Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1907-09-27
A PEOPLES FIGHT.
Judge Crothers Puts Himself Squarely
In Line For Popular Reforms.

Had adopted the opinion OF my phy
sicians would have been forced to den.
myself the pleasure Of looking into the face
Of this splendid gathering of the citizenship
OF Maryland tonight. have been suffer
ing for several days with an indisposition
that has weakened me considerably and Il
my strength Is not sufficient TO complete my
speech will ask you, understanding tn
reason, to pardon me and read what have
to say in the daily press.
u receive with deep sensibllity the mott
hcation OF my selection as the regularly
nominated candidate OF the Democracy fol
the high Office of Governor Of Maryland
and thank you, Mr.. Chairman, most sin
cerely for the kindly and complimentary
terms so far beyond any merits Of mine, 10
which you have been pleased to commune
cate to me the great distinction which has
been bestowed upon me by our State con-
vention.
81 profoundly appreciate the honor and
responsibility OF the nomination, and while
sincerely mistrusting my ability to fully
meet Its heavy exactions accept II moel
gratefully, with the earnest determination
70 devote whatever OF strength and capacity
possess to justify the confidence and real
ize the expectations OF my party In the mo-
mentous campaign upon which we are now
entering.
SHOULD the choice of the convention be
confirmed by the people at the polls-as we
all confidently believe 1t will bel now be-
gin this campaign with the solemn pledge
that II elected shall keep ever In mind the
sacred obligations of my oath OF office, and
with humble reliance upon Almighty God
shall steadfastly strive TO discharge with dill
igence, courage and fidelity all the diversi.
fled duties of the Governor Of the State and
thus to promote as best may the happiness
and welfare Of our whole people.
"This occasion naturally calls for some
expression from me upon the issues OF the
campaign the more especially as, since the
adjournment OF the convention, have felt
it incumbent upon me In my many meet
ings with the large masses oil my ielloW.
citizens to refrain from the discussion oil
political questions.
II have read and carefully considered the
platform adopted by the convention. LIS
clear and admirable declarations meet my
hearty approval and put our party upon
impregnable ground.
Adopted unanimously by the committee
on platform and agreed to with entire unan-
unity by the whole convention, 1t expresses
the sentiments and gives voice TO the hopes
and wishes of the Democracy OF the State.
II appeals with persuasive and command
ing force 10 every Democrat who believes
In the necessity and wisdom Of party Or
ganization and recognizes the binding obli-
cations of party loyalty.
"There is nothing in II to which any Ma
ryland Democrat can take just exception,
and standing upon 1t as an inspiring declar-
alton of our political faith l shall go into
all sections OF the State and claim the loyal
and generous support OF every Democrat
who believes that the political destinies OF
MARYLAND should be controlled by the intel
ligence and virtue of her whole people.
"For the last 40 years, with the exception
of 4 OF them, Maryland has been governed
by the Democratic party. Since 1857 all
its Governors save one have been Democrats.
The Democratic party, made up OF nearly
three. fourths of our white people, embrac
ing the substantial and progressive elements
OF the community, has carried the state
forward and upward to the condition OF
prosperity which 1t now enjoys and to Its
position of emtnence and honor among our
sister States.
"The Democratic party has governed this
State safely, economically and progressively.
Everywhere the public order is maintained /;
the laws are justly and equally enforced and
the blessings of good government generally
DItVdil. OuE PubltC pShOOioi AhosAa1NeaAe5
the advantages OF education upon the chill.
dren OF the people, are being conducted
with a higher degree OF excellence than
ever. The efficiency OF the whole State
administration has been maintained and
splendid public improvements consumma-
ted, concurrently with continued reduc-
ton of the rate of State taxation. Our pub
lie Institutions are splendidly managed and
the finances of the State, in the very best
condition, illustrate the faithful, sklllinl and
efficient labors of the Democratic officials.
"Four years of Republican rule, from
1896 TO 1900, demonstrate beyond all doubt
that the Republican party is not 30 consti'
tuted within our borders as to govern the
State either economically or progressively.
The restoration OF the Democratic party 70
power in 1890 was the restoration OF the
public order and safety. II was the restor-
alton at the same time OF economical and
progressive government.
"The period OF Republican rule from 1896
to 1900 was an era OF disorder and lawless.
ness among certain elements OF the negro
population in every part OF the State. Upon
err, where lawlessness existed the law re-
sumed its sway, and peace and tranquility
were everywhere re-established.
conditions which have followed the resump-
ton by the Democratic party OF It's control
OF the State. When Governor Lowndes
LETT the Executive chair the public debt of
the State was $2,888, 042.95. Eight years OF
wise, frugal and economical Democratic adj
minislration have obliterated the public
debt of Maryland and practically lifted the
burden of State taxes from the people. At
the close of the last fiscal year, September
30, 1906, the debt OF our State, as l have
stated, was practically wiped out-the State
had an offset to the balance due OF $685.
2O1 Al, her unproductive stocks amounting
TO 81, 099, 626 90 and $758, 1872 40 due from
accounting officers and Incorporated insti-
tutions. We have reduced the tax rate
from 23i cents to 10 cents per 800, of which
tax substantially the whole 10 Tor the public
schools.
"The Democratic party turns TO every In
dividual tax payer In the state, from ALE
gany to Worcester and from Mason and
Dixon's Line TO the Potomac, and declares
TO each OF them with Just pride and conf.
dence If any possible doubt can arise In
your mind as TO whether you will support
the Democratic or Republican party in this
election examine your tax bills OF to-day
and compare them with your tax bills OF
only few years ago, and when you have
counted how much you have saved remem-
Der that the Democratic party saved 1t for
you, and then decide how you shall cast
your ballot
"My friends, the decisive orators Ia po-
litical campaign among enlightened and In.
telligent people are the facts. l remember
the late John X. Cowen repeatedly quoting
from Mr.. Tilden the expression that he be-
lieved in the potency Of definite TACT.
Here, then, is definite fact big with signifi.
canoe. II there is any one thing which
tends strongly to indicate the quality Of the
Government 1t is the amount OF taxes which
1t imposes upon the people. Light or heavy
taxes are 0 leading index one way or the
other OF good or bad government.
"The Democratic party has reduced the
State taxes to minimum. II has cut the
tax rate Of only few years ago almost in
half. We have q right, therefore, 70 say TO
the people whose servants we are, Here is
the proof, which no man can challenge or
deny, that we have administered your affairs
with fidelity, wisdom and economy, and
here are the results OF our labors, by virtue
IF ruhich We feel that we can iuallV claim