Of course the “compromise” is the topic of conversation in political circles, and all sorts of opinions are expressed as to who will be the fortunate candidate, Tilden or Hayes. A general feeling of relief prevails that a means to avoid the danger of more civil war has been found, and hope is expressed that Congress will provide a way to prevent like complications in future. Everyone is glad that the vexed question is disposed of, and that Congress can now go to work upon the Appropriation bills, and other matters of legitimate legislation, which claim its attention.
— Column by the Sentinel’s Washington correspondent, pen-name Socrates, on dealings that brought Rutherford B. Hayes into the White House by removing federal troops from the South, ending Reconstruction, Feb. 15, 1877