The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-04-20
oath-Bound Political Clubs.

Fifth Congressional District, developed the
fact that in three districts, at least, OF Charles
county, there are oath bound colOred clubs
These clubs are ostensibly beneficial organi-
cations, but in reality political societies whose
members are sworn to vote only the Repubh-
can ticket against the whites. Churches and
school houses, the former built mainly by
of the white people, and the
latter by public tax paid almost entirely by
The whites, are the club houses of these oath
bound organizations. The oath prohibits
members from voting any other ticket than
the Republican 1t matters not how 1t was
nominated nor whether the nominees are
competent. honest and upright, they are
sworn in advance to vote only for the candI-
dates upon the Republican ticket. As the
great majority cannot read, although ample
school facilities have been supplied them Tor
more than twenty years, these Republican
tickets must be banded to them by some one
in whom they have confidence. They then
march to the polls early and cast their ballots
with no more appreciation of their duties as
citizens than the jacks and jennets that form
erly ran wild in the pines and tmekets oil tha'
now tax.ridden county. What trayesty
upon popular government
Good or bad administration depends upon
the intelligence or Ignorance OF voters. HOW
can good government, then, proceed IRON
the suffrages of such a combination OF Ignor-
ance and prejudice, led mainly by whites who
have no more interest in government than TO
nartieipate in Office and draw comfortable
salaries. Ifthis combination cannot be stayed
by ar educational qualification, as a PTereqn'-
site to the right to vote, or other legitimate
means. salaries and emoluments OF pubic
Office must be reduced or abolished in order
10 take away the occupation Of the band OF
professional Office seekers and holders who
trade upon the ignorance and prejudice OF the
blacks to further their ambitions and line
their pockets-who render indifferent service
and absorb the public revenues, TO which they
contribute little or nothing,
Asin Charles county. so II is throughout
Southern Maryland and in other counties
where the colored vote is large. There may
mot be oath bound organizations, but churches
and school houses are converted into political
club rooms, and the pgejudices and fears OF
the black race are played upon bY reckless
and unscrupulous whites to make them vote
the Republican ticket Even IN Carrou'
where the black vote is but little above Ave
hundred school houses have been used for club
rooms, and churches have rung ~uh the
horrors Of re- reinstatement from the lips OF
reckless whites should the Democratic party,
composed of white voters, regain power.
Four wears Of Democratic rule in national
affairs. With every right and privilege Of the
eolored man under the law preserved Invio-
late. has no, served one shit TO dispell iguor-
auce IN the eolored race Or establish conf
depce that their rights are not 10 be ipiringed
bv The Democratic party. From 1854 10 ISIS
the eolored people, through fear, conducted
themselves very well throughout the whole
couptry, bpt as soon as Harrison vas elected,
thew began to Extensively assert themselves
In Richmond, Virginia, they fairly swept
white ladies and children from The streets
In Washington they Immediately grew imru-
dent and aggressive, and in Maryland they
he'd a convention and declared for mixed
public schools. the repeal Of all laws probib-
ting blacks aud whites from iuiermaTrying,
demanded admission 10 the Maryland AgTi-
cultural College and al other institutions Of
learning that receive aid fsem the state, dc,
&c. Not only this, they are demanding po-
si.ioas 1t the hands Of the Harrison Adminis.
tration, and IN varioas ways are becoming p
source Of annoyance and meuacp 70 good
and economical geEeranea,. Aoa one ~ .
thousand Is 1t 10 discharge the duties oi the
least important Office. yet they ART pushing
their claims for high places. VINO 10 Carroll
would vote for colored mat for Sherif, Tor
County Commissioner, for State Senator or
Delegate, or even for Constable? Not oae
Democrat certainly, aud few, il any Repab-
hcans. Yet the action Of tae white Repubii.
cans Is such as to encourage the negroes "a
their claims 10 recognition. They 60 20 their
meetings. batioBhole then. bold conferences
with them, solicit them TO work for Repaoil'
can success, and on election days drive them
TO the polls in carriages, while The whites can
vAlk or stay at home. They sho~ them DIS
tinguisbed consideration 10 sArioas says,
thus raising the notion Of equality and en-
( couragiug the aggressiveness shat prompted
he demand for Office and the demand ior
mixed schools, &C., &c.
I This aggressiveuess must be checked, OF
serious consequences may iollow. The PEG.
pie are not prepared for negrosocial eqaali'y-
mixed marriages and mixed schools and
these presensions mus, be voted down at the
polls. The Democratic party, wbile il vail
guarantee every right and privilege under the
Law to the eolored man, will not tolerate ihis-
and every wbite man opposed 70 the demands
/ ofthe negro, As esEssined in the resolutions
of the Colored State ConseaiioR held IN Bal
umore ia February last, shoald march Hode'
the Democratic banner.