The state chronicle. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1891-1893, 1892-09-20

measure was supposed to be the emen-
entiy respectable Henry Cabot Lodge.
OF massachusetts,, who introduced the
plii' But not long ago, a gentleman,
not unknown to fame, Mr.. John !.
davenport, of New York city, the chief
feoeral supervisor of elections. and
also a United States commissioner. a
dlmlnutlve, polite and amicable person.
as mild hammered man as ever scuttled
snip or cut throat" came to Wash
ington and appeared before the commit
tee on immigration in behalf of another
PROJECT, dear to his heart, to
promote the purity of elections" and
l nao the honor of examing him, and he
stated In answer to my question. to the
great surprise of the public, that he was
the bold and sole author of the notorious
force bill. The borrowed plumape was
Immediately stripped from the proud
person of Mr.. Henry Cabot Lodge. and
the bill has since been properly styled
"the Davenport force BILL" Permit ne,
Mr. Davenport, On this same occasion.
with brutal frankness, avowed his pur-
pose to have his bill introduced gain
whenever "a favorable opportunity"
should occur, and when asked what he
meant by "a favorable opportu-
nitv," he unblushingly replied:
"When the republicans shall again
have majority in both houses of
Congress" event not likely to occur,
. trust, for many years to come, In the
open and public expression of his inten-
t tiUn to press the measure again it must
be assumed that he spoke in behalf of
his party and reflected it's sentiments.
2 The people of the several States will
S hesitate long before they consent to the
adoption of "Davenport's" election
: methods In their respective localities l
: have not the time to night to
t enter into any elaborate prcsen-
: tation of the details of this bill
S 1t is sufficient for us to know
: that the only purpose of the meas
ure is to control for partisan advantage,
our elections, State and federal. The bill
. is desperate attempt to prop up the
r failing fortunes of a once great political
S party; it was conceived in political ami
l. mostly, is urged from the narrowest anG
IS worst of motives and is unworthy place
v among the statutes of the American
e republic. The democratic party de
lr clares for free, honest and fair elec
} tions everywhere. 1t desires then
sc not merely because they would enur
fl to it's benefit but upon the unseltisl
l. and high ground that they are essentia
D. to the preservation of our free institu
D. tions. There has been no such condi
Ill ton of affairs at the South as to justif
d the enactment of the Davenport meas
Te urc. 1t is true that the colored peopl
er in large numbers are there voting tn
re democratic ticket, but this affords n
r sufficient reason for taking away fror
ne them, or from us, the control of their G
or oul elections. The colored people wer
ne not freed from slavery to become th
of slaves of the republican part,
IS The South is loyal, honest an
1y capable and if permitted as
IS. should be, it will work out its soci
e. and other problems in its own way will
on out injury to the colored race or injustit
he to the north, or to the republican part!
lat or danger to the elective franchise
* any event the majority of the America
on people will never approve a measu
nv which threatens their liberties, legaliz
US unfairness and absolutely guarante
IS partisan victories to the unscrupull
ito party that dares to enact it, After bri
rd discussion ofState issues, SenatortIill CO
ely cluded as follows believe that a lar.
20 majority of the people of this count
rid aie convinced of the rightfulness of del
he ocratic principles and want them to pr
IN vail But the election will not win
in self, and there must be complete Orga
md ization. | repeat the injunction l L
the tered bcfyra the democratic Sta
ace convention at Albany in February La
any 1T is cur duty to organize, organiz
Gle organize" With this motto
Bile scribed upon our banner, "Public
me fee is a public trust" supplemented
os the other sentiments which l have e
re- deavored to present to you to night, :
the public taxation for private purposes
pile and no "Force bill" let us close up o
sed ranks, and buckle on our armor for t
ere. fight, with the determination to do
attic in our power for the triumph of our par
nit and the election of our standar
ave bearers, Cleveland and Stevenson.
the The excitement in the audience W
can noticeable as the Senator drew near I
hat close of his address. He had spok
in for an hour and not once had he me
ket toned the name of Grover CleveaI
the He had called to his assistance
We defending his attack on the tai
OSl bill passages from CleVelahus III
not sage of 1887, but in each instar
itv'' referred to the ex-President as ''h
re- The anxiety of his auditors was plail
ntry apparent. The excitement increased
we the Senator stated that the old gus
per would do it's duty and perfect hui
aw, cane of applause, yells and cheers brt
ssue forth when, after one grand sentence
alter deepest meaning, he closed with
ects names 'sCleveland and Stevenson.
zen. The senators tact and ingenious v
evo- of bringing such climax to his addr'
the was recognized by the enthusiastic
n as dience by its rising, en- masse,
It be cheering him to the echo. 1t also
ght- nished Congressman Breckenridge, '
that followed with theme on which to o
lish- a most eloquent and forcible address.
nen- Congressman Breckenridge follo1
hem Senator Hill in a long and fore
au speech, and at its conclusion was hear
c re- applauded and the meeting adJour
press after brief speech by Lieutenant c
un- ernor Sheehan.
tally >.