The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1905-04-06

tiOnal amendment will be defeated by
an overwhelming vote next NOvem-
ber
Republicans of every shade of Opin-
ion are, of course, united in opposi-
ton to it; but Independents, and
many of the most regular Democrats,
are fully as outspoken in their deter
mination to only vote against what
they term the iniquitOus measure"
but to work and campaign against it.
Interviews printed elsewhere in The
News shows the views of representa-
tive men.
The most severe blow to the amend
ment, though, is the opposition of
Governor Edwin Warfield, who is the
official head of the Democratic party
in this State, although not the head
of the machine. Governor Warfield
has as lis well known, fought the
measure at every point, and there is
but little doubt that he will continue
to do so, although he declined today
to give his future plans in this regard.
He usually speaks boldly, though
when the proper time arrives, and it
is believed that he will not now as
sumo a position of neutrality.
The Governor arrived from New
York last night after several days alb
sence, and was at his Office today en-
deavoring to catch up with the bust
ness. which had accumulated during
bis absence.
Il have not yet had time to thor
OughlY read the opinion of the Court
of Appeals said he, "but, of course,
| am aware of the general tenor oft.
You may say | will cheerfully obey
the mandate of the Court The point
to be decided was purely legal one,
but it was important, and l am glad
it is settled
What will be your position in the
coming campaign? Will you take the
stump or make an active fight against
the measure, or will you take the
ground that you have discharged your
duty and leave the rest to the voters
The Governor smiled, as if he re,
garded this as leading question.
II must refer for my position to my
inaugural address and my message to
the Senate at the time of the passage
of the amendment. The first gave
nv ideas of what restrictions should
be placed on the voting franchise, and
the second my objection to the form
of amendment passed. Further than
that | must decline to say for the
present"
The gist of the Governor objection
to the Poe amendment, the one pass
ed by the legislature and to be voted
upon next fall, as made in his message
to the Senate, was that the educa-
tional requirement was not conserva-
tive or definite, but was vague and
uncertain aud liable to grave abuses
by the election officers. He contend
ed that the qualification to be adopt
ed should be in precise terms, and
that the right of citizen to vote
should not depend upon the within,
opinion or partisan zeal of one set of
registrars.
Republican State Chairman John
b. Hanna said today that he felt con-
fident that the Objectionable amend
ment would be showed under next
November.
Regular Republicans will, of
course, be against the whole amend
ment on the general principles" said
Mr.. Hanna, because it is ayowedly
scheme to eliminate large part of
the electorate which vote almost solid
ly with our party, and the plain eff
feet would be to reduce us for many
years to position of hopeless minor
ity. 1t will also be opposed by many
who are not Republicans because
they believe a strong minority party
is necessary in the interest of good
government, and that much has been
accomplished in that direction by the
Republican party in this State. They
recognize that this amendment is a
companion piece to the unfair election
law passed by the Democratic mana
gers, and is part of general scheme
to place those same managers in alb
solute control of not only the State
but the Democratic party. These
powerful elements being opposed to
the amendment, | cannot see how it
can be adopted.
But we will leave no stone unturn-
ed until the last minute of the cam
paign. So far our efforts have been
devoted to getting more thoroughly
in touch with the workers in different
parts Of the State, but we will now
begin a campaign of education. This
will at first be done by the circulation
of pamphlets and circulars and
through the press, and we will work