The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1905-12-16
POLITICAL NOTES

THE Republican situation in Delaware hav
ing remained unchanged, with the prospects for
harmony as remote as ever, the most important
development along political lines within the last
week is one which directly affects the Demo-
cratic party.
Ever since the memorable Salisbury-Walcott
fight in the ranks of the Democracy in 1888 the
outcome OF which was the election of Repubi
can Legislature that chose Anthony Higgins, OF
Wilmington, as the first Republican United
States Senator from this State the Wocott fac
ton has held itself together to great extent,
by its requirement OF Pennsylvania Railroad
passes.
This element OF the party has thereby gained
the title OF "Raroad Democrats and within
recent years has opposed State Chairman Will
lard Salisbury, OF Wilmington, on almost all oc-
casiOns. But for the action OF the "Railroad
Democrats in 1909 in cutting the Democratic
Legislative nominees in many districts through
out State the General Assembly OF 1908 would
doubtless have been Democratic and the cleo
ton OF MIR. Salisbury as Senator and a colleague
agreeable to him would have resulted. AS it
was, however. the Republicans captured a ma
iOritv of the members and Frank Alee and
Congressman l.. Hselcr Ball were elected
RELENTLESS WAR on PASSES.
Chairman Salisbury has waged a relentless
war against the pass evil in Delaware Tor many
satt, of the PENNSYLVANIA Railroad, in ordering
all political transportation to be cut Oft on the
first of the coming year shows that his activity
has borne fruit.
On November p last, at public meeting in
Lewes which had been called for the purpose
OF discussing proposed inland waterway, Mr.
Salisbury made stirring address against the
evils of the pass system as applied to Delaware,
and showed how shippers bore the brunt OF the
Dract;cc The address created a stir through
out the State, but it was not then known that
the Cassatt order was contemplated.
With the "Raroad Democrats" deprived of
free transportation, they will be without pow
erful air in the coming campaign. This Will
naturally help the Salisbury Democrats, who
comprise the organization, and will give them
decided lead over their factiona opponents. 1t
is not improbable that the anti-pass order will
more to create harmony in the Democratic
ranks of Delaware than any other development.
With the 'Raroad Democrats on a footing
with the Salisbury men. they must look to the
latter, who are in the majority, for favors
Should the Democrats get together and as
Stunning that the Republican diSscntions will not
be wholly healed. the former party would stand
a good chance OF electing a Legislature next
year, which, in 1907, will elect two United States
Senator's The anti-pass order is consequently
OF far more importance in this State than is ap-
parent Mr.. Salisbury would naturally be one
of the Senators.
John Boggs, of Wilmington, the SON in-law OF
George Y. Massey, general solicitor OF the Penn
svlvania Railroad, in Philadelphia, and James II.
Hughes OF Dover cX-Sccretary OF State are
among the leaders of the anti-Saulsbury wing OF
the Democrats Mr.. Biggs is counsel for the
PENNSYLVANIA Railroad in this State. The power
of this railroad in Delaware has long been
matter OF common comment, but with the prom
iscuous issuance of passes withdrawn it is not
known whether this condition will continue.
MAY EXPEDITE LEGISLATURE.
AT every session OF the Delaware Legislature
for years the members have been conspicuous
bv tehir absence in Dover over night. The
State is so small in that it has been possible
for about all OF the Legislators to spent every
night throughout the session at their homes. OF
course, they all had railroad passes. With the
passes cut off legislation will hereafter be bene-
fitted inasmuch as few OF the members will pay
their fare home daily. Being compelled to re-
main in Dover, committee meetings will be reg
ularly attended, something that has never been
done and night sessions of the General Assem-
blv may even be held to expedite matters.