The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1903-06-04

| uOHe. immediately Lnelr plant COVER
nor called the legislature in extra
session. In face of the greatest oppo-
sition both within and without the
party, the most extraordinary, uncall-
ed for and unnecessary transaction
took place ever known in this State
AT this extra session of the legislature,
the Ring, under whip and spur, drove
through an election bill which had
for its purpose the DISTINGUISHING of
republican voters. 1t was passed
merely as matter of expediency to
insure the success of the Ring, and
not as a measure looking to the good
and lasting benefit of the people Of
the State as whole. This law pro-
vided for trick ballots. Through its
agency the Democrats succeeded in Sc
curing control of the legislature the
second time, but by a very small
majority. An actual count of the
votes cast showed the Republicans
were clearly entitled to control and
the majority of the people wanted
them in power, so when the municipal
election was held in Baltimore all the
forces were gotten together by the
Democrats to aid them in capturing
the city. The man named by them
| for mayor has been sworn in but it is
believed that the Republican candi-
date should now be occupying that
seat. 1t has developed since that
election that this law which the last
legislature pretended to remedy and
improve, has a defect or flaw in it
which will allow two election Judges
in any precinct or in any voting place,
to refuse to count the ballots cast,
and in so doing disfranchise every man
who has cast his vote in that precinct.
A prominent lawyer in Baltimore says
ut makes no differenc that severe
penalties are provided for the punish
ment of the willful and malicious neg
lect of duty, because such limitless
opportunity for dispute among cleo
tion judges is permitted, even if not
Intentionally provided by the law,
that it would be difficult to prove
that the disputes did not result rath-
er from honest differences of opinion
than intentional fraud
If three of the judges do not agree
to count the votes or if two of the
judges will disagree on any point,
that will make an excuse for not pro-
ceeding with the court, nothing. can
be done and the voters will be dis
franchised. These election judges
can escape without punishment I'M
less it can be shown that they NAL
iciously refused to proceed with their
work.
1t requires but moments reflec-
ton to see the extent of this decision
and the vast and unequalled oppor-
tunity for fraud it presents. The |
democratic ring leaders know that
at the next election the State of Mary
land will go republican, and that they |
have absolutely no chance of retain |
ing control. This decision points out |
a way. There is no doubt in the |
mind of any one about what they |
will do. The men who passed the
Acknowledgement law will not hesitate |
to use the advantage thus presented |
to committing fraud on the people
behind legal technically for the !
chance of continuing in office.
1t remains for those who passed |
the law to call the legislature in extra
session at once and have this defect |
cured. If they do not, they might |
just as well preface their campaig n
and the announcement of their can
didates with the words 1--WE the |
members of the Democratic Ring,
know that the people of Maryland,
will if they are allowed to give ex-
preston to their will, remove us from |
control of public affairs. But by |
reason of technicality of the election |
law, we have an opportunity to con-
tinue our lease on power and we pur-
pose using that to do so. We will
hold by right of might and the people |
be id"