Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-03
NEIGHBORING STATES FURNISH
ITEMS OF GENERAL INTEREST
VIRGINIA WEST VIRGINIA MARYLAND
WEST VIRGINIA

be harmony and the watchword Down with
the Poe amendment" The platform to be
presented by the resolutions committee Will
handle the franchise amendment without
gloves. 1t will be denounced as the most
vicious piece of legislation ever attempted
In the state of Maryland; as dishonest, I'M
fair and un-American and as the last des-
perate stroke Of the democratic organiza-
ton to secure absolute control Of the state.
1t Is understood that the platform will be
drawn along lines suggested by Secretary
Bonaparte.
Republican leaders here claim that with
the harmony prevailing within the party at
the present time they are confident Of elect
Ing a majority of the legislature as well as
defeating the franchise amendment.
prominent republican city leader. in
discussing the situation as 1t appears on
the eve of the state convention, said to The
Star correspondent today:
THE republicans are more united and
more aggressive than they have been for
many years. The democrats, on the other
hand. are more divided than they have
been In a state contest since 1897. The re-
publcans will receive at least portion Of
the vote of the Independent democrats, who
are solidly arrayed against the Poe plan.
Democrats on Defensive.
1.-THE democrats have been placed on the
defensive by the support which their lead
ers have given the amendment. While the
democratic bosses can succeed In thrusting
their pet scheme through the state conven-
ton with the same ease with which they
showed it through the general assembly,
and while the Endorsement of the state con-
Vention may keep the regulars In line by
appealing to their loyalty, the same indorse-
ment Will prove to be stone around the
necks of legislative candidates certainly
here in Baltimore, where opposition is more
pronounced than in the counties.
The amendment which has split the
democratic party has had an opposite effect
upon the republicans. Foolish indeed is
rQr ,,zft IT,
county, who would undertake to engage in
factional contest at this time. Any man
or set of men who would not be willing to
subordinate individual ambition to the sue
cess or the party on this great issue, which
the people of the whole state confront, can
not look forward to permanent success. 1t
is now up to every republican In Maryland
to realize the necessity of a long pull a
strong pull and a pull altogether until the
amendment shall have been defeated.
Bonaparte at Helm.
THE best judgment in the republican
party has thus far prevailed in the cam
paign now on. That judgment accepted the
services of Secretary Bonaparte as adviser.
1t has suggested that rather than the Hitter
ate vote should be entirely lost in the fall
election 1t be recorded against the Poe
amendment only. 1t has urged the prfn-
ciple of home rule in every ward in Balti-
more city 1t has urged with all the force
party, and the best men only be nominated
for the several offices to be filled. So ignor-
Ing their experience in the past, the repub-
hcans this year have renewed the effort to
secure hrst-class candidates They have
said frequently that any man in any district
or county in the state or ward in this city
who commands the confidence OF his COM
munity and who is representative party
man ana who desires to become a candidate
will be given most hearty welcome
Republicans this year will be greatly
aided by democratic dissensions. In many
campaigns of recent years the shoe has been
on the other foot. Democrats will now,
therefore. see for themselves what an enor-
nous aid to a political party is the lack of
unity in the ranks of it's rivals.
Taken all In all. the situation looks very
roSeate for republican success all around.
Democrats Silent.
Just how the democratic leaders view the
situation is exceedingly hard to get line
on. They do not seem to be in communi-
cative mood. From State Chairman Van
diver the only utterance is: 1--WE will win
by large majority" but nothing tangible
on which to base their hopes has been
vouchsafed. 1t Is a gum-shoe campaign on
the democratic side, and little or no infor-
nation is given out at headquarters in the
Eutaw House. 1t is not a sign that apathy
prevails, for one of the most vigorous cam
paigns In the history of the state organiza-
ton is being conducted under the personal
direction of Senator German. The sage of
Laurel has come to a realization of the fact
that he is fighting battle for political life
without the assistance of his lifetime ally,
l. Freeman Rasin, the city boss, who is not
enamored of the German franchise plan.
To bring Rasin into line for the measure
every wire has been pulled. but all to no
avail. The ''old man. is firm in his deter
mnation not to be identified with the con-
stitutional amendment, and it can be stated
upon the best authority that Rasin will not
take any active part in the campaign this
fall except in SO far the city candidates
for the legislature and the ward executives
are concerned.
Therefore the battle of ballots next No
vember will be of German, by German and
for German. ]. NJ. D.