The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-10-23
1mnortance of the Coming Contest.

The election now approaching is of far
Greater importance than is generally sup
posed Upon the next House of Repre-
sentatiyes will devolve the counting OF the
Electoral Vote of 1888, and to insure a
fair count it is necessary that the Demo-
Gratis have controlling majority in that
body.
The Republican party was not killed by
the defeat of 1984-only crippled. 1t yet
holds the Senate, and is now making SUI
nreme effort TO regain control of the House.
Shonld it be successful in this, it would be
in A position to use desperate measures in
the campaign of 1888, and its past history
shows that it regards neither law nor pre-
cedent in carrying out its objects.
With both branches of Congress in its
control, it could easily devise plans to con-
test the electoral votes of enough states to
involve the issue in doubt, with the chan
ces in its favor. But for the fact that
there was large Democratic majority IN
the House when the vote of 1884 was
counted, Blaine might now be President
instead of Cleveland, who was lawfully
elected. The result depended on the vote
of New York in the last presidential cleo
ton. and all remember how long the mat
ter was held in suspense by the Republi-
cans. They claimed the state for nearly
two weeks, and had the House been Re
publican would have continued to claim 1t,
and might have found ways, under the
forms of law, to have counted her electoral
vote for the Republican ticket.
In this congressional district there is a
large Democratic majority. This fact is
well known, and by reason of it there is
danger that feeling of security may beget
a disinclination to come out to the polls on
the part of Democrats. In order to have
a Democratic majority it is necessary that
the Democratic voters come out and cast
ballots. If any considerable number stay
at home on election day, the result may be
jeopardized.
No Democrat should stay from the polls
under the idea that his vote will not be
needed. Congressman have frequently
been elected by one vote. One Uote In the
United States Senate gave the Republicans
control of that body. One cote IN the IL
linois Legislature gave the Republicans
majority and sent John A. Logan back to
the United States Senate. That one cote
came from member elected to fill va
cancy in heavily Democratic district
He was elected because the Democrats
rested secure in their own strength. SO
many thought that their votes would not
be needed, and stayed at home on election
day, the Republicans carried the district
by large majority.
Let not confidence in past majorities
lose us the second congressional district.
To be successful we must poll our full vote
For twenty-five years we fought for the
overthrow of the Republican party, battled
against Capitalization of power, and con-
tended for the maintenance Of the Constr
tuition. Now that success has crowned oul
efforts, let us not lose the advantage we have
gained The rather, let us go to the con
test with renewed vigor, and prepare now
for the great battle of 1888. Success now
means success then. Victory then mean
the disbanding of the Republican party
and the firm establishment of the govern
ment under Democratic control, full re
turn to the principles and policy of Jetfer
son and Jackson, with economy and hon
esty in all branches of the public service
and equal rights for all, exclusive privilege
for none.