Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1896-12-31
MADE Of plnsren, sur.

40 editorial in a recent iesue or
the Dover Index calls attention to the
notable Gaze Of the late Eckley B. Coke
Of Pennsylvania, prominent business
man and leading Democrat, who de-
clined to accept seat in the State
Senate to which he had been elected
by large majority, with no cloud
upon the honesty Of his title. II was
required OF members elect Of the
Legislature, before taking their seats,
to make oath or affirmation that no
money bad basn expended directly to
secure their election. Bnt learning
that money bad been spent directly for
votes to secure his election tthough
| without his knowledge at the tinlel
Mr.. Coke declined TO take the oath
and assume his seat in the Senate. His
conscientious course vas highly APP
| plauded throughout the State.
The purpose of the Index in calling
attention to this cummandable case of
political honesty was TO impress IL
upon the mind OF Mr.. j. Frapk Alice
Of Dover, the Addicks Republican
numin for State Senator in Kent
county, who was apparently elected on
tn. face of the returns by plurality
Of ninety mine votes. Ii says
4 MIR. J.. Frank Alice is respectable
business man OF this county. During
the campaign no was not personally
opposed as man. The cause and mau
r H., "a
didafe was the reason why his election
was not desired. Upon the vote as
cast however, he received majority
Of ninety Minis votos. But this vote
was not a fair expression of the people 8
will. A change Of fifty votes would
have defeated him upon the showing
of his own party. Was there not more
than fifty votes bought for him in ench
election district of the county where
an election was held? There certainly
was. His party claim that the Demo
Gratis also speut money We do NOT
doubt that in some places an effort
was made 10 stern the tide of Addicks
money which was carrying men away
from their convictions in order that
they might be held where they be
. longed and be saved from being bribsd
} to vote against their consciences. We
have heard of no case where Democrats
attempted to debauch men TO vote
against their party and principles. But
! whatever money was spent by the
, Democratic was not drop in the
bucket by the side of the great
, avalanche of Doodle which flooded the
county and debauched citizens to vote
against their judgment and will. II
neither party had used dollar; il
J both parties had gone into the fight
with the same amount of money. the
Democratic majority would nave been
overwhelming. II the Democrats had
a entered the arena OF corruption will
, third Of the money Of the opposition
the county would have been carried hy
3 substantial majority for tho Demo
| Gratis Why? Because the people o
i this county are Democrats at heart, al
shown by the narrow majority that tht
2 Addicksites claim upon the face of tht
9 returns, with more money than the,
r could spend. No sensible and fair MAJ
can claim that Mr.. Alice was honestl,
q elected. No one can claim that tn
Q apparent ninety uine majority repre-
+ sents the honest sentiment, voice o
d choice of the electors of Kent county
Therefore, the Index calls upon Mr.
h Alice to emulate the example of MI
IS Coke, and "say that he does not desir
n a position 10 anywise tainted viii
bribery and corruption. and thu
u avail himself of the opportunity Of
" life time TO do everlasting credit an
n honor to his name" But there is nc
. the remotest possibility that Mr.. ALE
> will DO anything of the kind. If h
n can get the Office he will take il. wit
1t all the ignominy that goes with j
>, The average Addicks Republican
e not at all squeamish about acceptin
tue results of an election secured b
10 tho lavish use OF money at the poll
r. That is the only means by which Az
re dicks Republicans ever gained the sen
r blance of victory in this State.