The gentleman from Tennessee has been discussing who instigated the force bill. as he calls it. I just want to read for him from our last national platform in 1888 to show that the Republican party instigated the bill for the protection of citizens in their right to vote: We reaffirm our unswerving devotion to the national Constitution and to the indissoluble union of the States. to the autonomy reserved to the States under the Constitution. to the personal rights and liberties of citizens in all the States and Territories of the Union. and especially to the supreme and sovereign right of every lawful citizen. rich or poor. native or foreign born. white or black. to cast one free ballet in the public elections and to have that ballot duly counted. We hold a free and honest. popular. and a just and equal representation of all the people to be the foundation of our republican government. and demand effective legislation to secure the integrity and purity of our elections. which are the foundation of all public authority. I think that will settle thatquestion.
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