The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-02-15
THE CRUMPACKER BILL.

the Southern people that Represent
ative Crumpacker's BILL designed to
reduce the representation in Con-
gress from the South, has met with
a cold reception even from his Re
publican colleagues. Indeed the
force bill movement of Mr.. Crum-
packer has stirred up so much tur-
MOL among the Republican mem
bers OF Congress that they have
made it so hot for the author Ofthis
Infamous measure that he has seen
fit to offer an explanation as to just
what the real intent of his bill is.
But the enemies of the bill failed 20
discover sufficient reason in his ex-
PLANTATION TO induce them tosuppOrt
it. On the contrary at Republican
caucus of Senators and congressman
held few days since, protest was
filed against the passage Of the bill.
and the indications are that the OBJ
jectionable proposition will prove
abOrtive.
The Southern Republicans in Con-
gress who are opposed to such ultra
ism, NAV not be actuated by that
exalted patriotism which commands
the admiration OF just men every
where, and OF every political persua-
sion-the preservation Of the Just
rights of the people-and Intercourse
in opposing the bill may be attribu-
table to a spirit of selfshness and
personal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, for should
the representation in the South be
reduced they might lose their own
fat Jobs, and the political plum tree
forever thereafter become barren.
Whether we Judge them correctly,
however, or not, in fighting this IN
famous measure they are doing the
South a good service, and may save
this section OF the country from the
stigma OF a force bill and its corrupt
inc and demoralizing effects.
We are of the opinion that the bet
y ter element OF the Republican party
are opposed to any discrimination
against the South in the matter OF
representation, and that they do
condemn the Crumpacker or any
similar measure. A spirit OF frater-
nitv and common brotherhood sfast
springing up between the North and
the South, especially so among the
best people of the two sections; andlt
is only the ultra radical element IN
either of the great parties who desire
to foster and perpetuate amnesty
and acrimony between the sections.
Northern capital is being rapidly IN
vested in the South, and the South
ern people are extending to these
now corners a cordial welcome into
their midst. The settlers are favora-
bly, impressed with the South and
would, naturally, like to see the Re
publican party become the dominant
power there. In fact, an effort Is be-
inc contemplated to organize, sohdl-
fy and rejuvenate the Republican
marty in theSouth and make it the
ruling power, and the promoters OF
theproiect will regret that Mr.. Crum-
hackers inventive genius ever con
ceived such an idea, as it will have a
very decided tendency to throw cold
water upon their intention.
But the most Objectionable feature
of the Crumpacker bill is that it
would revive sectionalism. tits pos
itively a hit at the South, and it Is
so discriminating in its nature anC
intent that it is very questionable i
# would "hold water" should it evel
become a law and tested in thecourts
If the intent of the bill were equitabl'
and general in its scope, applying
alike to all the States OF the Union
II might contain the merit OF being
on economic measure. But it is pat
emit that the primeval purpose an'
the paramount object ofthe bill Is t.
minimize the political power OF tn
South, because that power is wielde'
in the interest of the DemocraticpaI
ty. -
More. Mr. Crumpacker's bill Is
race measure, for he himself claim
that were it made law it would g
far towards settling the race que'
tion. 1t is a negro measure abimtl
ad infinitum, and this feature OF th
hill makes it the more obnoxious u
the Southern people who are the ne
oroes true friends, and who are OF
nosed to any measure that VIII
any way stir up race prejudice. In
negroes OF the South in convention
assembled not long since, expresses
their disapproval OF any measur
Of a similar nature to the Cruu
nacker bill; and it does seem strang
tbat in the face of their action MI
Crumpacker should have fathere
sucb a measure. His course IN so az
ing is prima facie evidence that t
.at;sfy the negroes is not the motiv
which actuates him.
Mr.. crumpacker's theory that tn
south has more representation tina
Il il Justly entitled to, because som