Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-03-21
FRIDAY MARCH q, 1890
The Lodge Bill.


Yesterday we had occasion TO remark
chat the Republicans had not yet passed
the LODGE bill. meaning that they might
possibly conclude not to pass 1t at all; lot
The more that bill is studied the less appears
fts merit and the larger seems the number
of the reasons which ought 10 insure It's
defeat. Not that my acquaintance with
its Objectionable features would induce
any Republican congressman IN ei'her
House 20 consent to its defeat, but because
discussion of this bill Of denominations may
possibly influence the unpatriotic majority
10 permit IT 10 be killed of. Once con-
vince LODGE and his gang that five hundred
Democrats in every congressional district
in the North will surely demand the inter
position OF the Federal Government IN
order 10 set free the slaves of the LOOM
lords. and secure TO those slaves an oppor-
tunity 10 cast a secret ballot, and the
LODGE bill will be consigned to the tomb
of the Capulets.
We called attention several days ago to
the fact that under the operation OF the
LODGE bill there might DO a suspension OF
all the State election-laws IN one congress
sional district, whilst the same laws would
be in full force in an adjoining congress
sional district. The Washington Post re-
produces a paragraph from our article IN
which that point was made and presses II
upon the attention of the public. The
Post saws truly that there are several very
knotty questions for which Mr.. LODGE has
made no provision; that our inquiry as to
what is to become of the State laws Is per-
tinent and quotes MR. LODGE himself as
saving, mo district, under this bill, Is
compelled to adopt the system, except on
The petition DISCO voters and. unless there
was a real need for putting district under
this act. this number, as rule, could not
be easily obtained" Hence, adds the Post,
Che inquiry of the Dispatch, coupled with
Mr.. LoDGE's explanation, suggests posi-
bility of badly mixed state of affairs
should the bill pass in It's present shape
and receive tho Presidents signature.
But will it be passed in its present form
and receive the Presidents signature III
30. il will be because the gods first make
mad those whom they would destroy. AS
the new amendments were framed with
the purpose of strengthening the Repub-
aican party in Congress, but has so far
operated to increase the Democratic
strength in that body, 80, we would fain
hope, the LODGE bill, if it ever becomes q
law, win add to the strength of the Demo-
cratic party in Congress, or else (alas that
such an alternative should have to be
named) end in the subiugation and humilia-
zion of the South. For it is certain that no.
thing else than the strong arm of the Fede-
sal Government can compel the southern
people 20 permit their several States to be
governed at homo and represented in Con-
vress by negroes. If such a condition OF
hhings results from the LODGE bill, the re-
public will be near the end of its career.
A negro despotism would be what
no community composed largely of
Eaucasians has ever been compelled
10 submit to. And if the Republi-
cans really intend to found and
perpetuate negro despotism in the South
they intend 10 do so though knowing that
the northern people will be ruined as well
rs the southern. Where else than in the
Bouth can be raised millions of bales Of
cotton wherewith to keep the balance OF
krade in favor of this country? If the
northern people 80 distrust. not to say
hate. the South as that they will be willing
b lose their own liberties in order to put
men of their own race under the feet of
the negroes, that fact will be the hand
writing upon the wall foretelling the fall
of q nation which will thus have been
found wanting in all that makes any ma
zion worthy of respect and love.