The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-10-31

Savannah now are interested in her well
fare and progress, and that they would
hardly advocate legislation harmful to
her interests. Don't you think, senator,
that they are in a position to know just
a little more about the wishes and desires
of the people of Savannah than you are,
who reside in Bryan? You certainly
think yourself more competent to judge of
Bryan's affairs than they. Then it occurs
to me you should allow them some voice
in their own matters, even if, at this last
date, you don't consider them regular"
You know if they interfered in your coun-
tvs legislation you would be the first to
protest y GU certainly would not want
them to so interfere. Then, senator, let
the meaning and force of the golden rule
sink into your heart on this Sabbath
morning and act accordingly.
What is the present situation? The
members of the Chatham delegation seek
the repeal of these commission bills. They
were sent to Atlanta to do that by the
people of Chatham. A mayor and twelve
aldermen request that they be repealed.
They were elected by the citizens of Sa-
vannah to do that among other things
You said at the last session you would
not favor repeal because the mayor and
aldermen did not desire it. What do you
say at this session, when the mayor and
aldermen do favor repeal? Are you con-
sistent? Not a bit of it. You are still
against repeal, and in defense of your po-
sition you now entrench yourself behind
regularity and democracy" Why do
you oppose repeal? Is it because
as stated by the member from
Emanuel in yesterdays Morning News
certain gentlemen have tremendous in
fluence" in the legislature?
Let me analogue the present status of
affairs to one that might arise in the ma
tional congress. Suppose we say that you
are the congressman from this district
Congressman Geiger of the First congress
siOnal district of Georgia. (That sounds
we'll doesn't it, senator0 You introduce
in the House a measure affecting only your
district and none other. a measure, too.
that is demanded by your people. A sena.
tor from Georgia, on the plea of sena-
torial courtesy, not because the bill is
not right seeks TO choke off your pro-
posed piece of legislation. You know you
would think his action uncalled for, I'M
democratic, harmful and obnoxious to the
principle of home rule, and you would con-
slider his conduct officious And vet you
are doing the very self-sarne thing.
Before you finally act let me ask you to
pause and reflect upon what the conse-
quences may be. The people of Chat
ham are hghstrung and resent any un-
called for interference in their affairs by
an outsider They will sooner or later
arise i'm their might and wreak their politi-
cal vengeance upon any one who violates
this time-honored principle of home rule,
upon which l have dwelt so much. You
think they are quiet now only because
the voice of indignation fails to reach
you, but the people are very much like a
swift running, deep river. The stream il
quiet and one knows nothing of the ap-
preaching storm until the clouds appear.
and then it is too late to reach the shore
The rain beats. the wind blows and the
craft freighted with life, strikes and sinks
and a soul goes to its reward. Look out.
senator, the political storm will come. and
your boat may be caught. Then
there will be nothing left
but the corpse OF political
ambition to tell 81 the passing fury Its
a long way 10 Washington and storms
come at all seasons Of the year.
Excuse me, senator, for signing a nom
de plume. Ny name would convey nothing
TO you. am only one of your constitu-
ents, but there are thousands who feel
about this matter as l do, and if I shall
have succeeded in causing you to recon
slider your position, and to do your duty
10 your whole people my reward will. be
that / have recalled a, personally honest
man to a sense Of realization of the fun
force of the obligation of his oath as an
official. l have the honor to subscribe nv
self, your obedient servant.
Home Rule.