The Joint Committee of the American Congress has reported in
favour of a compromise which it is believed both Houses and the country will accept. The members advise that both Houses shall meet on the second Wednesday in February, when the counting shall be performed openly by the Vice-President. No electoral vote to which exception is taken shall be counted except on the joint vote of both Houses—that is, we imagine, a challenged vote, unless affirmed by Commas, is to drop altogether. To meet the case of double returns, a Commission of five Senators, five Repre- sentatives, and five Justices is to investigate and decide finally, unless the Houses both agree in rejecting its decision. That is a very clever plan, because it leaves ultimate power with Con- gress, avoids a dead-lock between the Houses, yet submits the most doubtful question to a just tribunal. One remaining diffi- culty is time. The whole business must be over by the 4th of March, and six weeks is a short time for the Commission's investigations.
