Hayes had 166 votes, not counting Oregon, in which one vote was in dispute, and South Carolina, which for a time was claimed by both parties.

Had Louisiana and Florida been Northern States, there would have been no controversy, but the Republican general headquarters knew that the Democratic majorities in these States had to go through Republican returning boards, which had never yet failed to throw them out.
The interest of the nation now centered around the action of the two returning boards.

At the suggestion of President Grant, prominent Republicans went South to witness the count.

Later prominent Democrats went also.

These "visiting statesmen" were to support the frail returning boards in their duty.