The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-31
Reports Show Little Chance
for Maryland Demo
Gratis Platform.
EVERY OTHER ISSUE
is OVERSHADOWED
Fight to Eliminate Negro Vote Is
Real Contest in Tues
days Election.

BALTIMORE, Nd. oct. S1.-A state
comptroller and Practically an entire
new State Legislature. in addition to
scores Of local officials IN Baltimore
city and the various counties Of the
State. are TO be voted for at the cleo
ton here on Tuesday, but in the cam
paign which has just closed these Of
1cials have been entirely. overlooked and
all attention has been centered on the
DISTINGUISHING amendment which the
Democrats have fathered and Is dghting
tooth and nail TO put through.
This amendment, which contains the
grandfather's clause and also a property
qualification and a so-called educational
test is designed to eliminate the negro,
who forms about one-siXth Of the total
vote in Maryland. AS a matter OF fact
the amendment viii only eliminate a
portion Of the negro vote automatically
and the Democrats make no secret OF
the fact that If it is carried and they
secure control Of the Eext Legislature,
which now seems certain, they viii pass
additional laws which VIII eliminate the
balance OF the negro vote.
Facing Defeat.
Impartial reports gathered by the
MUnsey News Service from ali sections
BY county chairmen OF both parties in
dictate that the amendment viii be de-
fcated by about 5000 10 1900 majority
-Four years ago when the Democrats al
50 submitted an amendment, It was beat
en- by about 1900 majority, bat many OF
the elements against the previous
amendment are in line for this one.
Even these elements. however, are not
expected to be able to overcome the
intense antagonism growing out OF the
fear, especially on the part of the for
elgn born voter. that white men as well
as negroes viii be disfranehised under
the law
Democrats assert that the amendment
viii be ratified by the normal Demo-
cratic majority; that they VIII re-elect
Comptroller Joshua ". Herring by an
increased majority. and VIII control
three-flfths of the next Legislature On
the other hand, Republicans are assert
ing that the amendment viii be defeat
ed; that they win elect Frank e VIII
liams. OF Cecil county, state c0nptrOl-
Ter. and viii control the Legislature.
Yandiver Hopeful
Chairman Murray Vandiver. Of the
Democratic State central committee. be
lieves that the amendment will be rati-
fed by about 5000 which is regarded
as the normal Democratic majority or
the State
Il feel confident that we win win"
said Mr.. Vandiver I'VE have been at
v ork in this campaign since January,
and no stone has been left unturned
to insure a Democratic victory Tuesday.
It has been one Of the most aggressive
and progressive campaigns waged in
Maryland. and our efforts viii he
crowned with success. The amendment
viii be ratified by about 5000 majority.
mill a-fT m
15,000 majority, and I would not be
surprised to see IL even larger. The
Democrats viii elect at least three
hfths Of the legislature
I'VE have shown every white voter
in the State no white man VIII be de-
priVed of his vote or have TO take the
educational test If any white man now
votes for the amendment he does so be-
cause he wants the negro 10 continue
his right OF suffrage. It has been proved
also that the amendment viii relieve the
state OF the vote OF the illiterate and
unthrifty negrO, which has been con-
flrmed BY President Taft. The Demo-
cratic party throughout the city and
state is urging the amendment and the
ticket, and reports received at head
quarters show that We viii receive the
votes OF hundreds of white Republicans
who believe that the negro should be
taken out Of politics."
Others Views
Equally sanguine with the Demo-
Gratis are John b. Hanna chairman OF
the Republican State central commit
tee and Chairman William D. Platt OF
the Republican city committee.
1--WE have won our fight" said Mr.
Hanna. "and the returns viii show up
wei for US The amendment, in my
jud gment, viii be defeated by nearly
the same majority as was the Poe
amendment four years ago. We VIII
control the next Legislature and Afr.
Williams our candidate for comptroller
will be elected"
In baltimore city where a number Of
court clerks. the sheriff and other Of
ficiaIs are TO be elected, the situation is
somewhat complicated, but Il would
appear now as If the Democrats have
slightly the better of the situation and
viii probably elect their officials.