The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1880-01-16
A WARNING.

In his warning to Democrats" pub
lished few days ago, Thurlow Weed, of
New York, recites the various misfOr-
tunes that have befallen parties where
they have attempted, as in the case of
Maine, to thwart the popular will or
succeed through corrupt or dishonest
measures.
In 1911 the legislature of Massachu-
sets, which was what, in those days, was
called Republican in politics, enacted an
apportionment bill which deprived the
federal party of its just representation.
The bill was approved by governor Ger
~, and to this day every attempt to pass
unfair appropriation bills is denounced
as "gerrymandering. A sentiment was
aroused in Massachusetts over this al
tempt which defeated the law and re-
suited in the discontinue of the party
attempting to gain the unfair advantage.
In 1928 the Democratic legislature of
New York insisted upon disregarding
the demand or tie people for popular
vote on presidential electors, and the re-
suit was that before the neat session
public sentiment had grown so power
full that the Van Buren, faction, which
had been so strong, was overwhelmed
with defeat, and John Quincy Adams re-
ceived the majority.
III ~ aAlAst, iiH &NoAt HhOh iiAS
legislature was exceedingly close, the
Wings TesOTted to measures which che
people deemed unwise and improper,
and brought about their own defeat.
Speaking of the contest in 1876; Mr..
Weed says:
'sThe purchase of Tilden eiector in
the state of Oregon against the well
known, undeniable and clearly expressed
wish and choice of the people having
been established and demonstrated, by
proofs and testimonials strong as holy
writ, the public mind was prepared to
believe that Mr.. Tilden's money was also
used to obtain the votes of Louisiana,
Florida and South Carolina. believed
then, as believe now, that if the fraud
ulent purchase of an electoral vote in
Oregon had not been distinctly and un-
equivOcally proven against Mr.. Tilden,
he would in the conflict which ensued
have secured one or more of these doubt
full southern states, and been declared
president. The moral sentiment awak-
ened throughout the union by the indis-
putable fact that an electoral vote IN Or
egon had been bought and paid for, told
fatally against Mr.. Tilden
Thus" continues Mr.. Weed, ait ever
lfas been and ever will be. Neither party
will be permitted To secure the electoral
NOtC Vi u SlulC ON iEUuuulCAltlg NClCdLln5
the expressed and known will of the peo-
pie. The loss to the Democracy of two
presidential elections ought to admon.
ish that party of the danger of third
defeat if the fraudulent design of steal
ing the vote of Maine is persisted in.
Such Il fraud, if consummated, would
suggest and perhaps justify, reprisal.
Until 1898 presidential electors in this
state were chosen by the legislature.
Then, IN obedience to a PRONOUNCED pub
lie sentiment, the choice was given 10
the people. Either mode is constitu-
tional. Whether our Republican legis-
lature and governor would follow the
bad example of Maine remains TO be
seen. The provocation would be strong
and the temptation much stronger. For
with thirty-five electors from the state of
New York the Republican nominee for
president in 1890 would be chosen.
From this standpoint it will be seen that
the Democracy in grasping a shadow
loses the substance