The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-10-28
HARRIS OR ROBERTS!

The following correspondence has been
handed us for publication as being of too
much public Importance to remain quietly
in the possession of the writers. The rea-
sons given for the support of Harris are
such as ought to commend them to the
judgment of all unparalleled persons of
whatever party:
RISING SUM- October 23rd, 1876.
WIN. J. JONES, EsQ.-Ny Dear Sir:-In
the absence of any distinctive Republican
nominee for Congress in this Congressional
District, it might be a matter of interest to
have an expression of your opinion on the
subject and how you purpose voting on
that particular point, at the coming cleo
ton. An early reply will greatly oblige,
Yours very truly, JOB HAINEs.
ELKToN, October Gath, 1876.
JOB HAINEs-Dear Sir.:-Your letter of
yesterday is Just received, asking me what
course | intend to take in regard to the
Congressional ticket, in view Of the fact
that no candidate has been nominated by
the Republicans. In reply, | state that |
intend to cast my vote for Hon. j. Morri
son Harris, the Reform candidate. Here,
| presume, | might bring this letter to
close: but as you have deemed my course
of sufficient importance to make inquiry in
regard to it, | feel that a proper respect for
you. requires that | should state, not only
the fact that | mean to vote for Mr.. Harris,
but the reasons which influence me. These
are as follows:
First Mr.. Harris is UNNECESSARILY the
superior in ability and fitness for the posi-
ton. Whatever may be Mr. Roberts vr
tues as a man and a private citizen, it is
admitted on all sides that, in the House of
Representatives, he is mere cipher To
refer, in this way, to an otherwise cStima-
BILE gentleman is not pleasant, but when
Mr.. Roberts, as in his Elkton speech, gives
as a reason, why he votes against resump-
ton, that there is not enough of gold to
furnish circulating medium for the bust
ness of the country, then he throws him
self open to the broadcast criticism, and
shows lack of knowledge in regard to the
plainest axioms of political economy, which
makes us wonder that he ever allowed him
self to be a candidate for so responsible
position.
!Second. Mr.. Harris is in full accord with
tie Republican party and with good men
OF Ill parties who desire to see resump
ton of specie payment at the earliest prac-
ticahle day. He maintains that the faith
Of the Government is pledged to resume at
the first Of January, 1879, and believes
that with gold at about nine per cent pre-
MUM, and the credit of the Government
established so that she can borrow gold at
four and half per cent there is no sort of
doubt about resumption at the day named.
He will cast his vote, if elected, against all
efforts to repeal this resumption act, and
will aid the Government in all acts neces-
sary to make resumption an accomplished
fact upon the day named.
Third. Mr.. Harris regards the thir
tcenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amend
ments to the Constitution as finalities not
to be disturbed and questioned under any
circumstances while Mr.. Roberts is pre-
sumed to be in accord with the expressed
opinion of his party managers in Mary
land that these amendments, having been
adopted by Congress from which the rep
resentatives OF the Southern States were
absent, are of no binding force. Thus sec
tiona agitation will again be opened-Mr.
Roberts and his party will ignore the Con,
stitutional amendments and the country be
launched again upon sea of troubles. |
deem it my duty as a good citizen, as well
as a Republican, to cast my vote so as to
prevent, if possible, 4 renewal Of sectional
agitation. know Mr.. Harris is sound on
this question. | know, just as well, that
the party managers and leaders, who nomi-
mated and support Mr.. Roberts, regard
these amendments as so much waste paper,
and by the report Of the committees on
Federal relations of 1867, of the Maryland
Legislature, have SO declared. | cannot,
in view of the blood and treasure which
sectional agitation has already cost, do any
thing to contribute to this danger. If |
should even refrain from voting for Harris,
and thus make no selection for Congress
man, should be giving half vote for
Roberts, and | regard the risk as too great.
Fourth. In regard to the question of
public schools and the lifting of them en-
tirely above and beyond all control by
religious sects, which, by a proposed Con-
Stitutional amendment, is raised, most pro-
perly in my Judgment, to National ques
ton, | know where both the candidates
stand. Mr.. Roberts, as was to be. expected
of a man of his views, is opposed to saying
that 10 appropriations shall be made for
Sectarian schools. He holds that the Leg
islatures of the States have the right, and
ought to give the public support to schools
of religious sect. Mr.. Harris is unalter-
ably opposed to all such appropriations,
and proposes to give his support to Il Con-
sti,utional amendment which will forever
settle this veXed question.
Fifth. What do | know about the course
which Mr.. Roberts will pursue if a PROPOSE
ton is made in Congress to pay for emanci
pated slaves? | know that a unanimously
Democratic Convention in Maryland have
declared by the 24th article of the Bill of
Rights that compensation for slavery
sis due from the United States,' and that
the Fourteenth Amendment, which alone
prohibits it, was never legally adopted. |
take it to be clear that he will support his
party's views solemnly declared. | know
Mr.. Harris will oppose all such schemes,
and l should regard myself as wholly false
to my duty if | should hesitate single
moment in giving him my full and hearty
support.
am truly your friend,
W. J. JONES.