together."

Mr. Hill was soon surrounded by an eager, excited, and interested group
of anxious Democratic members. "We are now ready," said his delighted
colleague, whose face was covered with a smile of satisfaction, "to hear
the good news."

"Well," replied Mr. Hill, whose manner was grave and whose countenance
gave every evidence of deep emotion, "whenever a motion to adjourn is
made by a Democratic member of the commission we can safely depend upon
the vote of Mr. Justice Bradley being cast in the affirmative."

The heads of the anxious group immediately fell in deep disappointment
and despair. But, of course, they did not fail to see the irony of Mr.
Hill's remark. It did transpire that whenever a motion to adjourn was
made by a Democratic member of the commission it was usually carried by
a vote of eight to seven,--Mr. Justice Bradley voting in the affirmative
with the Democrats. On no other question, however, could they depend on
his vote.

The decision of the Electoral Commission was finally rendered in favor
of Mr. Hayes by a strict party vote,--eight to seven. Strong and bitter
opposition to the approval of the decision was made in the House by
quite a number of northern Democrats, but the majority of southern
Democrats, aided by such northern Democrats as represented districts
having large commercial interests,--interests that are at all times
willing to pay any price for peace,--accepted the decision, and Mr.
Hayes was allowed to be peacefully inaugurated.

CHAPTER XVIII

ATTITUDE OF THE HAYES ADMINISTRATION TOWARD THE SOUTH

The new administration had been in power only a short while before it
became apparent to southern Republicans that they had very little to
expect from this administration. It was generally understood that a
southern man would be made Postmaster General in the new cabinet, but it
was assumed, of course, by those, at least, who were not fully informed
about the secret deals and bargains that had been entered into as a
condition precedent to a peaceable inauguration of the new
administration,--that he would be a Republican.

Senator Alcorn, of my own State, Mississippi, who had just retired from
the Senate, had an ambition to occupy that position. I was one to whom
that fact was made known. I did not hesitate to use what little
influence I had to have that ambition gratified. I was so earnest and
persistent in pressing his claims and merits upon those who were known
to b