Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1889-03-05

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low our necessary expenditures, with the TO
sulting choice between another change of our
revenue laws and an increase of the public
debt 1t is quite possible, am sure, to effect
tbs necessary reduction in our revenues with.
out breaking down our protective tariff OF
serious injuring any domestic industry.
THE NAVY.
The construction Of a sufficient number OF
modern war ships and of their necessary aT-na-
ment should progress as rapidly as is consist
ent with care and perfection in plans and
workmanship. The spirit, courage and skill
of our navy officers and seamen have many
times in our history given to weak ships and
inefficient guns a rating greatly beyond that
of the naval list That they will again do sc
upon occasion do not doubt; but they ought
not by generalization or neglect to be left to
the risks and exigencies of am unequal conf
bat We should encourage the establishment
of American steamship lines The exchanges
of commerce demand stated, reliable and
rapid means of communication, and until
these are provided, the development of our
trade with the states lying south of US Is Inn
possible
PENSION LAWS.
Our pension laws should give more adequate
and discriminating relief to the Union sol
diers and sailors and to their widows and or
phans Such occasions as this should remind
us that we owe everything TO their valor and
sacrifice.
ADMISSION OF NEW STATES.
1t is subject of congratulation that there
is a near prospect of the admission into the
Union of the Dakotas and Montana and Wash
ington territories. This act of justice has
been unreasonably delayed in the case OF
some of them.
The people who have settled these territor-
les are intelligent, enterprising and patriotic,
and the accession of these new states will add
strength TO the nation. 1t is due to the set
tiers in the territories who have awaited them
selves of the invitation of our lands to make
homes upon the public domain, that their
titles should be speedily adjusted and their
honest entries confirmed by patent.
REFORM OF ELECTION LAWS.
It is very gratifying to observe the general
interest now being manifested in the reform
of our election laws. Those who have been
for years calling attention to the pressing ne
cessity of throwing about the ballot box and
about the elector further safeguards in order
that our elections might not only be free and
pure, but might clearly appear to be so,
will welcome the accession of any one who
did not SO soon discover the need of reform.
The national congress has not as yet taken
control of elections in that case over which
the constitution gives it jurisdiction, but has
accepted and adopted the election laws of the
several states, provided penalties for their
violation and method of supervision. Only
the inefficiency of the state laws or an unfair
or partisan administration of them could sug-
gest a departure from this policy. It was
clearly, however, in the contemplation of the
gency might arise and provision was wisely
made for it.
The freedom of the ballot is condition of
our national life, and no power vested in con-
gress or in the executive to secure or perpet-
uate il should remain unused upon occasion.
The people of all the congressional districts
have an equal interest that the election in
each shall truly express the views and
wishes of majority of the qualified cleo
tors residing within it. The results of such
elections are not local, and the insistence
of electors residing in other districts that they
shall be pure and free does not SAVIOR at all of
imDertinence.
If in any of these states the public security
is thought to be threatened by ignorance
among the electors, the obvious remedy is
education. The sympathy and help of our
people will not be withheld from any com.
mlInity struggling with special embarrass-
ments or difficulties connected with the suf-
frage if the remedies proposed proceed upon
lawful lines and are promoted by just and
honorable methods. How shall those who
practice election frauds recover that respect
for the sanctity of the ballot which is the
the first condition and obligation of good
citizenship The man who has come to re-
gard the ballot box as juggler's hat has re-
nounced his allegiance.
BETTER PATRIOTISM
Let us exalt patriotism and moderate our
party contentious. Let those who would die
for the flag on the field of battle give better
proof of their patriotism and a higher glory
70 their country by promoting fraternity and
justice A party success that is achieved by
unfair methods OF by prac;ice that partake
of revolution is hurtful and evanescent, even
from a party standpoint. We should hold
our differing opinions in mutual respect, and,
having submitted them to the arbitrament of
the ballot, should accept an adverse Judgment
with the same respect that We would have de-
manded of our opponents if the decision had
been in our favor.
No other people have government more
worthy of their respect and love, or land so
magnificent in extent, pleasant to look
upon anu % luii VI generous Suggestion 10
enterprise and labor. God has paced upon
our head diadem and laid at our feet power
and wealth beyond definition CT calcu alton.
But we must not forget that We take these
gifts upon the condition tnet justice and
mercy hold the reins of power ami that the
upward avenues of hope shall be free to all
the people.
A LAW ABIDING PEOPLE.
do not mistrust the future. Dangers have
zen in frequent ambush along our path, but
we have uncovered and vanqusIed them ali.
Passion has swept some of our communities.
but only to give us a new demonstration that
the great body of our people are stable, patri-
otto and law abiding. No political party can
long pursue advantage at the expense of pub
lie honor or by rude and indecent methods
without protest and fatal disaffection in it