The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1909-11-04
WHY IT WAS BEATEN.

For the second time a DISTINGUISHING
scheme by which the rights of the voters
of the State were threatened has been
defeated by the voters at the polls. If
one were to philosopher upon the de-
feat of the Democratic proposition, he
would find ample reason in the fact that
it was utterly.uncalled for. The people
saw no merit in it, for they realized
that although many of the Northern
States have property or educational
tests, or both, these tests are applied
impartially to all persons. The voters
regarded the proposed use of such tests
in this State with Amusement and dis
gust, because the purpose was not to
raise the level of citizenship, but to de-
morahze it by destroying its power to
punish an administration for misdeeds
by turning it out of office.
The South did not want it, for the
States having Acknowledgement of the
colored voters say very clearly should
the Maryland amendment pass and be
carried to the Supreme Court, as it
would have been if adopted, the entire
class of similar legislation in avoidance
of the federal constitution would be
passed upon, and the probability of all
such practices would receive a death
blow. Thus the MerVland amendment
found no degree OF liberation in the
sentiments of the people either to the
north or to the south of the State A
thing that fulfills no purpose that can
elicit the commentator of any section
of the country or class of the population,
is certainly something that is neither
political fish, flesh or fowl
The amendment was beaten because
in addition to the element of the popu-
lation directly aimed at, as well as the
foreign born voters, who voted against
it almost to a man, and in addition to
the announcement it received by various
organizations and church bodies, the
amendment was most unpopular in
Democratic circles. Outside the ring
circles of that party, the Democratic
following was afraid of the measure
The Democrats, who were divided into
factions, We're either openly or in Sc
cret Tuning at the folly of the party in
espousing the measure. They voted
against it upon the principle of political
self-preservation. They knew what to
expect in the way Of political opportun-
tiles and benefits; they did not know
that they would have chance to gain
any advantage whatever with certain
clique entrenched in power and with the
whip singing the back of any who did
not shout for it.
The amendment thus had no settled
support, it had no class or condition of
the voting population to count upon.
The measure had no sure support save
that of the Democratic bosses and their
hcnchmen. Some others, it is true,
voted for it as there are always per-
sons who are impervious to the dictates
of reason, upon whom political habit
has itssgrip. But, all in all, it has been
proven that the voters of the State
do not want such a measure as the
Democratic party endeavored to thrust
down their threats at the election. AS
in 1895, there was political revolution
whichI;clarified the moral atmosphere
and lifted the electoral system of the
State, for time, from scheming trick
cry andsfraudulent practices, as in 1905
the DISTINGUISHING scheme which was
submitted Ito the people was defeated
by majoritysof over 10000, so did the
the peoplesdecide at Tuesdays election,
when shurling back the base disfran-
chisement amendment upon its pro-
moters with scorn and Indignation, they
defeated the measure which is now one
of the worst beaten projects in a gen.
Seration. Cumberland News.