Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-09-22
IS THE GREAT ISSUE.
Or. PAGE DISCUSSES The FORCE BILL
IN VERY PLAIN TERMS.
This, tie Declares, Ovcrshadows All Other
Questions--Prepsrstio for Mr.. Ste
venson's yisif-Tbe Clubs.


more could have been expected on account
of the dismal weather.
The meeting was called TO order by the
president, Mr. W. F. Epps, who announced
that the club had been invited to attend
the Democratic demonstration at the Mo-
zart tomorrow night. The invitation
was accepted aud the members requested
TO attend in body. The President AMI
Alr. William X. Gentry were designated TO
act as aids to the chief marshal: Tho
President then introduced Mr.. Thomas
Nelson Page. the gifted Virginia orator
and author.
The speaker in opening his address said
there was one paramount issue in this
campaign, and that was whether free re-
publican government was 10 continue IN
this country or whether it was to perish
and its place be usurped by governments
instituted by party which had always
hated and oppressed the South. and con-
Quoted by supervisors of election ap-
pointed as partisans and holding their
Office for the almost avowed purpose OF
perpetuating the rule of that party.
THE SUPERVISORS WORK.
He spoke in detail of the chief features
Of the force bill. showing how the chief
supervisor. appointed by Republican au-
thority, had the power, and was required
30 exercise it, TO take charge of the entire
electoral machinery of, the State at
elections at which Federal officers were to
be voted for; how he took charge of the
registration of voters, of the ballot-boxes,
of the voting-lIsts. of tho returns: how
be had :he right 10 challenge every vote,
the only cause necessary being his own
will 4. how he had the right to
override the Judgment of election
Judges and to vote all persons whom
he chose how in effect the supervisors
created other ballot-boxes than those pro-
vided py law; how they had the right to
90 into boxes provided for the election of
State officers alone under the specious pre-
tence of examining TO see If there were
ballots therein cast for United States Off
GERS how the chief supervisor could ap--
point such deputies as be pleased and
could remove them at his own VIII,
and could send them TO any point IN
the congressional district; how he
could summon the United States Court
20 convene, and how, III fact, the
entire law of the State. which until this
time under constitutional provision has
always had entire control Of the elections,
is set aside, and the election OF repre-
sentatives of the people. which is the real
fruit of all republican government, Is
taken away from the people and vested IN
the hands of men who Will be the partl-
sans, as they are the appolntees. OF party
whose chief purpose has ever been 10
degrade the South. He said he
would not talk about the tarif
at any length because it was
not necessary at this time, as the New
York Sun. which was staunch protection
paper. is one Of the most ardent and most
effective champions of the Democratic
party. That lt has rightly declared that
there is no other question in this campaign
but that of the preservation of the liberty
of tho American citizens. 1t is useless 10
be contending a. to whether we VIII pay
more or less for coat or a dlnner-paI
when we are in danger of having our
liberties taken away from us aud being
cast into slavery.
OPERATION OF THE TARIFF.
He showed how the tariff upon blankets
and upon steelrsils and certain other com
modities was made the excuse for putting
up prices to aggrandiZe the rich manufac-
turer; how the North had steadily IN
creased the number of its millionaires un-
der the Mckinley bill and earlier tariff
laws, whilst the South had grown steadily
poorer. and the workman, so far from be-
ing benefited. had been forced to fight for
ms wages. there having been over 800
strikes in this country since the Mckinney
bill has been in operation.
As to the currency question, Mr.. rage
continued, the Democratic party promised
10 give them more currency by removing
the 40 per cent. from the State banks aud
letting local banks have fair show with
the national banks. The standard-bearer
of the Democratic party had shown
by his courageous act when he We
toed the vast dependent-pensons bill
that he did not propose TO see the South,
or any other section of the country,
robbed of Its entire currency. he showed
how the pension law was Ike great
sponge, which took mp all the moisture
from one place TO dispense II IN another,
leaving the first dry. How, II the Repub-
lican party could carry through Mr..
Raum's measure, it would take S35O, ,UOO,OO0
of the peoples money.
The pension bill now, twenty-seven
wears after the war closed, he continued.
takes $3.50 900, ,000-S60, 100000 more than it
costs England TO keep up her great army
and navy. He impressed upon them the
need of organization. There were Low
yoting-precincts in the State, and the fall
nre oF three or four men 10 vote at each
precinct would mean 4,500 or 6,OOO votes
The speaker held the attention of his
audience more than an four ana delivered
very eloorent address, in which he put
forth plaIg facts. which brought forth fre-
ouent applause from the assemblage.,
AT the conclusion of Mr. Pages address
the club rendered the orator vote OF
thanks.
Preparing for stevenson's visit.
The plans for the reception of Mr..
Stevenson tomorrow on his arrival from
North Carolina are about as well perfected
as ia possible until it is known positively
whether he will speak in Petersburg at
noon as reouested by Chairman Gordon,
of the State Committee.
The officers and Executive Committee OF
the Cleyeland-Stevenson Campaign Club
sneut an hour yesterday afternoon dis
cussing matters IN connection Win tne
coming OF the vice-presidentiai candidate
and the great meeting TO be held at the
| Academy of Music tomorrow night.
Another meeting will be held i'll the Cir
cuit-C Court room this evening at O'Clock
| to perfect the arrangements.
Colonel Cary stated at the conference
last evening that he had heard from
neither Nr. Gordon nor Mr.. Stevenson as
| 10 whether the latter will speak at Peters
| burg. but he telegraphed TO the latter
later asking for positive intorna',1In' ION IL. ne
| mittee will be able 10 proceed this evening
with full light before them.
TWO SPECIAL COACHES.
The ARRANGEMENTS thus far made are
based upon the presumption that the stop
viii be made in the Cockade City, and
there has been no material change in the
nrogramme already published III the DIS
PATCH. Colonel Cary has engaged two spe-
| cial coaches for the accommo odatlon or the
Richmond Democrats VIII will go over to
meet the distinguished visitor. These
cars will be attached to the regu,
lar train leaving here soon after
O'clock. and those who 60 will be charged
81 for the round trip. Returning, the
marty will arrive here about 2;l5 7. NJ,
and there will be thousands OF persons al
the station TO welcome the Illinois states
man. Handsome apartments have been
ENGAGED at the Exchange. After dinner
there the party Will probably be taken on
a drive through the city. The procession
will leave the hotel at 7:45 O'Clock Tor the
| Academy of Music.
| Ibere is a great demand for. tickets tc
the stage. Three, hundred OF these will bt
printed and apportioned this evening
among the officers and members Oh Tue
| Congressman Rayner, of Maryland, who
Will speak here and at Danville with Mr.
| Stevenson, will probably arrive this atter.
noon. and will be met by the committee
| appointed 10 receive him.
pRUMMERs WILL MEET.
The following is in reply to letter put
all