The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1901-06-13
NUMBER IA.
HOW LAW AFFECTS The DEMOCRATS.
VIII Lose Votes in Many COuntieS-Sena-
tor McCOmas Surprised at Republican
Confidence,

VIII LOSS VOlSS IN many C0unt1eS-Sena-
tor McCOmaS Surprised at Republican
Confidence.
While the Democrats are souahhIino
the Republicans are getting together.
Not III the history of the party have
the conditions been so favorable as at
present. In city and in counties there
is the same confidence, the disfran-
chisement law to the contrary not
wlthstanding. As a matter of fact
this act is no longer regarded an oh
stacle. 1t has had an effect not an
ticipated by the Democratic party
managers, who pushed it through the
Legislature. Schools have sprung up
like mushrooms. In every hamlet the
instructors are at work teaching the
Illlterate how to mark their ballots.
While the Democrats do not appear at
all concerned about those of their
party whom they have disfranchised.
A covert threat was made recently
by Somerset county politician, who,
when informed of the work being
done by the Republicans, said their
labors would count for naught, as the
Democrats intended to use German
script, which they would be unable
to decipher. When former Senator
Dryden, the county leader, was told
OF this, he replied that if permissible
they might use Greek or Hebrew let
tiers, when only chosen few could
vote. AT any rate, if letters were
used which would practically debar
one half the voters, the court would
be asked to issue mandamus, and
If this was refused the responsibility
could be placed where it belonged.
1t is hardly probable, however, that
such revolutionary methods will be
employed. Many Democrat would
be deprived of the right of franchise
If unreliable tickets were printed.
In Queen Anne the Democrats are
already kicking because of the many
votes lost to them. The leaders who
attended the State committee meet
ing We're not at all sanguine over the
outcome i'll this Democratic strong
hold. Mr.. John Wilson, the Repub-
lican leader, thinks they will use some
device to enable their illiterates to
vote. Unless they do their usual ma
jority will be materially reduced, if
not quite wiped out.
Indeed, just now the Democrats are
more worked up oyer the result of
their handiwork than the Republi-
cans, who, as above stated. are rap
idly getting their people in shape
and are no longer concerned about
the law.
AT the meeting of the State Cen
trail Committee last week Senator Nc
Comas asked every county represen-
tative as to the political conditions
in his district, and without exception
every one declared the outlook never
was brighter. Il was really amazed
said he, subsequently,, ''at the conf
dence OF these men. Even those coun-
ties which the Democrats should win
easily they claim to be able to carry.
This feeling means much to our party.
Half the battle is already won when
victory is scented from afar. But it
will not do to take anything for
granted. We must continue to work
and never let uD until the polls close.n
Chairman Goldsborough was also
agreeably surprised when the repo, is
came in. He knew OF the conditions
in his and adjoining counties. but at
tributed these to local troubles which
operated against these Democrats.
He had no idea that Democratic dis
affection was so widespread. An ex-
uberant Republican representative
offered to bet the Democrats would
not carry more than two counties in
the First district.
EX-Congressman Barber, who will
probably be the candidate for Sena-
tor from Talbot, entertains not the
slightest doubt of Republican success
in his county. He will manage the
fight in person, and, as the party diff
ferences have been minimized, prac-
tically solid vote will be cast. Talbot
has always been the stronghold of the
silverites, and these are bitterly OPP
posed to Mr.. Germans candidacy.
Editor Lightbourne of the Peninsular
Democrat is pouring hot shot into the
anti-Bryanites and making war on
their leader. Add to his opposition
that of the Independents who follow
ed General Hardcastle when he an
tagonized the machine and it is plain
that the regulars are fighting against
odds.
Eo~ na.@ -.