The Atlanta constitution., 1900-07-30

their evelashes a chance to work up an
organization, and they have taken advan-
tage of 1t. But the great bulk of the AZ, 900
votes which were cast for Weaver have
gone back into democratic ranks: the rc-
mainder would probably have gone
straight into the republican party had IL
not been that the present contingency
gave Butler the opportunity of holding
them together.
The uncertain vote was then. as nave
stated, the illiterate white vote In the
country ditricts. a goodly portion OF
which was at one time in the populist
ranks. At the outset there seemed
chance for Butler and his associates 10
get these votes, but all of the advices
which have reached the democratic lead
ers-and they come from the most con-
servative sources-ipdicate that the great
bulk of this vote will be cast for the
amendment.
If there had been any doubt of the re-
suit before the action Of certain federai
office holders and other opponents of the
amendment in causing the arrest OF reg
istrars of election and hauling them be-
fore United States commissioners has
apparently removed that doubt. No stare
which experienced the horrors of recon-
struction Is ready to indorse the inter-
ference of federal officials and federal
courts with its purely local election af-
fairs. and this ill-advised action on the
part Of the republican and populist poll
ticians has undoubtedly proved perfect
boomerang The prompt action OF Chair
man Simmons in calling the attention of
President Mckinley to the acts OF feder-
al office holders in North Carolina has
awakened the sense OF the country to an
appreciation of conditions down here. and
Il Is believed that the civil service COM
mission Will see to 1t that there is thorough
investigation of these acts. The repubu-
can leaders seem to realize this. for they
have suddenly called off all similar efforts
and have apparently given up the hopes
they were understood to have entertained
OF securing the Interference Of federal
courts In som way to prevent the cleo
ton from occurring.
The most important effect of the arrest
of these registrars. however. Is found In
the wave OF enthusiasm which has swept
over the democrats of the state and their
renewed determination that nothing shall
be allowed to stand In the way of victory.
II there were, danger that confidence IN
success would lead to democratic apathy
this very action has removed all such
danger.
They See Defeat Coming.
Senator Butler and his associates ire
now engaged in crying 'fraud''-most pa
tent evidence of the fact that they see
defeat ahead. ''They can tell you at
democratic headquarters just what their
majorities will be in the eastern counties
where the negro Is confessedly In the ma
jority." ne says. "Or." he adds. perhaps
they haven't determined Just how many
votes they will need and will hold these
counties back until they hear from the
rest OF the state. They are liking 70
steal the state"
"Such talk is absolute rot" say the
democratic leaders. 1T Is simply the al
vance wall of the defeated. We are GO
ing to carry the amendment not in any
one part OF the state alone but in all
parts Of It. You will see that we carry
every congressional district and almost
every county"
The polls they have made by counties
and townships seem to warrant these OPP
t!mistic predictions. The campaign they
have made has been in every detail most
thorough. It's ramincatons reaching every
voting precinct IN the state. Editor
Josephus Daniels. of The Raleigh News
and Observer. who has been in the thick
of it from the beginning. said to me: II
am making no predictions: but If you
want to predict you are safe in saying
that the amendment will carry in every
congressional district. Figures? Why,
put the total at 800 That's safe. /
would not be surprised to see 1t $1,000,
however. The organization perfected by
Chairman Simmons is complete In every
possible respect and the advlces he has
received from his men, who believe they
know the vote of every man in their res
pective counties. warrant all the claims
we are making and more"