The price that the Hayes managers stipulated to pay,--and did pay,--for the peaceable inauguration of Hayes was that the South was to be turned over to the Democrats and that the administration was not to enforce the Constitution and the laws of the land in that section against the expressed will of the Democrats thereof.

In other words, so far as the South was concerned, the Constitution was not to follow the flag.
In the 43rd Congress which was elected in 1872 and which would expire by limitation March 4, 1875, the Republicans had a large majority in both Houses.

In the House of Representatives of the 44th Congress, which was elected in 1874, the Democratic majority was about as large as was the Republican majority in the House of the 43rd Congress.

The Republicans still retained control of the Senate, but by a greatly reduced majority.
During the short session of the 43rd Congress, important legislation was contemplated by the Republican leaders.

Alabama was one of the States which the Democrats were charged with having carried in 1874 by resorting to methods which were believed to be questionable and illegal.
An investigation was ordered by the House.