The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1871-02-23
Nor- o. tr,a. .Approrriete Iegi.lstIon:.,:


Another Step Towards Capitalization.
The last assault made by the Radi-
cal destructiyes upon the Constitution
and the reserved rights OF the States
is in the shape of a bill to amend the
act passed at the last session of Con-
gress for the enforcement of the 10Th
Amendment, which was put through
the House of Representatives on
Wednesday of last week under the
gag, allowing only four hours for the
discussion OF a measure which is of
vast concern 20 the country From
the organization of the government
till the accession of the Jacobins to
power. the people, through their State
organizations, have had the exclusive
control of all elections within their
limits. This was one of the rights re-
served by the States when they Gre
ated the Federal Constitution and
Union. This bill is designed TO ut
terly destroy the rights of the States
and to centralize all power in the Fed
eral government. The bill comprises
eighteen sections, but it may be brief
ly summed up as a measure making
the Federal Election law of last ses-
sion more stringent in most every re-
spect by imposing penalties of fine
and imprisonment regarding the reg
istratiOn of voters, extending its ope--
ations TO all cities whose population
exceeds 10000 inhabitants, provided
two citizens shall apply to the judge
of the United States Circuit Court in
whose circuit the town or city may
be located that they desire the law to
be enforced in said place, and requir-
ing said court to provide for the ap-
pointment of Federal inspectors and
supervisors of elections, to attend all
registration of voters and elections
for representative or delegate in Con-
gress, and to remain in session while
the act is being enforced to transact
business under it. Elaborate powers
are given to the inspectors to inspect
at all times on the day of election the
way the voting is done. and the way
the registry tally books and lists are
kept, and to personally scrutinize,
count, and canvass every ballot, what
ever may be the Endorsement on said
ballot, or in whatever box it may be
placed or found, and to forward their
report to chief supervisor provided
by this act for each Judicial District.
Provision is made for the United
States Marshal and number of dep
uties to protect and assist the inspect
ors, and arrest scithout oay scaqTant
any one who interferes with the vot-
ing or registration under color of even
State or municipal law, or who COM
mits any of the offenses prescribed by
this act; no person, however, is to be
arrested without process for any of
fence not committed in the presence
of the marshal or his deputies, or
without process for any offence COM
mitted on the day of registration,
but all those who attempt to interfere
in any way under color of State or
municipal authority, shall be deemed
guilty of misdemeanor and punish
ed by fine of three thousand dollars
and imprisonment of not more than
two years. 1t is further provided
whosoever shall, during the progress
of any yerification of any list of the
persons who may have registered or
voted, and which shall be had or made
under any of the provisions of this
act, refuse to answer or refrain from
answering, or answering shall give
false information in respect to any in
quiry lawfully made, such person is
made liable to arrest and imprison-
ment as for misdemeanor. The
marshals are authorized and required
in case of necessity to call the COM
manding officer of the nearest United
States military or naval force to fur
nish forthwith sufficient portion of
such military or naval force to enable
the marshal or his deputies TO dis
charge their duties under this act and
the old law. and it is made the duty
of such commanding officers upon
such requisition TO obey it without
delay, and forthwith to detail and en-
plOy the military or naval force of the
United States. tbs provided further
that if an aggrieved citizen sues one
of the officers under this act, the lat
ter may transfer the case to the United
States Circuit Court, and Judgment of
q State court, in snch case, shall be
null and void.
The bill was amended in an import
ant particular on its passage in the
House, by striking out the tenth Sec
ton which required the military au-
thorities to obey call made by the
United States Marshal or deputy.
This bill will undoubtedly pass the
Senate, as the Jacobins have deter
mined upon complete subversion of
the State authorities.
During the brief debate in the House
which was permitted upon the bill
Mr.. Eldridge number of the Judic-
iary Committee, very appropriately
denounced il as the most unwarranta-
BILE and unjustificable measure yet pro-
posed by Congress. 1t was absolute
ly atrocious. IL had no warrant in
the Constitution, and no precedent ex-
cept in the act to which it was amend
atory. 1t was the crowning act OF
Capitalization and consolidation. II
brushed away at once and finally all
State machinery and local authority,
and substituted in their place Federal
bayonets. 1t created host of new
offices before unknown, and filled the
land with spies and informers. II
sought to overawe free American cit.