"It refers the whole question to Congress, and if, upon a review of the facts in the case, if it should decide there has been no election and the two Houses _can't agree that there has been_, whether the disagreement is real or feigned, then _the House_ must _choose the President_ and the Senate the Vice-President. "If you will carefully consider the amendment, with the history of the question of electing the President in the Madison papers, you will, I think, agree with me that Congress is empowered with power similar to the omnipotence of Parliament in the premises considered. "When I remember the House is Democratic I rejoice greatly at the fact, and esteem it most fortunate for the whole country, for your election is certain. "Although, sir, a very stranger to you, I am, nevertheless, a lover of my whole country--desire peace and the prevalence of law and order, and the perpetuation of constitutional liberty. And with the hope, possibly, of exciting in your mind a new and perhaps valuable train of thought upon the subject, I have ventured to write. "If you find anything worthy of your consideration I shall be gratified to know. "With the greatest respect and prayers for the prolongation of your life, I am, "Your obt. Servt., "H. A. POPE." W. C. P. BRECKENRIDGE TO G. W. MORGAN "LEXINGTON, KY., _Jan. 13th, 1877_. "MY DEAR GENERAL,--I am requested to invite you to meet a few gentlemen of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and possibly Tennessee, at the Galt House on the evening of the 17th instant, the evening before our State convention. It is proposed to have such conference for the purpose of agreement. May I trouble you to let me know if you can be present? I will be here until the night of the 16th, and then at the Galt House. "Yours truly, "WM. C. P. BRECKENRIDGE. "_General George W. Morgan._" GEO. W. MORGAN TO TILDEN (ABOUT INSIDE HISTORY OF LATE CONVENTION) "MOUNT VERNON, OHIO, _Jan. 15, 1877_. "MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT,--A word as to the inside history of our late convention. Knowing the temper of our people, as a precaution against extreme action I wrote to Governor Allen, and to Hancock, of Texas, asking for letters which I could use in committee on resolutions by way of modifying of the wild advice which was certain to be given. Allen answered: 'In the present condition of things, threats of force and war would, in my judgment, very greatly prejudice our cause.' "Hancock answered by a long letter, conservative in its tone. In conclusion he said: 'It is inconsistent with the genius of our institutions that any official position should be attained by force of arms. A result so accomplished would be a sad commentary on our statesmanship, and nothing but a correction by the people through peaceful modes would prevent our becoming Mexicanized, and the loss of republican government.'