Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-06-24

proved by President Lincoln. and since its
enactment we do not believe there has been
any well-grounded cause of complaint of mill
itary interference with elections. No such
instance is cited in the report of the majority.
II refers, ii is true, to the military interior
ence during the rebellion, and especially in
1868. All else is mere assertion, without in
stances of truth.
The monstrous frauds perpetrated in the State
Of New York in the year 1868, became the
subject Of Congressional investigation
at the ensuing session of Congress,
and were followed by a report suggesting Ma
tional legislation To guard against the recur-
renee of such fraud in the future election OF
members of tho House of Representatives.
The act of 1870, entitled IAN Act to enforce
the right of citizens OF the United States to
vote in the several States of this Union. and
for other purposes. was to considerable
extent, the outgrowth of such Investigations.
The enforcement of the prov isuns of this act
as amended in 1871, has had a most whole
some tendency to secure free and honest cleo
tions In the Presidential and Congressional
contest of 1876, as intensely exciting as any
in our history, its enforcement purged the
canvass of all successful attempts at fraud in
the same city where outragcs upon the ballot
box and in counting the votes ran riot in the
canvass of 1868.
After weary months of failure to accom-
plsh its repeal the design is now apparent in
some way to thwart its execution and open
wide the door for exclusive State supervision
in all elections. Tho present is not propi-
tious time to attempt interference with its
operation. No effort is 10 be spared to rem
der il imperative. The gravity of the situa-
ton is sufficient warning for the exercise of
the utmost caution When it Is more than
nj ed ,,N ~, pf Ia il, fD
be forcibly presented in the next National
contest unless il is in the meantime repealed.
we cannot give our consent to weaken or en-
barrass in any respect the power of civil Off
GERS of the United States to enforce its pro-
visions. Ii is 10 remain the law of the land.
All efforts for its repeal have been. for the
present, abandoned. Ii is the constitutional
duty of the President TO see that it is faith
fully executed. Many of its provisions are
applicable 70, and only to he enforced on the
day an election is held. Why should the au-
thority to use all lawful and Constitutional
means to execute it be suspended or crippled
on that dav? The laws should be
enforced and executed IN all days and at all
times and places. TO abdicate the authority
of the Government of the United States to
execute its laws on the day of an election
would be fatal mistake and constitute a pre-
ccdcnt of the most dangerous character.
The reasoning of the report of the MAORI
" eliminates at last in the unconditional
avowal that all elections are State elections.
and that 40 law of Congress can control or
interfere with the officers of the State at any
election unless the State authorities invoke
the aid of the general Government. as provid-
ed in the Constitution. This is asserting the
perncions dogma of State supremacy in its
most obnoxious form.
Decming these suggestions. contained as
well in the message referred 10 the committee
as in the early one commented upon by the
majority, upon the main features at issue,
and touching the improperly of incorpDrat
ing general legislation into appropriation
bills. emincntly wise and in harmony with
the conrse of legislation and better practice
of many of the States, the minority cannot
conclude their views without placing on rec
ord an emphatic and unqualified protest
against the undignified and disrespectful tone
prevailing in the majority report toward Off
cal communications from the Chief Magis-
trate of the Nation. Concurring rs we do
with the views so well expressed. and so
sideration we do not deem ii advisable or
necessary to dwell at greater length on the
subject.
We concur in the conclusion of the report
of the majority that the Committee be dis
charged from its further consideration.
A. g. LAPHAM,
GEORGE ID. RoBrSsoN
WILLIAM MCKINLEY, JR,
CHARLEs G. WILLIAMS,
EDWIN WILLErs.