The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-03-01
Action of the Anne Arundel Dele
gates.

A compact seems to have been made De-
tween Delegate Straus and the four Delegates
from Anne Arundel county with the Repub-
licans to dominate the House OF Delegates
and to pass such measures as they choose,
or rather that Delegate Straus chooses, Tor
he is the leader and guiding spirit OF the
continuation. Straus has become embltter-
ed against the Democratic party solely and
alone because the party did not elect HIM
Sneaker of the House. For this failure ne
blames the Democrats prominent IN party al
fairs and he has vowed to oppose any meas
ure thew may suggest, regardless OF its bench
c;ol effects and no matter how much the peo-
ple may desire the passage of such bills. The
Republicans are backing up Straus with their
entire membership in the House, because
thew would rejoice in the defeat OF any bill
the Democratic leaders might bring forward,
and their policy is to make the session lali-
rre in order that censure for failure might
fall upon the Democratic party. The Anne
Arundel delegates are incensed because uoV.
Smith declined to appoint deputy tobacco
;nenector from that county endorsed by the
faction in the party to which the delegates be-
long. They are in the Straus- hepuohcan
combine to get even with the Governor and
otber nrominent Democrats who are endeay-
orins to redeem party pledges and give to the
people necessary legislation in regard to cleo
lions. primary elections, corrupt practces
and other matters.
With the faction differences III Anne Arun-
dol the Democrats of other counties have
nothing to do. They are matters they must
settle for themselves, but we conte nd that the
action of the Anne Arundel Delegates III
combining with the Republicans to defeat
measures the party desires passed, is not
treating the Democrats of the State with just
ness and fairness. Do they think 1t right to
punish the Democrats of Carroll, st. Mary 5,
Talbot or Somerset, by defeating promised
amendments to the election laws 10 they
think it right to follow geteven pohcy ana
thus endanger Democratic success everywhere
by the charge of unredeemed party pledges
Do they desire to continue the danger OF Ne
gro rule by Withholding support from meas
ures designed to keep power in the hands OF
the intelligent and taXpaylng white race
Do they forget that the progress OF Southern
MARYLAND has been retarded by the prepon-
derence of Negro voters? Don't they realize
that no part of the Commonwealth can suffer
without affecting the balance? DO they want
Charles st. Mary's, Calvert and Somerset to
be longer retarded by the rule of Negro bal
NJ To Carroll
erick and Washington counties still embar-
raised and threatened with Republican rule
through the votes of ignorant and thrlttless
Negroes?
These are matters which call for sober
thought by the Anne Arundel Delegates. We
charge them to consider if they are acting
fairly and justly with the Democrats OF the
other counties by the course they are pursu-
ing. We do not undertake to decide whether
they have just cause of complaint. That Is
matter with which the Democrats OF other
counties have nothing to do. But no matter
how much they feel incensed at the failure to
have one of their faction preferred, or several
- ofthem, they should not wreak their vengeance
upon the Democrats of the State. We III
Carroll have no part or responsibility IN the
matter. neither have the Democrats Of Fred
erck, Washington, St. Mary's, Somerset,
Kent, Talbot or any other county.
Two-thirds of the session of the General
Assembly has passed, and the bills to redeem
party pledges have not been passed nor other
measures demanded by the people. Fore
most among these measures is an amendment
to the ballot law still further demanding intel
ligence of the voter. This is the most vital
legislation demanded. Upon the enactment
of it depends not only the prosperity of the
State as a whole, but it is especially essential
to the welfare of some half dozen counties now
under Negro rule.
tits to be hoped that the Anne Arundel
Delegates may realize what the result of their
action in joining with the Republicans may be
upon Democrats in other counties, and turn
about and act with the party. not help the
Republicans in their policy Of delay and OBJ
struction. They have no sentiments in COM
mon with the Anne Arundel Democrats. 1t
is their sole purpose to obstruct, delay and
defeat bills in redemption Of Democratic
promises. in order to defeat the whole Demo
cratic party, the Anne Arundel Delegates in
cluded.