Speech #510174619

I understand. but at the same time it gives them a much greater power than under the present law. As under the laws of most States the registry lists are open to inspection and in some States required to be published. what better device could a partisan board desire. what more could they need to keep away from the polls on election day every timid Democrat? If inventive men were paid at public cost to devise a plan by which our naturalized fellowcitizens could be completely disfranchised. this. it seems to- me. would be exactly the contrivance they would recommend. to require the statutory oath or oaths to be put to every challenged voter. and. in case of default so to do by the State officers. the supervisors of election shall put such oath or oaths. The effect of this law for one election at least will be to prevent thousands ofour naturalized citizens from voting atthat election. Theyhave been in the habit on many elections to come to the polls. often at a very late hour. unarmed with their papers. because being well known to the State election officers they have not required on every occasion the evidences of their right to vote. This bill works in effect a denial of such right.