The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-11-18
Whit to Repeal.

What to Repeal.
The demand for tho repeal OF tho DAvES-
PORT statutes is echoed by Democrats in
every part of the country. 1t is as nearly
universal rs any party cry that we remen.
Der There is no difference OF opinion
among Democrats about tho extent to
which the reform should go. Absolute. un-
qualified. and final adjustment Of tho whole
system OF Federal interference with cleo
tions is what IL wanted. and no measure
short Of that will be tolerated by the party
o. home rule and free government.
In II despatch from Washington yestcr-
day it was suggested that Congress might
cripple DAvENpoRT'S future operations by
withholding the appropriations on which
the United States Marshal depends for
funds with which to hire spies and bull
dozers and to brbe voters. There is no
need for any such indirect method OF deal
ing with the scandal. DAvENPoRTs own
fees are not dependent upon tho annual
appropriation bills; but he cannot resume
his activity until tho Congress elections in
the fall OF 1894. and long before that time
comes around no and the system he repre-
sents can be disposed Of by tho repeal Of
the Federal election laws.
What arc the provisions OF existing law
that must be repealed by Congress?
First. Sections 2,0ll and 2.012 Of the Re-
viscd Statutes provide that in any city or
town OF upward OF 10000 Inhabitants. on
the application OF ten citizens prior to
registration for any election at which
Congressman is to DO chosen. tho United
States Circuit Court shall appoint Super
visors to guard and scrutiniZe the registra-
ton. Tho repeal will start with Section
20ll OF Title 26 Of the Revised Statutes.
Next. Section 2,Ol3 provides that the
United States Circuit Court in question
shall be kept open before and ut election
time in order to back up the operations Of
the Supervisors it has appointed.
Next. Sections 2,o14 and 2.O15 provide that
the Judge OF the Circuit Court may dele
gate his duties and powers with regard to
the supervision OF elections to any District
Judge whom he may designate.
Next, Section 2.Ol6 authorizes the Federal
Supervisors to attend at the places OF reg
istration. to challenge citizens who desire
to register. and to scrutinize and copy tho
registration lists.
Next. Section 2.Ol7 empowers the Federal
Supervisors to attend at all times the
places where Congress elections are held.
or where the votes are counted: land to
personally inspect and scrutnize. from
time to time. and Mt all times. on the day
OF election. the manner in which the voting
Is done. and the way and method in which
tho poll books. registry lists. and tulllcs or
check books. whether the same are required
by any law of the United States. or any
State. territorial. or municipal law, aro
kept" This Is the backbone OF Davenport
Ism: it will go with the rest OF the system.
Next, Section 2Ol8 requires the Super
vsors Ito personally scrutinize. count.
and canvass each ballot in their election
district or voting precinct" and to make
certificates and returns OF the Same to the
Federal Chief Supervisor.
Next. Section 2,0l0 authorizes tho Federal
Supervisors at tho registry aud polling
places on the day OF registration and OH the
day OF election to take. occupy. and remain
in such position, whether before or behind
the ballot boxes. rs will. in their Judgment,
best cna0o them to SEQ each person offer
ing himself for registration or Offering to
vote" and likewise to take any position
they deem proper while supervising the
count OF the votes. This is tho provision
under which DAvESPoRT's hrclngs claim
tho right to push their way past the barri-
ers erected by any State law to safeguard
the ballot box.
Next. Section 1000 requires the Super
vlsors to report to tho Chief Supervisor
promptly when they arc molcstod' in the
full and FREQ exercise and discharge OF the
duties and obligations" OF Federal interior
ence. The Same section authorizes the
Chief Supervisor to investigate tho circum-
stances OF the "molestation' reported by
his subordinate. gives him power to sub
pUna witnesses and compel their attend
ance. and requires him to transmit tho in
formation thus obtained to the Clerk OF the
House Of Representatives.
Next. Section 2,02l empowers tho United
States Marshal to appoint in cities or towns
of 10000 inhabitants special deputy mar
shals to assist tho Federal Supervisors in
their work Of Interference. No limit is
placed on the number OF these special depu-
ties. 1t was under this section that JACoBUs
recently enlisted his army of tramps and
loafers for the support Of DAvENPoRrs per-
formances. This section OF the law simply
provides tho machinery for the wholesale
purchase OF votes at the expense OF the
United States Treasury.
Next. Section 1922 directs the United
Stn'ns Marshal mud his depu'ir7, ~"r"rnl