New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-10-12
4 SHAMEFUL DEED.


The House has done its worst. Nothing bet
ter than the worst was expected, 1t Is true
from the Democratic majority which was so
anxious to sweep away all restrictions and i'm
pediments TO crime ut elections that II rcso-
lutely showed the Election bill forward while
the Silver bill was still pending. Yet there
have been some who hoped, for the honor OF
the country, that at the last moment portion
of the Democrats, and possibly some Popullsts,
would refuse TO make themselves parties TO an
act which in time will surely be considered IN
famous Every Democrat and every Fopulist
nevertheless voted for the measure. and they
made themselves responsible for all its consc-
oucnces. There have been some who perceived
that the act would in effect and intention re-
woke two amendments Of the Constitution. ana
believed that Democrats OF TINS generation
might shrink from notification. But every pro-
posed amendment TO the bill was voted down
bv the same solid partisan majority. Nothing
better could have been expected by those VINO
comprchended Democratic measures. and Knew
what the act was intended TO accomplish. ana
vet the deed itself will be IN aStoniShmrh'
and Il revelation TO many who have voicd
Democratic tickets.
This decd will be branded in coming years
with shame. not merely because Of its nature
but because if il becomes law the intent OF
those who have contrivCd it and forced il through
will be disclosed by the conduct of Democratic
partisans after restrictions have been swept
away. There will be- seen. in other states than
this. many crimes like those which nave inade
Democrats of NewYOrk and Jersey CITY dls-
reputable There will be seen, beyond doubt
wherever election swindling can prevail, other
crimes like those which the Democrats OF New
Jersey have rewarded. and which the Demo
Gratis of New-York propose to reward by inc
election Of Maynard. When these offences
against the rights of the people are pcrpetratei
men will realize as they do not now that IL was
tho deliberate intent of Democratic leaders and
managers TO open the door for unlilnit"l
svindling and robbery. and the infamy OF the
men who then do the dirty work will attach
TO the men who have voted to make that dirty
work easy and safe.
The better men in the Democratic party DO
not even now relish the prospect. II does MOI
seem 10 them that Maynaidism ought 10 be
taken up as the cardinal principle and the syS-
tcmatic practice of the Democratic party. They
have tolerated. or failed adequately 10 rcb'ik",
crimes by their party in The past, on the poor
plea that some Republicans have been guilty
of wrongdoing also But the issue now takes
new shape The Democratic party aS Il whole
through every representative Of that party IN
Congress sets Itself on the side of frauds ana
crimes at elections by repeating laws enacted
TO restrict such offences The Republican
marty as Il whole has set itself against such
crimes by cnacting laws 10 which Democrats
as we'll rs Republicans could appeal for de-
fcuco and TO which Democrats have often ap-
pcaled and by supporting in the various States
secret ballot laws and other measures. the best
that had been devised to secure honest ana iair
elections In nearly every Republican state
such laws have been passed. and by Republican
legislatures as the United STATES Election laws
were passed by Il Republican Congress.
Thus the nomination Of Maynard the Grim
jual becomes the latest and most convincing
evidence Of the real character and purpose Of
the Democratic party. The emergency is one
which respectable Democrats cannot meet, with
the approval Of their conscicnces or the re-
spcct Of their fcllow-ctizcns. by sitting down
in dignilcd Indifference, and permitting the
organized gangs of election swindlcrs to do
whatever they will. 1t can BE- met only by
overwhelming votes and rcsoutc work in every
State where the issue is presented against the
party which sets itself to govern rhc Nation rs
il now governs NewYork-by crimes against
the rights Of the people.