The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1901-01-19
An Extra Session.

The ADVOCATE last week gave three reasons
why Governor Smith should call the General
Assembly of Maryland together in extra SEES
sion.
In brief they were-to have a State enum
GRAFTON Of the inhabitants; to fix the Congress
sional districts under the late apportionment
of members by Congress, and to establish an
educational qualification for voters.
The only objection raised so far, to an ex-
ira session of the General Assembly, is the
expense 10 the State that would be entailed.
This objection falls when it is stated that an
extra session will not require an increase in
taxation. The condition of the States finances,
owing to wholesome laws aud good manage
ment, is such that to pay for months ses ion
of the Legislature would be no Inconvenience.
And the session need not last month. Both
houses are organized and all committees ap-
pointed. They can proceed with legislation
without delay, and the passage Of three aeis
should be accomplished in week.
The Federal census is so incurate that some
counties will have strength in the House of
Delegates beyond their dee They will have
strength disproportionate to their popula.
ton, and other counties are denied their proper
representation. The cost of an accurate emu
meration of inhabitants should not weigh
against public rights.
The establishment of educational qualifica-
tons for voters in other states is causing many
:If:&..a4s y. 49,, :. ~ Mar.l.nJ Soma North
ern States have property as well as an edu-
cational qualification. IF Maryland does not
protect herself, it viii not be long before our
electorate will be more illiterate than inteili-
gent, and the political party that favors esiab.
fishing an educational qualification for voters
will be defeated at the polls. The General.
Assembly of Maryland now represents the in
telligence and property of the State. Let it
be called together to protect the intelligence
and property against the possible triumph of
ignorance.
In Arkansas, Connecticut and Delaware a
registration fee is exacted, while in Florida,
Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada,
New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsyl
vania, Rhode Island and South Carolina voters
must be able to read and write Such quail
the state, but is an incentive to rising genera
tons to take advantage of the public schools
established at public expense. The establish
ment of an educational qualification for voters
should have been coeval with the establish
ment of public schools. Some incentive TO
obtaining an education should have been held
out. Certainly no one will now deny that the
state, after maintaining public schools for
more than thirty-fiye years, has right TO i'm
pose upon her electors an educational quallh-
cation. Ignorance in voters should not be
tolerated, and ignorance will be the rule if
the disqualified illterates in other states are
permitted 10 vote in Maryland. Already they
are coming to the state in considerable NUN
beers, and the influx will increase unless Mary
land requires her voters to be able to read and
write. The thousands that came to the state
last year, will vote this year, unless denied
participation in elections by an educational
qualification.
While fixing qualifications for voters, the
General Assembly should provide against
itinerants voting The United States Govern
ment will employ many men for several years
in putting up buildings at Annapolis and build
ing dry dock. In all probability consid-
cradle number of people employed on these
improvements will come from other states,
and will return to their homes as soon as their
jobs end. They can have no interest in the
state emitting them to vote, and should be
prohibited from voting. Unless prohibited
from voting, the men will be selected largely
by Sydney Mudd and will vote as he dictates.
The General Assembly should be called in
extra session soon enough to enable it to finish
its labors by the first part Of April. An emu
meration of the inhabitants should be made
before the heat of the summer sets in, when
many people are away from home.