The News And Observer

One week from today the polls will be open—and the voting will be going on. How are you going to vote? Certainly you do not propose to endorse the Force Bill—nor the McKinley bill? You propose to stand in line protesting against such measures which strike at the interests of your community, of your county, State and section. That is to be taken for granted. As Mr. Lodge says all good people do that. They vote for the interest of their sections just as Daniel Webster did in regard to the tariff bill of 1828.

We do not mean that this should be done to the detriment of others, but for the advantage of your own household, friends and State—without imposing any improper burdens on others.

Generally then the thoughtful, intelligent people who understand their rights and duties will be found with the Democratic ballot in their hands; but will it be a clean, open ballot, clear of scratches and blots? That is the sort of ballot we ask our friends generally in the State and particularly in Wake to vote. Let's do the fair thing by each other. When we set up a man to be voted for, let's vote for him, and not scratch him. That won't do. The Democrats have a much better chance to carry Wake than ever, and we want to make a clean sweep and that will end the trouble forever. If it be said that any particular official makes a good officer and that his office has been well administered, grant it; but who shall say that competency and efficiency are not to be found among Democrats? If there is any good office in the gift of the people, why should not the great bulk of the white people designate the man to enjoy the emoluments, in preference to having the official designated by the great bulk of the colored people?

That is one question. If any one is disposed to vote for a Republican, why should not all other Democrats be similarly disposed—and if they vote for one Republican against their party nominee, why should they not vote for all Republicans against their entire ticket? Where is the line to be drawn? There is but one proper course to pursue—to vote the straight Democratic ticket. We want to see everybody march up to the polls with a full, open, unscratched piece of pasteboard and redeem Wake county now once for all. It can be done. We will elect our ticket by say 500 majority. Let there be no discriminations, but all come in alike.