Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-06-27
district and the Clayton affair could no: be

district and the Clayton affair could no: be
substansiated.
McRae said he wanted to correct his
statement that armed men never rode about
the polling plsccs in Arkansas. That hsd
been the case during Powell Cisyton's
reign, but there had been better times
since.
Then was renewed the coIlo9uy between
Roxeil and Breckinridge. for . few miu-
utes both talking at once. the former refas-
ing to yield and the latter denouDcing the
statements made - false. When quiet
vas restored democrats laughed de-
risively Is Roveil said the par-
pose of the bill wss supervision"
II the officers intended to conduct fair
elections they could have no objection 10
the presence of watchers. Only where
fraud was intended objections could be
made. Fraud vas permeated in many dis
tricts in the United States and wxs con-
nived at by people otherwise than the bss,
people. Ii was .hs duty of the House TO
see that no pal, VI tiis constitution became
dead letter unless twas proposed to al
low the 18th amendment to become nul'i.y
and six million people disffanchised. Some
law must De enacted to correct the evils
eonfessedly existed.
Lehlbach Of New Jersey said that he
could not favor this legislation. He admit
ted that the condition of elections in many
parts of the country would seem TO justify
the passage of such . measure. lie had no
doubt that frauds are perpetrated to a GER
tain extent in the north and south. 1t
would. in his opinion. be wiser to let the
people of the several states regulate their
own elections. loud democratic sp-
plause.) The advancement of the moral
sentiment of this country and education
would bring about the same results and
the relief would be permanent.
Tucker of Virginia, demurred as to the
bill generally aud officially. lie said under
the terms Of the bill. supervisors had TO
exercise the right to determine the qusliii-
cations Of voters-a right reserved to
States. 1t was not to be doubted that the
State had right to establish the educs-
tional qualification, but when this bill pro-
vided that supervisors should point out the
box TO an ignorant voter, it overrode the
State qualities alton and allowed an igDoran.
man. whom the State sought to exclude, TO
vote.
1t would be evident from careful con-
sideration Of the several clauses of the
Constitution. taken not singly. but in con-
nection, that it never was intended ton-
gress should exercise the power reposed in
in it of regulating the elections, unless the
State neglected to prescribe regulations.
IL certainly might make or alter such regu-
lstions, but could not mix up Federal or
State functions.
lie felt that every people should regulate
their own affairs. lie liked su open ballot.
where man stood in the sunlight before
God and man. and shouted out the name of
the man he voted for. He did not like
sneak, or a spy. Was it proper tha:
member should be sent here. not by this
State, but by officers of Government.
Either Congress should take charge of
election absolutely or leave them entirely
TO the States.
Tucker read from Speaker Reeds maya
zine article on the subject of national elec-
ton law, and declared he had virtually ai-
mitted it would be proper for the white
people of the South to suppress the negro
vote if necessary to pre- servation of civiliza
tion. All he asked for West Virginia was
to be let alone to work out its own saliva
ton. The bill would fail OF its purpose
The only way to correct fraud was by en-
lghtened public sentiment that would by i,
be frownei down.
House at . % adjourned.