Evening journal., 1903-04-17
Ezra Fell Speaks As a
"Friend" to a "Friend''
in Urging Governor to
Uphold Traditions of
His People
in a Speech In
Inmates That His First
Thought Would Be fo1
the Ignorant and I'm
fortunate

fortunate
staf Correspondent Evening Journal.
Dear friend, urge thee. in the name
Pf our people, to sign that bill" Such
we're the words of Ezra Fell, who. with
he ministers Of the various religious
denominations of Delaware, yesterday
pleaded with John HUM to sign the
epeal bill wiping the Voters Assistant
aw from the statute books.
1t was the last delegation that will
isit the Governor on this important
natter, and his Excellency looked re-
ieved when this last bombardment
+ vas over. c. r. Layton was not in
is accustomed place yesterday, and
he preachers were allowed to come
ace TO face with the Governor without
ncountering the watchful eye and the
ynical leer OF the Secretary Of state.
Speaker Anthony was there, however,
nd occupied a seat facing the delega-
ion, perhaps with the feeling of the
rishman who said: "IIit me again;
gant to see how much 1 can stand"
1t was a delegation in which ex-
remes met; all the religious bodies of
he city, save one, were represented.
md going down on the train the min
ster OF the Church Of the New Jeru-
allen was I'm friendly converse with
n Episcopal clergyman; plain Ezra
ELL of the Friends, had a friendly
-ord for everybody, and the
nited Presbyterian clergyman
raternized with the Christian
Ecience reader There were over
hirty ministers in the delegation, and
considering the fact that the matter
ad been arranged within twenty-four
ours, a good showing was made. The
|reachers were very much in earnest,
nd made it plain that they propose to
AXE hand in reforming the politics of
delaware.
A Well Managed Delegation.
II is safe to say that no Governor
Delaware ever had a similar expert
nee. These clerical gentlemen were
o mere religious fanatics with words
the place of ideas The speakers
lade it evident that they were con-
ersant with the question they were
iscussing, and they had all reached
pc conclusion that stripped of all soph-
stry with which it has been surround
by the friends of the present law,
is a simple question of morals, and
hey pleaded for its repeal, just as they
ould have made a plea against a law
uthorizing gambling.
The meeting was handled with di-
lomacy and skill; there were no long
arangues. and little tendency to
preach" at the Governor. In simple,
arnest language the speakers tpld the
overnor. respectfully, but firmly, that
hey knew the iniquities of the law at
resent and they met any objections
nat may have been in his mind with
be clean-cut reasoning that would
ave done a lawyer credit. Ere they
nd finished. Governor Hum had abso-
ltely no excuse for refusing his sigma
ire TO the bill save that given by
enator Conner.
It is interesting to note that the
Mon Republicans have shown a sem
tiveness over the mention of Con-
er's speech that does them credit
here is a queer look I'm the Governors
ye every time the matter is mention
l. and the Secretary of State evinces
disposition to talk about the weather
the mention of the remarks of de-
ver- The Goods" Conner.
Some Were Missing.
The preachers yesterday displayed a
tile human nature when they dis
Used the attitude of the Rev Dave
lark the only clerical advocate of the
oters Assistant law, and expressed
gret that he could not be present. II
just possible that a convert might
i've been made.
There were present preachers who
e found on the right side of every
oral question and whose voice may
ways be counted upon; preacher:
no under ordinary circumstances re-
Sc to discuss public questions
teachers representing great denomi-
ations. and preachers standing fol
iths that have few adherents. The
ealthy congregations were represent.
in their pastors; but the minister oi
e struggling church and the meagei
larry was there. There were clergy.
en- present to whom the cost Of th'
ilroad fare and a dinner at the hote
ere matters that required grave con
- eration. And why were all the sacri
es made? One had only TO look int
e eyes of the delegates to read th'
lswer.
Some were not there who should
I'VE been there. Among these wer
any who are most familiar with TIL
Iorst phases of the "Bribers' Assistan
.z ", but they doubtless held that IN
ergy should keep out OF politics, AM