The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-10-14
THE FIGHT OF 1876 OVER AGAIN.


Carolina is exceedingly critical. Ii
behooves the citizens of this State to
wake up and understand the momen-
.bous issues of this fight. Tt is pitiful
to say so, butt we have the same tlght
in 1896 that we had in 1876-a fight
for the supremacy and continuance IN
North Carolina of a government by
the intelligence and virtue of the State.
This is MO idle declaration. Il is a
solemn fact, which every man who
loves his country and his home should
duly and Immediately appreciate.
There is an election law placed upon
the Statute books by the Legislature
of 1896 which permits the most I'M
lawful and illegal voting. This law
was not the act of THE Populist party,
but in order to obtain the 6 per cent
interest law, they permitted the Re
publican panty to draft a bill TO pro-
vide for elections. The Republican
parity, having in view, as it always
does, it's own interest, prepared, by
aid of ingenious lawyers, a bill which
on it's face mas many expressions look
ing to honest elections, and every
party is fined for violating the law or
for any fraud, but this machinery of
act permits the grossest fraud, and was
drawn for this express purpose.
Men may register whatever may be
their age or residence, and no ques-
tions can be asked them. They cannot
be challenged successfully because a
notice must be served upon them to
have the challenge heard on "a certain
day. Illegal voters cannot be found,
and no notice can be served, and no
challenge can be heard, but on election
day those illegal persons vote and
nothing is left to the honest citizen of
the State but, after the election, to
seek to indict the party for his fraudu-
lent act.
This secures the election returns in
favor of the Republican party.
That is all they want.
Prom all over North Carolina come
reports of the extTavagant registra-
ton. Negroes have registered who
have never been known to register be-
fore, having been brought from the
forests and plantations of the South,
expenses paid, to be kept here until
election day.
The Democratic party is thoroughly
informed of this action. 1t has called
upon the Populist party to aid in
stemming this tide. 1t has called upon
the Populist party TO join with us for
the preservation of good government
in North Carolina. Heretofore the
issues have been against the gold stand
ard, and in favor of the free and I'M
limited coinage of silver, but if there
is anything THAT is precious to THE
people of North Carolina it is the pres
ervation of good government in this
State.
The Democratic party, always for
the interest of the people, does not
stand upon ceremony. 1t occupies no
position SO high that it does not
stretch out ITS hands for the aid of
the plain people, and now it has
stretched out its hands and asked all
men who love their State to join in
the election of men who will preserve
good government in North Carolina.
1t will be too late if Russell is
Governor and the negroes are dominant
in North Carolina to talk over this
matter. Three weeks from yesterday
the election will be held. We must act
now. There is mo- time TO lose. Let
every man understand that the re-
sponsibility rests with him. Let us
wake up to the situation. Let us act
and prevent any conflict of races that
may bring about trouble and discon-
tent. Let us have peace in North
Carolina. Let us do justice to the
colored MAN and do justice TO ourselves.
That the harmony between the races
existing heretofore may not be broken.