Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1890-07-16
The Election Bill.

Hon. William Mckinley in the hous'
of representatives And now, Mr.
Speaker. having said that, | want tc
add that this bill ought to be passed
l have not INDUCED in this discussion
heretofore. This bill may not be, il
all it's provisions, what | would like
to have it, but it is bill looking to
an honest representation on the floor
| of the American house of representa-
tives and to honest voting and the
fair counting of votes In every part
and section of the American republic
That is all of the bill, and no honest
man can object to it, and no lover oil
fair play can afford to oppose it.
All, but they say this measure is
harsh. This measure will rest heavi-
ly only upon districts and upon states
which violate the laws and the con-
stitution of our common country
Let every citizen of this republic vote
and then see to it that his vote is
counted as it is cast and returned as
counted, and you never need invoke
any of the provisions of the bill or
subject yourselves to what you term
it's harsh provisions. Honest elect
ions will make the law unnecessary !;
dishonest ones should be stopped by
the strong arm of the law.
My friend from Mississippi Mr..
Allen] quotes from Gen. Grant. Let
me quote from an utterance of his,
made in speaking of the condition of
affairs in Mississippi, the gentleman's
own state Said (Irant
How long these things are to continue or what
is 10 be the final remedy. the great Ruler of the
universe only knows. but I have al abiding
faith that the remedy will come, and come
speedily. and earnestly hope 1t will come peace
fully.
Let me quote from him another ut
terance made two years before his
death. Speaking of this very ques-
ton of the suffrage, he said it would
never be settled until every man who
counts, or represents those who do
count, shall cast one ballot and have
that ballot counted precisely as he
cast it.
Now, want to say here to-day, for
| have but few moments, that this
question will not rest until Justice is
done, and the consciences of the Amer
lean people will not be permitted to
slumber until this great constitutions
al right, the equality of the suffrage,
equality of opportunity, freedom of
political action and political thought,
shall be not the mere cold formalities
of constitutional enactment as now,
but lividg birth-right which the
poorest and the humblest, white or
black, native-born Or naturalized cit
izen, may confidently enjoy, and which
the richest and most powerful dare
not deny.
Mr.. Speaker and gentlemen of the
house, remember that God puts no
nation in supreme place which will
not do supreme duty. God keeps no
nation Fin supreme place which will
not perform the supreme duty of the
hour, and He will not long prosper
that nation which will not protect
and defend it's weakest citizens. 1t is
our supreme duty to enforce the con-
stitution and laws of the United
States ''and dare to be strong for the
weak" Gentlemen on the other side,
| appeal to you to obey the laws and
constitution; obey them AS we obey
and observe them; for | tell you the
people of the North will not continue
to permit two votes in the South to
count as much as five votes in the
North