The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1912-05-31
SAFETY OF THE SOUTH
Against a Farce Bill Depends ON Re-
lection of BristOw Amendment
CT. r. Saussy in Savannah News.)

Ct. r. Saussy in Savannah News)
Editor News: Hon Oscar W. Under
wood in his explanation of his vote
on the Bristow amendment, attributes
the criticism on his vote to fractional
OPPOSITION from the supporters of Wood
row Wilson, and justifies his action
by citing the instances of other South
/ ern Democrats who voted with him.
If l could reach the ear of Mr. Tn
derwood | would disabuse his mind of
the impression that objection to his
vote comes from his political OppO-
nents. The ability and craftsmanship
| of Mr.. Underwood in Congress were
50 much admired in Georgia that he
became the choice of the state for
President. His firm grip on his party,
and his wisdom and tact in directing
its course in Congress led many to
believe that he was splendid presi-
Dental timber, but many of his sup
porters take issue with him as to the
effect of the Bristow amendment to
the constitutional amendment provid-
ing for the election of senators.
Mr.. Underwood says it, the amend
ment as passed by Congress, places
the election of senator's exactly on the
same status as members of Congress"
That is true; and right there turks
the danger. which he waves aside with
the announcement, that in this day
! and time there is no possibility of a
force bill being enacted
Let us look more closely into this
statement, and consider the poSsibili-
ties: Congress has not exercised the
power it has under the constitution.
to alter the laws of Georgia as to
the manner of electing representa- tives
The constitution only prescribes the
qualification of the representatives and
the state looks after the election.
But Congress in 1866 did alter the
state law in regard to the election of
senator's by the Legislature. both as
to the time and manner. If the
amendment providing for the election
of senators by the people is ratified.
then the present law will become obso-
lete. 1t only prescribes how the Leg
islature shall elect senators. Congress
having assumed to prescribe the man
ner in which the Legislature shall elect.
Will at once proceed TO carry the
amended constitution into effect by
passing a law prescribing the time
manner and place (Derhaps) of eleeting
senator's by the people.
That law will be uniform, the same
for every state in the Union II will
be a law framed 10 suit the senti-
ments of the majority Of the states,
and no regard will be paid to the
qualification of voters. except a this
majority shall decide.
Under the present law. the electors
who vote for senator are the mem
bers of the state legislature. Con-
gress has no power to prescribe what
shall be the qualification Of members
of the legislature. that is reserved
power in the states. Congress can
only legislate upon the time and man
ner of holding the election of sena-
tors. and the present law shows how
Congress has legislated.
When Congress exercises its cons titu-
tional power to make regulations for
the election of senators by the peo-
pie. to take the place Of the obsolete
statute regulating elections by the Leg
iSlature, what guaranty have we that
there will not be incorporated in the
statute the elements of the force bill
and the supervision Of the polls by
federal troops?
At this day and time. under the
present constitution, there Is no pos
sfbility of a force bill being enacted"
Such d bill could not be made opera
tive on a legislature, but in the day