Evening star., 1896-09-28
Close Observations in the Nearby
Congressional District
PROTECTION Is THE MAIN ISSUE
Railroad Men Inclined to Resent
Official Intimidation.
\ REPUBLICAN STRONGHOLD

CUMBERLAND, Nd, September q, 1896
Notwithstanding that Allegany Is
banner republican county Of the sixth con-
gressional district of Maryland, Mr.. Bryan,
when he visits Cumberland next Wednes-
day, will receive an enthusiastic welcome
from the railroad men and employees Of the
mills and shops, who constitute so per cent
of the city's population. 1t will be enthu-
siastic because it will be the occasion of the
firing of the first heavy gun in the cam
pagn in western Maryland. That out of
the enthusiasm will grow much political
capital for Mr.. Bryan's cause is doubted.
The ccal miner Is the important factor in
the political situation mere, and he is a
protec zionist, and has had no time or inch-
nation to study free silver doctrines. He
has demonstrated, to his own satisfaction
at least. that protective tariff on coal is
what he wants, and he is for the candidate
who will protect his interests. 1t will take
more than one visit from Mr.. Bryan to
convince the coal miners that it is TO their
interest to abandon protectionism for free
silver.
Here, as elsewhere in Maryland, a new
registration is being held, and the size of
the republican majority depends largely on
the fidelity with which the voters register.
The results of the registration thus far are
satisfactory to the republicans. The pub
lican majority in Allegany ranges from 200
TO 1850. There have been some changes in
the political views of adherents of both
parties, and after hearing the claims of
their respective leaders, / am inclined to
believe that the net result will not make a
material difference either way. 1t is claim
ed by the democrats that the farmers are
with them this year, and a few names are
given to prove the assertion. They are Der
suaded that an advance in the price of sill
Yer means an increase in the price Of farm
products. On the other hand, the repubI-
cans are conceded number of new ad-
herentS among the merchants end CITY bus
incSs men, who will vote for Mckinley and
sound money because they are satisfied
that Organism means destruction Of credits
and financial crisis which will overwhelm
them.
ton are democrats. but from converse ton
with number of them find they are di-
vided on the silver issue, and many will
vote the republican ticket. Most Of them
however, resent the efforts made by the
railroad officials to induce them to vote as
they want them to. They say that the in
terest taken by the officers Is based on a
fear that If free silver prevails they will
nave to raise wages, rather than the
belief that the free-coined silver dollar will
he worth but 53 cents in purchasing power.
This is the first impression caused by the
circulars issued to railroad employees, and
1t may give place to a better understand
ing before the campaign is over.
The recent location here of construction
and repair shops of the Baltimore and
Ohio railroad has brought into the district
many new voters, whose past political
affiliations are not known, but If they all
voted for Bryan the county would still
be able to give Mckinley and Mcdonald a
handsome majority F. B.
OAKLAND, Md, September q, 1896.
Garrett county is looked upon as Saft
for from 100 to 500 republican majority
and has given Mr.. Wellington 600, but th'
new registration thus far shows that th'
republicans nave much to do this year i
they expect to hold their own. The per
centage of the republican vote registered
is very small Oakland and other town:
where the registration is full are demo
cratic. The farmers are busy now, an(
the registration precincts are far apart
MIR. Blair Lee, the democratic congressional
| candidate, has visited Garrett county ant
| 1t is reported has left $1,000 to cover tn,
legitimate expenses incident to getting tn,
| democratic vote registered. Such al
| amount will accomplish much in that drec
| ton, and, coupled with the favorable i'm
preston which Mr. Lee has created, mean
| full democratic vote. The republicans o
| the county fully realize the situation, an,
1 will make strenuous efforts to get tn
/ farmers from their plows long enough t
| register on one of the four days left TO
| that purpose.
| Garrett is interested in wool and mapl
| sugar, and the democrats who depende
| on these products have never forgiven thei
| party for lowering the tariff on one an,
| repeating the bounty the other. Here
| as in other sections Of western Maryland
| an issue as free trade. F. B.