The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-04-27
Senator uosr,s Election Bill.

A few days ago the hope was expressed in
Washington by prominent democrat that
the republicans had abandoned their inten-
ton of passing a national election law.
This hope was based upon the fact that
very little was being said about the Lodge
bill in political circles. and, besides, there
vas an impression that the administration
had about reached the conclusion that gov
eminent control of elections would not be
much more acceptable in the north than in
the south.
1t seems, however, the republicans are as
determined as ever to place the coltrol of
national and congressional elections in
the hands of their agents The bill which
was reported to the Senate on Thursday
from the committee on elections and privi-
leges by Sen tor Hoar, a synopsis of which
was published in our dispatches on Friday,
is as partisan a measure as has been intro
duced into congress for long time. When
it was introduced Senator Puyh of Ala
bama, who is a minority member of the
committee, said that it was revolutionary
in its character, and that it would insure
the shedding Of blood and the destruction
of the peace and good order of the country.
Mr.. Pugh did not make this statement
thoughtlessly nor with the hope Of check
ing the proposed partisan legislation He
said simply what he believed to be the
truth, and with the full knowledge that no
opinion of his with respect to the bill would
have the least influence with the republican
majority. He had studied the bill carefully
aud he felt it to be his duty to warn the
country OF its dangerous character.
The bill puts the control of national and
congressional elections in the hands of men
appointed by United State circuit judges.
In the south these judges are republicans,
and they would of course appoint republi-
can egents. The canvassing boards are to be
composed of three members, two Of which
may be of the same political party. 1t may
be assumed, therefore, that if this bill
should become law there would be a re-
publican returning board in every congress
sional district.
The south has had experience with repub-
lican returning boards, and knows what to
expect from them. When they were in ex-
istence they were notorious for their corrupt
acts, and were the cause of bitter feeling
among the people, deeds of violence and
bloodshed. Senator Pugh was right when
be said that the Hoar bill if passed would
be the destruction of the peace and good
order of the country.
Under the bill the United States circuit
judges would have extraordinary power,
and great influence would be brought to
bear upon them to exercise it in the interest
of their party. No effort would be spared
to make the judiciary serve partisan ends.
As the bill provides that federal officers
shall oversee state officers, there would be
friction between those two classes of off,
GERS, and troubles between them and their
partisans would be frequent.
OF course the democrats in congress will
DO their utmost to defeat the bill. If the
Senate, however, should adopt the resolu-
ton of Senator Chandler, which proposes to
introduce into that body the revolutionary
methods of Speaker Reed, the prospect of
defeating it would not be at all promising.
II the bill should pass, the congressional
elections next fall would be memorable
ones. There might be condition of af-
fairs that would make the Republican party
hesitate to carry out its scheme to continue
itself in power.