yield such obedience be not provoked by using these forms ag a means for subverting the very ends for which they wero designed, ithout undertaking to question the sincerity of the belief, which you are ut pains to express, that you know of no reaxon to doubt that the Louisiana Retur: ing Board will make a perfectly honest and just decta- ration of the results of the recent election in Lous. jana, we deem it pot improper to remind you that the presence .n this city of so many citizens trom all paris ‘of tho Union at this moment seeins to ve evidence of a widely prevalent distrust of the action of this Board, and that such distrust bas tho foundation at least that the constitution of the Bourd has not been changed since ity returns were set aside by a Congressional committee, of which tho republican candidate tor the Vice Presidency was a member, and this distrust is not unnatural, in view of tue fuct that, as we unde: and, one of the members of the Returning Board 18 a candidate voted for at the recent election, another the holder of an office of profit and trust by’ appoint. ment of the present Executive of the national goverm mont, while wil the members of the Board ure believed to be in affiliation with but one of the parties to the resent political coniest. In view of all this it ts Raraly necessary to add that the terms of our ietter wero not designed to prejudge the question whether the functions of the Returning Board were judicial, or ministerial or both ; but simply to invite to bee with us that, whatever may be the character of those func- tions, they arc openty and fairly and honestly dis- chargod, and, while we thus refrained from any at- tempt at stating or construing tho laws of Louisiana we deemed it equalily irrelevant to the subject 0: our correspondence with you to allude to the duties de- volving upon officers other than the constituents of the Loursiana Returning Board, under the laws and constitution of the United States, Whether, as you observe, by way of illustration, under the constitution the President of the Senate both counts and declares the votes of the electors of the several States, his duty being simply mumisterial, and not ‘sub- ject to the control of Congress, or whotber, af bas been the practice for more than eighty years—a practice maugurated by meu somo ef whom had been among the tramers of the constitution—th Votes are to be covnted under the direction trol of the Seuate and House of Ropresentat; qQuestiva Upon the discussion of which we deem it no part of our duty to enter. In conclusion pormit us to say that, notwithstand. ing your refusal to co-operate, we still cherish tho hope that tho Returning Board, warned by the history of the past and conscious that its actions are veing observed by the whole nation, will discharge its deheate duties with such circumspection, fairnesa and impartiality as will give satistaction to the American people. To this end we will continue to labor, Should a different result follow the action of the Bourd we shall lave the satis- faction of knowing that, while you have taken the responsibility of dechning (o act with us, we have done all in our power to avert the consequences Which may follow. Very respectfully, TRUMBULL and W. R. JOHN M. PALMER, LYMAN MORRISON, of Linors, NDALL, A. G. CURTIN and WILLIAM LD, G. W, JULIAN, ML D, MANSON of Indiana, i ‘, J. W. STEVENSON and H, D, ¢ ve OSWALD OFTENDORFER ana F, R, COUDERT, of New York. J. B, STALLO and P, H, WATSON, of Ohio. V. BOGY, JAMES 0. BROADHEAD and ©, GIB- SON, of Missourl. JOHN LEK CARROLL and W. F, HAMILTON, of Marylung. W. ¥, SUMNER, of Connecticut, it SOUTH CAROLINA, MEETING OF THE SUPREME COURT AND ITS ORDER REGARDING THE POWERS ,oF THE BOARD OF CAXVASSERS—THE COUNT TO PRO- CRED FOR THE INPORMATION OF THE COURT—DECISION® RESERVED ON THE QUES- TION OF RIVAL CLAIMS--DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS PRESENT—REPUBLICAN ERRORS AND DEMOCRATIC PROTESTS. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Coneunta, Nov. 17, 1876 The Board of State Canvassers met this morning and adopted a resolution to the effect that the Board will BOW proceed to make up the statement of vetes given at the last general election for electors of President and Vice Presideut of the Uuited States and other offi- cers, and that during the canvassing of the roturns from the several counties persons from the democsatic and republican parties be invited to attend the same. ACTION OF THE SUPREME COUKT. Soon after the adoption of this resolution the Su- preme Court met and counsel for the democratic can- divates informod the Conrt of the nction of the Board. Some consultation thea ensued, and at the suggestion of the Chief Justice the following crier was prepared; and issued:— The State of South Carolina, The State ex rei R, M. Sims et al vs, HB, Hayne et al—it tt ordered in the above entitled case that th Board of Stato Canvassers do forthwith proceet to sggregal the statements furnished te tnem by the Boards of County Canvassers and ascertain the persons who have received the greatest number of votes for the oflees for which they were cundidates respectively at the gen- eral election held im the State on tbe 17th inst and cortily their action in the premises undo: this order to the court, This order to apply to all off. cers voted for at said general election, except the office ot Governor and Lieutenant Governor, which are nos in question by the pleading, (Signed) F. J. MOSES, Chief Justice. 4 COLORED JUDGE DISHRNTS, To this order Associate Justice Wright (colored) dis sented in so far as it required the Board of State Can- vassers to certity their action in the premises to the court. 4 REPUBLICAY CANDIDATE'S OPINION. R. B. Eliott (colored), republican candidate for At- torncy Gencral and counse! for the Board, was asked by the Chief Justice if he bad any suggestions to make. He replied that he bad not, that the order of the Court was inter. mediate and auxiliary, and he would say nothing to it, THE MEANING OF THR ORDER, This order was issued merely to factlitate the count. ing of the Votes and to savo time. Meantime the ques- tion of prohibiting the Board from hearing protests and contests is held under advisement, The order re- tains the matter in the court until decision is made and does not indicate that the Court has taken upon itself the judicial functions of bearing and deciding protests and contests claimed by the Board. WHAT THR PEOPLE THINK. The construction put upon it bere is that it allows the Board to proceed with the can- vass of the returns and restrains it from acting otherwise than in a strictly ministerial capacity, and that tho order to certify the canvass of the returns to the court is to hold the Board in check until ita powers and duties are defined. ‘The court adjourned, ACTION OF THE ROARD OF CANVASSERS, In accordance with their resolution the Board of Can vassors met atone o'clock P, M. and agreed to admit eight persons of each of tho parties to witness the count, PARTY RECGESKENTATION AT THB COUN™. Tho democrats were principally represented by counsel and two clerks. Senator Gordon was also present. The republicans were represented by Jus- tice Cartter, of the District of Columbia, and a few local politicians, among them C. C, Bowen, Sheriff of Charleston, ex-Congressmau Elliott, colored candidate for Attorney General, WHERE THE BOARD MET, ‘The sossion was held in the office of the Secretary 0! State, and the doors were locked. THE PRESS RXCLUDED. Repeated applications by mcmbers of the press fa admittance were refused, No outsiders had any idea of what was transpiring on the other side of two locked and voltea doors. PROTEST BY 1H MERALD CORRESPONDENT, Your correspondent presented himself and demanded admission as the representative of the Herat, and was also refused admittance, I then addressed @ note to one of the counsel, who was present, asking him to present my protest to the Board against the exclusion of the press while so vital a matter as a canvass of the vote of the State for President was being made, claim- ing the right to inspect the records of the office and to have access to it during the transaction of public busi- ness, This was read te the Board, and the Secretary of State at once perceived the error and stated that the press would be admittecd. THE BECREP BERSION, ‘This was about seven P. M., andthe Board had then been in secret session for soveral hours, What trans- pired during that time is known only to those wha were present, ‘The proceedings were, to say the least of. It, very irregular, THE METNOD OF COUNTING. The method adopted by the Board is to group the returns of the respective county boards and to verify these by reference to the returns made by the precinct managers to the County Boara. PROGRESS OF THE COUNT. Tho counties of Abbeville, Aiken, Anderson, Barn well and Beaufort have been canvussed thus far. ERRORS DISCOVERED, The canvass has already developed several irrogue larities, chiefly in boxes giving republican majorities. The County Board of Abbeville included in their ree turn the box of ninety-six precincts, which contains + 400’ republcan votes and none democratic, The pro- cinct return was signed by only one of the three managers, A DEMOCRATIC PROTEST. The democrats protest against the admission of this box, because two managers failed to appear on the day of election and the polls were not opened at the proper time. FAILURE TO OPEN THR POLLS. The democrats, after waiting several hours, went elsewhero to vote. The manager present opened the polls at noon, and 400 republican votes wore returned from this precinct, The State Board noted the protest, but included the vote. The same discussion was had over the re- turns from Barnwell county, which gave a democratic majority of 1,200, QUKER DOINGS ON ELECTION DAY. It appears that on the day of election some persow fired a shot from a distance imto a hous¢ at Robbins whero the polis were held The managers stampeded, taking tho ballet box with them, and all parties present went to a neighboring . Precinct ana voted there. ANOTHER DISPUTED RETURY. After the County Board met and canvassed the re- turns and forwarded them to the Secrotary of State « supplemental return was offered, giving a repub- lican «majority of 1,317 from the Robbing precinct. This return ts irregular in every way and bears unmistakable marks of fraud. It did not pam through the County Board, but was prescnted by th dofeatod republican candidate for Senator, C. P. Les ito, a notoriously corrupt politician, EQUAL TO THB OCCASION, ’ The story goes that after tho managers were pul to flight Lesite manufactured a box which he took ito the woods, amd then deposited 1,317 re publican votes, not one being democratic, The democrats allege that nothing was heard of tho existence of this box until ive days atter the election when it was so announced that Hampton's majority was 1,300, EXIT LRSLIB, The coincidence is rather startling, In the mean timo Leslio has decamped bag and baggage, and constable or two with) =(Ware ronts im their pockets issued on charges of bribery our election commissioners are keeping weary watch for his return. Tho return from Robbing was received by the Board as information, and the count went on without including it, THR REPORT PROM BKAUFORT COUNTY, On reaching Beaufort county other irregularities were discussed. This sea coast county ga’ republk can majority of 5,200 in a vote, 3,000 in excess of any ever before polled. ‘THE ELECTORS IGNORED. At one precinét the returns arc made for Hayes and* for Tilden, while the electors’ names are entirely omitted. This precinct gives Hayes 400 majorit CONTRARY TO LAW, The State law designaics certain places in cach , county at which polls are to be opene and pone other, A republican majority of ovei 600 is reported from a poll at Shek don, in Beaufort county, which is not co wuthorized precinct, The democrats protested again: the admission of these two precincts, aud the excep- tion was noted, It will be soon that all the irregular- ities thus far reported occurred at republican Precincts, Tho reason for this isthatthe democrat, | took pecultar precaution to obey most minutely the ¢ requirements of the law when they bad majorities, whilo the republican managers were eithor carelesg or ignorant, and conducted the election loosely, where the democrats found it Inexpedicns to assiat them im ulerproting the law, ADJOURXMENT OF THE BOARD. ‘The Board of Canvassers adjourned at half-past