Evening journal., 1903-04-10


the State House to petition John HUM, |
Governor Of Delaware, to sign the bill |
repeating the Voters Assistant act. |
The delegation was made up almost ex-
clusively of Wilmington men, with a |
sprinkling from rural New Castle.
1t was one of the most remarkable |
scenes that has taken place in the his
tory of the State, and even the scorn-
4 fuI smile on the features of the Secre-
tary of State faded for an instant as
8 he looked into the honest and deter |
mined faces Of the delegation.
Into the House of Representatives, |
now cold and cheerless, into that room
4 that had been the scene of one great |
battle over this measure, marched the
delegation.
On the walls hung the pictures of
Delawares former Executives, and it
was hardly a fancy to declare that
#they were looking into the eyes of their
successor. Every man in the delegation
* felt that he was performing a solemn
duty; nobody for a moment doubted
the sacredness Of the cause that was
being urged.
So these two hundred representative
citizens Of New Castle filed into the
legislative chamber and as somebody
said, laid their prayers at the foot Of
the throne" But it was not a jocular
company; many declared that they
felt sense Of degradation because it
was necessary to urge the Governor to
sign so meritorious a measure. Il feel
just as though I We're going to make
IN argument based on the command
nent: Thou shalt not steal,'" said one
Df the speakers.
The Governor Enters.
1t was 100 by the State House clock
when the Governor entered. There
vas slight applause as he took his seat.
lie was apparently calm, but his eye
searched the room as though he ex-
pected an interesting hour-and his ex-
ectations were more than realized.
here was a little surprise on the part
Hf those who were unacquainted with
the Secretary Of State, to see that gem
leman plant his chair in front of the
Whole assemblage. It was a study to
ratch the insolence which shone on
is countenance, save when it gave
lace to n look of anger when the shot
ecame too hot for comfort.
Mr.. Clark Opens.
Mr.. Theodore f. Clark, chairman Of
he delegation, arose and after
peech of a few minutes. introduced
he speakers. He said: Governor
unn, this delegation of representa-
We citizens, without distinction of
arty, has come to plead for the honor
the State and of her people. We
ave come to ask you to sign the bill
assed by the Legislature repeating
he Voters Assistant act. 1t has help
to bring dishonor on the State, and
corrupt the people. Every consid-
ration Of fairness and justice de-
lands the repeal. Every honest and
nbiased mind favors taking the
oters' Assistant law from the statute
poks. Even from Republican
andpoint you should not withhold
bur signature, for there can never be
arty harmony so long as one branch
the party upholds this measure.
therefore we say repeal the law and
lite the party"
Colonel Nields' Address.
He then introduced Colonel Benja-
in Nields, who was listened to with
-ofound attention. The speaker
setched the history of Delaware and
welt on the great part she had played
national and even international af-
e State from reproach and humilia-
bn. Delaware had always stood high
the sisterhood of States, and she
ould be allowed to retain her place
distinction. Our fOrefathers knew
hat il was to live under a government
at was not derived from the actual
oice of the people and they re-
He'd We are threatened in measure
q return of the conditions against
hich they protested. Upon the pur-
of the ballot depends, not only the
rity of government, but the integrity
our officials, high and low.
He declared that everybody knows
at vote-buying is open and wide
read. Where so many votes are
rchased, the State must be governed
the man or men who purchased
em. And under these circumstance
e highest officer can be subjected e
s will of the man or men who hav'
rnished the money. He referred t'
Constitution and laws under which
&. bery is prohibited under a penalt,
fine and imprisonment and de-
lred that the Voters Assistant Law
effect nullihed the Constitution an'
laws.
He said that the Union Republican
e ess had given two reasons for TIT
ention of this law. The first wa
.} bit given by Senator Conner, in hi
IS spacity as a law-maker, who de
<5<z u red:
81 ~ The voters assistant system agaii
mes In and commends itself for fair
ss. 1t insures delivery Of the goods
hen 1 buy a horse, want my horse
hen a Democrat buys a vote, n
nts his vote. So you see that ther
:. as 1 contend, no poliu.s in IT, 10
Democrat has thus an opportunit
buy his vote instead Of being cheat