The state chronicle., 1889-10-04

the country
The principles Of the Democracy makes
it imperative that the issue thus rendered
be accepted. SPEAKER CARLISLE, an able
constitutional lawyer, will undoubtedly
be one of the Democratic leaders on the
floor Of the next House In the August
number of the Forum, in an article discuss
ing the Republican programme, he says
that it will probably be attempted to pass
a National election law. He declares
without reservation or qualification that
there is no Constitutional warrant for
national statute providing for registrars
and other officers to superintend the elec-
tons for members Of the House of Repre-
sentatives We hope that Mr.. CARLISLE
Is right. He is a wise and discreet man,
and the article III the Forum was carefully
prepared We take it that he would not
have delivered so positive an opinion as
to the constitutionality of the proposed
change without having authorities to sus-
tain him In the article referred to Mr..
CARLISLE does not quote any authority, or
give the reasons upon which his opinion
Is based. 1t may be that he purposely
oInts to do this, preferring to wait to
give his reasons and make his argument
when the issue is sprung in Congress.
Upon that arena he and RANDALL and
the BRENCKINRIDG Es, OATES and the other
Democratic leaders will be heard. The
Republicans have rendered the issue.
Speaking for the Democrats Mr.. CARLISLE
has accepted the issue. Upon it,when the
House meets, the battle will be joined.
The Republicans claim that they have a
clear case and that the authority for ap-
pointing Registrars and other officers fol
conducting the elections is clear. The fol
they quote as giving the authority they
claim:
The times, places and manner of hold
ing elections for Senators and Representa-
tiyes shall be prescribed in each State by
the Legislature thereof; but the Congress
may at any time by law make or alter sucl
regulations. except as to the place o.
choosing Senators.
We wait to hear Mr. CARLISLE and the
Democratic leaders answer the Republi
can argument. We have not examined
the question fully, but we confess to a fea1
that 50 far As the authority is concerned
the above extract confers it. AS to th'
expediency of exercising that power if con
ferred we have no scintilla of doubt.
We object to the passage of the propos
ed law because:
FIRsT-It has never been deemed nee
essary in the history of our country unit
now, and it is according to Mr.. CARLIsL
at least of doubtful constitutionality
SECoND-It Is only claimed to be nee
esssry row by bitter partizans who hop
through it to gain partlzan advantage.
THiRD-It would revive race prejudic
and race troubles create such discord il
the South as has never yet been seen; AM
greatly hinder he material prosperity an,
progress Of the South.
FOURTH 1t is purely sectional. No rea
son j, given for fayoring it except that
Will eate tht fpuhlng or tne negro FoI
in The south No object to any sectiona
legi5..ti The negro question is q South
ern question that puzzles all minds to fin
a proper solution. Certainly its solutio,
will never be found in Federal interfer
ence, or in an attempt to give the negroe
control of the Southern States. This the
will never have again. The Southern peo
ple will not submit to it. Before it shall
come they will leave the land of their brit
and give it up completely to the negroes