The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1905-01-26
BE HONEST ABOUT 1T.

Dc nONESl HDUUI u.
Discussions now going on among
Democrats, both those who keep in
line with the managers and those who
do not, make it very evident that
Maryland will never get an honest ell
ection law until it chooses a Iegisla-
ture pledged to the repeal of the pres
ent statute and the substitution of a
measure passed in a nOnpartisan spir-
it. No constitutional amendment
that meets with theapproyal of those
who are determined upon carrying
out any plan for Acknowledgement for
the purpC Sc of making the Democrat
ic party stronger than it is today
would improve the present law, but
would be sure to make it worse and
o. to open more loopholes for fraud and
trick. 1t must be apparent to all who
have studied the subject in an I'M
prejUdiced way and who Erecall the
experiences of the last few years, that
there will never be an honest suffrage
in this state until the law made at the
extra session of 1901 is done away
with altogether.
Democratic political clubs have
now taken up the subject, and their
members are listening to speeches by
party men who have given it some
study. Such speech was made re-
Gently before the Concord Climb by
States Attorney Owens. who favored
an extra session for the drafting of "a
constitutional amendment with an
educational qualification clause, but
very different from the one made by
the managers and emitting the grand
fathers clause altogether. The Cres-
cent Club, which does not usually
train with those who now rule the
party, has heard from one of its lead
ing members, Mr.. B. b. Shreeves,
who opposes the plans of the States
Attorney and who said: IAN extra
session of the legislature at the pres
ent time would mean garble and
mutilated amendment to the Consti-
tuition and blow to proper reform.
A campaign of education must go on
and then an aroused sentiment among
the people will demand from their del
egates the proper relief and this re.
lief will be that given by friends of
this reform, and not by those whose
whole past has been inimical or pas
sive in regard to these Objects
These varying opinions show how
far apart Democrats are on this sub
ject. The managers have not yet re-
coded one inch from their position,
and their future action will depend
upon the Court of Appeals in the
Vandiver mandamus case. Should
they win they will make fight before
the people in behalf of their iniqui-
tous amendment. Should they lose
they will do their best to induce Gov
ernor Warfield TO call an extra SEES
sion to get the same amendment or
one very similar in character before
the voters next November. These
managers realize that it is a fight to
the death; that their power is at stake,
and that under different law they
would be forced to step down and out.
Fortunate it is for Maryland that
the people will have the last say in
this matter. Public opinion was
aroused by the discreditable showing
made at the presidential election, and
the determination to prevent repe-
tition of that disgrace will make itself
felt in all parts of the state at the
verv first opportunity. No constitu-
tional amendment of a partisan char
acter will eyer pass, and there will be
no restriction of the suffrage which is
not fair to all alike. The legislature
elected next fall will be pledged to an
honest law and the days of trick bal
lots in Maryland will be ended.-Bal-
timore American.