Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-08-13

An analysis OF the returns OI tHe IeCeHl
Alabama election leaves little doubt but
what the alleged Democratic victory was
achieved by the grossest fraud. The
Populists have just issued proclamation
setting forth facts that are well worthy of
the careful attention of all thoughtful citi-
zens. In the white counties of the state
the Populists won decided and sweeping
victory. Their majority in those counties,
however, was more than wiped out by
Democratic fraud in the black belt, where
majorities aggregating $4,000 were counted
in. These msjorities are the most palrable
frauds, and yet it is only by means of them
that the Democratic party is able to pro-
claim political victory in the state of Ala
bama. The election was held under law
carefully devised by the Democratic lead
ers to permit the preparation of these
very frauds by which they purpose to
perpetuate their political power. The
Populists of Alabama are not disposed
to submit to this gross usurpation. They
have fairly and honestly elected their ticket,
and will not tamely submit to be cheated
out of what they have won. Their COM
mittee in its proclamation, says:
1.-The condition in this state has reached
a climax. There is no doubt that the state
ticket, headed by Capt. r. F. Kolb, has
been elected. The alternative is presented
of submission to wrong, insult and robbery,
or to assert the sovereign power, before
which thrones totter, sceptres fall and the
outrages of tyrants cease. If
"That alternative must meet a response
from manhood, or silent submission from
those unworthy Of citizenship. proud
and chivalrous people, worthy of freedom,
cannot shirk the responsibilities the situa-
ton enforces.
"a distinguished patriot has asserted that
the man who will not fight for his liberty is
unworthy of freedom. We do not advise
fighting or lawlessness of any kind; but a
crisis has arisen that demands that the
sovereign power shall assert itself to COM
pei unworthy servants of its will to submit
to its power and recognize its authority.
"Your committee recognizes that it has
been entrusted with certain duties, and
that its powers are circumscribed, and it
feels authorized only in going to the ex-
tent of advising and urging those whom
it represents to exercise the power vested
in them, and to hold meetings on Thurs
day, the 23d day of August, at their respec-
tive court houses, if not otherwise speci-
| fed, to act upon this great crisis.
cat the same time and place we would urge
the organization of law and order leagues to
uphold the supremacy of that greatest of
all law and power-the sovereign will of a
| free people. Upon the adjournment of
these meetings, reports of the proceedings
should be furnished Immediately to w. H.
Skaggs, chairman, Birmingham, Ala"
There is talk of organizingland selling the
state government The Populists undoubt-
eddy have right to its control, and such
action would serve to impress upon
the country the absolute necessity
of putting an end, once for all, to the fraud.
u'ent manipulation Of elections in the
Southern states. In this connection the
following editorial, from the New Orleans
Times Democrat, one of the most prominen,
Democratic newspapers in the South, is full
of significant interest. 1t says: H.. -
The negro bugbear is brought forward to
Justify fraud. If we have an honest cleo
tion, say cur legislators, farewell to Demo.
cratic government and white supremacy
This cry will deceive no thoughtful person
White rule does not depend on fraud, and
we have only to look around at our neigh.
bors to see that fact demonstrated II
would be a humillating confession il
we had to say that we rule and can
rule only by dishonesty. But, a:
a matter of fact, everyone knows
that this negro scare is but subterfuge
which has been successfully used for years
past. We hare Submitted to fraudulent cleo.
tons for t1centy si1 gears in the hope that
Democratic Legislature would put sn enc
to them. That hope we must now abandon
and the people themselves must give US
ballot reform. All the ills that Louisiana
has suffered, az the miSgouernment thai
has preUailed, and all the roJberies hd
haze foliolced, hare been the result Of dis
honest election lars and methods.