The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-04-01

A correspondent of the Baltimore
Sun at Annapolis gives US another
sketch of the doings of the men who
control the State under Democratic
rule. which we copy below. "Occa-
sional" says "the Democrat party Is
amenable for all the abuses which
disgrace Maryland and the City OF
Baltimore to-day" Is it not time
that Democrats should pause and re-
fleet, and then follow their patriotic
feelings rather than partisan bias.
Occasional" writes:
"If the control which certain set
of politicians possess over all Legis-
lation affecting corporate interests
and business enterprises at Annap-
oils, as we'll as in the city council of
Baltimore, may be taken as evidence
of power, the people cannot too soon
set about reeraganizing the politics
of the State on some other basis be-
sides that of public plumber. Those
who regard the present situation in
its true aspect cannot fail to see in the
strifps which have lately stirred the
State capital that the faction of the
Democratic party lately opposing cleo
ton reforms and other wholesome
measures has 0I,0dyS figured IN the
00riouS jobs that from time to time
come uD. Hitherto this element has
been curbed to some extent by in
f1uences which were ameable to public
opinion, but now, all restraint having
been thrown aside, Baltimore city is
treated to the first does in insolent
disregard of the peoples right. IN
der the influences which seem to con-
troll certain kinds of legislation, city
and State, the city council has arbitrar-
lily acted on the electric lighting bust
ness, turning deaf ear to all who
proposed competition of lower rates
for the service desired. 1t is hardly
necessary to designate who the men
are that thus control. They haze been,
identified a0ith bounty and printing
scandals, a0ith telegraph and practical
aoire.pulli'aQ above ground and mader
ground. One Of them enjoys the repu-
tation of being ''a majority' of the
city coucil, as we'll as director of the
paramount body sometimes called
the General Assembly of Maryland.
Comprising not over FIVE or six per-
sons, they undertake tc dictate terms
and play corporations whenever OPP
porta0aity IS afforded, and prey atpo,a
the general business interests Of the
community not only of Maryland, but
sometimes of other States doing BUSH
ness here. In fine, they compose
what has been aptly termed the third
house, or the lobby of the Legisla-
ture. They sit in the speakers room
while the Legislature is in session,
and operate in various ways, some
times even to the extent of summon
ing individual Senators and Delegates
before them. and putting tickets into
their hands, aCith commands to cote as
required.
"When this state of affairs is con-
sidered, the natural inquiry is for the
remedy. Is there no way to free leg
islation of corrupting influence? 1t
should be borne in mind that the Dem
OcrGtic party is Gnaen0ble for oil the
abuses aOhich disgrace Maryland and
| CcC guy W DUCtmCDc CO-CJttys Ii IIl6
Democratic party suffer itself to be
controlled and misled by the mercen-
airy and irresponsible element, it
should suffer the consequences but
there are those in IFS ranks, like
Governor Hamilton and the gentle
men composing the committee of the
last State convention. Ex-Governor
Thomas, Attorney General Gwin,
Hon. B. G. Roberts and Henry d.
Farnandis, who have forced down
the Threats OF an unwilling faction
those wholesome measures of reform
to purify elections and the admins
tration of justice in Baltimore city,
which are but the beginning of the
work to be done. Let these gentle
men be again called to the front, with
Others like them from all parts of the
State, to take the sick man in hand.
If names were needed, a list as long
as local option petition could be
furnished, and they should be as far
as possible men who are not in Office.
No opportunity so favorable has pre-.
sented itself in ten years for elevating
the personnel of candidates for suffrage
as now, and if such a consultation as
the one here proposed is deemed adj
yisable, it would be entirely compe-
tent for the Democrat State central
committee to meet at an early day
and request the step to be taken.