The Electoral Tribunal at Washington has decided that it cannot
"go behind the returns" sent up from the different States, and has therefore accepted the votes thrown by Louisiana and Florida for Mr. Hayes. This would seat Mr. Hayes, but that one electoral vote from Oregon is still doubtful. As hitherto described, this case would appear to be covered by the decision, and the vote must be accepted, the governor, as returning-officer, having formally, though illegally, displaced a Republican in order to return a Democrat. It appears to be understood, however, in the States that the Tribunal will, on some ground not yet specified, turn its back on itself, and reject the disputed Oregon vote, thereby seating the Republican candidate, who is already saluted as the future President. The Democrats have still the power, by moving incessant adjournments, of postponing the decision beyond March 4, in which case, under a very old and hitherto unused statute, Mr. Ferry, as President of the Senate, would become President for twelve months, and then there would
be a. new election. The extreme Democrats advise this course, but their leaders for many reasons, some of which we have endea- Toured to state elsewhere, counsel moderation and submission to the law. The counsel is generally obeyed, and indeed there are signs that the Democrats are alarmed at the excitement to which the dispute has given rise.
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