The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-04-30
POLITICAL MEETING AT ANNAPOLIS
E5annOn and Henlle Play the Role Of
RefOrmers-Dr. Wells Throws i'm
BombsheII.

The long advertised meeting was held in
Annapolis on Tuesday night. The Baltimore
Sun says it was not largely attended, and
gives the following report of the speeches:
DR.. Eli j. Henkle, the first speaker, spoke
of the democratic platform as adopted in 1879,
the pledges then made and the failure to carry
them out. He referred to the dissatisfaction
that existed in 1875, and to the reform move
ment that was then organized outside of the
democratic ranks. but was participated in by
many who had hitherto been democrats.
The argument of the party then was that
abuses should be corrected inside the party,
and recognizing the existence of abuses, the
importance OF applying remedy, the plat
form of 1879, promised in unequivocal terms
the desired reform. A retrospect of the pro-
ceedings of the las. Legislature, he said,
clearly shows that so far from redreSsing grew
ances additional abuses were pracuced. lie
also referred to the failure of the Legislature
to pass any of the leading reforms recon
mended by Gov. Hamilton, and reviewed the
Governor ''bombshellh aud commented upon
it. The party, be said, stands just where 1t
did before the platform was adopted; the ex
penses of the Legislature of 1850 and the
number of employees exceeded anything in the
previous history of the State. lie said that
all the Baltimore newspapers are spologists
of the ring managers. One of the papers had
said that the reason the reforms were not car
ried oft was because the ntl.ring men would
not 20 into caucus This was nonsense. lie
spoke severely OF the committee on engtussed
bills and said that the work could have been
done in two DAYS by two educated boys,
whereas the committee cost S5,SOu.5 90. iii.
ram Mccullough aud Herman Stump put
themselves on this committee aud received
$3.50 each. Referring to the publication OF
laws, he said Mr.. Cotton printed them aHd
charged the county papers 500 each, thus
making a good thisg for himself and also
good thing for the papers. German and Col
ton dictated who shoald aud who should not
hold office and the legislation OF the State,
aud they are responsible for the corruption OF
the party. The speaker was frequently ap.
plauded He concluded by paying high
tribute to Gov. Hamilton 5 ability, honesty
and true democracy.
State Senator Wells Of Anne Arundel. who
was present as spectator. teok the Door by
permission aud spoke in opposition to DR..
heukIes arrangement OF the party managers,
creating greag deal OF excitement and APP
plause. he said tha, Messrs. Heakic, Bau.
non & Co, who nov denounce the ring, we're
uneuesuonably charter members OF ii. Their
object is nov to smooth their paths ioT future
political p5etermeut. The people Of the State
know them too sell. however, 10 pa, faith in
what they say. lie deaied that the last. leg.
stature bad not carried out reforms. aud
quoted several Instances such as making pro
glsioas for tagding the defense loan loser
rate OF interest. reducing the salary Of the
adja.ant general, weigner Of live sG8ck, To-
spcc;9T ct coal mlnes, oticers aad crew %
oyster navy, repeal Of the beaaIy laW, &c.
Mr.. Banaon spoke on the promises Of Ehe
democratic platform not beng performed,
and told humor0asly RunbcF OF tricks which
be said we're FesorJed 10 by The managers %
carry oui ihetr plzns. He did net deny that
he was a candidate far political honors and
re election 10 the Hoass Of Delegates, but
said that i any man could be feund better
qualified than himself 20 ferret oat Fascalisy
aud oppose Il, be would give 81 ,oa9 TO help
elect hln. Mr.. Banuon was hissed and ap,
plaaded repeatedly but hiS coed hnmor haAi.
IL conquered Afterwards Senator Wells and
Mr. Bannon had discussion on local STARS,
aud the meeting adjourned with cheers for the
former