New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-10-30
IT MENACEs no HONEST VOTER.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: 1.-The World'~says "Waivng the assump-
tion that the Republicans are any more concerned
for free and honest elections than are the Demo
Gratis or that the Federal law tends to promote or
is necessary insure such elections. this Is good
advice. The issues indeed separate" 1t is not
an assumption. but matter Of history. that thu
Republicans for free and honest elections. while
the Democrats are opposed 20 both wherever and
whenever such a course is necessary to their sue
cess The Democratic party fought the enactment
of a registry law in this State for years and not
outstanding that law they elected John T. UOn-
man Governor in 1868 by fraud at the polls and In
counting the ballots Two years ago they stole a
majority in the Senate of the State OF New
York in spite of the decision OF the courts and
of the parties to the theft about be nominated
the office of Judge OF the Court Of Appeals.
With a view to retain political possession of this
State the Democratic Legislature at its last session
passed act to reduce the number Of Republican
inspectors OF election at each poll in this city to
one. thus insuring majority of Democratic in
spectors at each voting place. The Democratic
National Convention resolved that the policy OF
Federal control of elections. to which the Republi
party has committed Itself. is frausht with the
greatest dangers Danger TO whom? Certainly to
legal voter. The Constitution ooniers on Con-
gress the power to make rules and regulations for
the election of it's own members As was contem-
plated as possible by Mr. Madison in his speech in
fused 10 provide for free and fair elections OF MEM
beers OF Congress. ana ii II impcrauvey necessary
that Congress shall perform Its duty II Is notorious
that in several OF the States large proportion OF
The legal voters are prevented from VotinS, or II
allowed to vote their ballots are rot counted as
cast the fact not being denied, but openly justified
by leading men and journals. The question OF
home rule or local self-government, Is not
concerned in electing members who are TO legis-
late for the peor e Of the entire Union. Senator's
in Congress. Ii "A measure. represent states. but
members OF the House of Representatives. represent
not states. but the people in each Congressional
district in the several States and the people In any
that the REPRESENTATIVES of the districts In South
Carolina or Mississippi shall represent majority
OF the legal voters In such districts. and when the
people In any district not allowed under state
laws and regulations, to vote unmo!estel for candi-
dates for Congress Of their free choice. and 10
have their ballots counted cast, II becomes the
duty OF Congress not only 10 protect voters in their
rights but TO provide for its own preservation. The
Congressional election law interferes with the
rights OF man. but simply provides proper officers
TO conduct elections In a quiet and orderly manner
and count the ballots cast. There Is bulldozing
on the part OF such officers nor does the law
template force in its execution any more than any
other law OF Congress. Any law implies force in
It's execution should force become necessary but IL
Is not contemplated that the people OF any State
Will deliberately violate a law OF Congress which
simply provides for the free exercise Of their rights
OF suffrage in voting for members OF the National
Legislature who TO make laws for the General
Government. CITIZEN.
New-York. October 70. 1890