The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1892-06-04
The Force Bill.

While reform of the tariff willb leading
issue in the approaching contest, the fear OF
a Force bill will have as much effect IN sohuiiy-
ing the Democratic party as any other issues
As dreadful as free silver may be regarded oy
soma mr. a. demonstration of silver by others,
and as blighting as the Mckinley bill is re-
oarded by ALL still these pale into lnsignh-
canoe AS compared with Force BILL mar
r;sor will be re-nominated at Minneapolis
next week, and Federal control OF national
elections is the one measure dear to his heart.
During the last Congress he turned the whoie
mower of his administration in favor OF the
massage of the Force bill. The bill only failed
because of the refusal of such Senators as
Teller and Plumb and few more Western
Republicans to vote for the measure
In the event of Harrison's rejection, with
a Repubhcan House of Representatives to
sustain him, he will bring forward his pet
scheme again. and with better prospects oil
success. Nearly every Republican state con-
vention held since the demise OF the Billion
Dollar Congress has heartily endorsed the
Force bill, and with this backing, Republican
success in November will be followed by re-
newed efforts to pass the bill.
The bill is the most infamous ever proposed
in either house of Congress, and Its passage
would be fraught with dangers to American
liberty. Partisan election machinery con-
trolled from Washington and directed by such
ILL., D,annort and W W Dudley
would be used to suppress free elections ana
IN keen in power the Republican machine.
In the South it would mean Negro and car
net.bag domination, which would retard pro-
gress and development, stop immigration and
paralyze business. State debts would De
piled high and taxation be synonymous with
confscation.
To the whole country Force bill would
mean increased taxation, more lavish expen-
diture and more subsidies and bountles to
favorites. With the election machinery IN
control of the Republican party, nothing but
a popular and non partisan uprising OF the
people would ever dislodge the ruling ring by
she use of the ballot-perhaps resort to
force would be necessary.
No matter what the Democratic platform
NAV be. or who are the Democratic candl'
dates. the Force bill will be the leading issue
of the campaign in the South. Democratic
success in every Southern State is assured IN
advance, regardless of the platform and lead
ers, for Democratic success puts a stop to
Force bills. 1t means, too, economy IN pub
lie expenditures, tax reduction, and peace
and prosperity to the South.
This is why the South desires the Chicago
convention to make no mistake, to try no
experiments and TO take no risks. The can
didates who can surely carry New York, Con-
necticut and indiana, are the ones who are
gaated, and it matters not from what section
they may be chosen. Southern delegates are
nninstructed. and are ready 10 go in body
for the candidates whom the wise leaders,
after consultation, may decide can carry the
three pivotal Northern states. Cleveland
would be their preference, but they will be
guided by the voice of the partyin the North.