Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-10-02

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the march there. After seating the crowd, most
of which was composed of regular republicans,
who were actuated by curiosity to hear what
was TO be said and done, the chair introduced
Obstructionist j. j. Coombs, who proceeded to
tell the crowd what he knew about Congress
siOnal Investigations. AT the conclusion of his
remarks, Mr.. Norris took his hat and
left the hall, seeming very much displeased at
something.
The next speaker was Mt. Hine, the nominee
for Congress. He remarked that 1t was the
pride and boast Of all American citizens that
they possess self local government. Two years
ago they could boast OF such rights. Now what
have they? Under the present system all power
Is in the chief executive independent OF the citi-
zeps. 1t IL dangerous experiment to surren-
der the right OF ballot which all had experienced
to their sorrow. 1t is claimed that the citizens
have the right to vote for members of the House
OF Delegates. What value was this right? The
House OF Delegates is like the fifth wheel to a
coach. You will find more real power delegated
to the people in any mOnarchical government
than in this District. Delegates in Congress are
only the agents, not the masters OF the people.
They must obey the mandates OF the people or
they are soon hurled from their places by the
people. In this present system all power is
left for the people but the fifth wheel to the
coach. Speaking of the treasurer of the board
OF public works, an office, he said, created in
violation of law, he stated that there is
not dsbursing officer in the whole coun-
try who Is not required to give heavy bonds
for the faithful discharge of duty; but in
IDS instance nothing OF the kind Is required.
The speaker criticised the rules of the board of
public works; they put their prices at certain
figures, and II contractors can be used by them
| they are given the contracts; II not, thew are
rejected. There Is . law requiring public con-
tracts to be given out by bids; this Is discarded
| entirely by the ring. There Is also q law pro-
yidibg eight hours for q days work, and ~
compensation for such labor, yet the board re-
quires ten hours, at q compensation OF Al n
| He alluded to the board of public works payino
| men out Of the public funds to 90 about to dru
up persons to register their names; he said tn a
| this District pays ten times more as salaries fo
| officers than the whole state Of Rhode ISLAND
does. The speaker closed with complimentary,
| remarks to the nominees-Briscoe, Wright AMI
| Mcconnell.
j. X. Mcconnell, the democratic candidate O
| the soreheads from the 18th district, was tn
| next speaker, and promised If elected to assis
| In undoing some Of the things which had beef
| wrongfully done by the ring government.
Mr.. George Wright, candidate for the It'll
| district, followed in brief remarks, In which h
| warned the poor men who owned their houses Il
| look well to their interests, or the first thin
they knew the titles to them would be vested Ii
| the board of public works. The versatile X
| w. Fenwick followed in brief remarks. TIL
| next speaker was II. l.. Briscoe, candidate TO
| the 18th district, who reviewed the "wrOnEs tht
/ people are suffering under the present system,
1 promising IL elected to put his foot down Of
| them. g. w. Hatton brought up the rear IL
one OF his characteristic harnngues, pouring no
| shot into Joe Williams, Perry Carson and w. A
Taiiaferro - usual, and amusing the crowd