DEBATE OF JANUARY 9. 1890.Question: "Resolved. That Congress ought to pass a stringent law regulating national elections."

Brief for the Affirmative.W. Wells, '90, and A. C. Burtham, '90.

Best general references: Speech of Henry Cabot Lodge in Congressional Record, vol. 20, pp. 2024-2025; McCrary on Elections.

I. The necessity of a thorough reform of the laws governing national elections is whown by, (a) Frands and corruption in elections in New York. "The Wig and the Jimmy on a Leaf in the Political History of New York," by J. J. Davenport. (b) Intimidation and illegal counting out in the south-Stanwood's History of Presidential elections, chapter 24; Forum, vol. v. p. 517; "Recent Elections in South Carolina," pp. 65, 365-366, 418-419, 447, and pp. 26 and 162-163 of the appendix. (c) By the late election in Montana-Public Opinion, October 26, and November 23. 1889.

II. No adequate reform can be accomplished except through the national government.- Speech of Henry Cabot Lodge. Congressional Record vol. 20, pp. 2024-2025

III. Congress has the constitutional power to regulate elections-Constitution of the United States, article 1, section 4; "McCrary on Elections," pp. 55, 145, 472 and 473; Hare's American Constitutional Law, pp. 52 and 526.

IV. A stringent national election law would purify our elections and secure a free and honest election.- New York Tribune, November 13, 1889; Speech of Henry Cabot Lodge in Congressional Record, vol. 20, pp. 2024-2025. Boston Journal, December 12, 1889.

Brief for the Negative.R. T. Cary, '90 and M. F. Hill, '90.

Best general references.- Bryce's American Common wealth II, pp. 276, 708; Forum, vol. v. viii.; Nation vol. XLIX.

I. A stringent national electoral law would be against the best interests of the country. It would violate the custom of our republican institutions. (a) by breaking down the principle of local self-control. (b) by tending toward too great centralization of popular government.

II. Such a law would be either insufficient or dangerous in the south. (a) there would be no disinterested tribunal. (b) it would create disturbing influences. (c) it would be expensive. (d) there is already an election law-Forum V. p. 134, VIII. p. 365.

III. It is intended to make political capital for the republican party. It would give the negro (a) a balance of power in many southern states and (b) absolute control in others-Nation 49; p. 322.

IV. The southern negro is not at present a fit subject for political privileges 1. He is unfit by reason of (at racial descent (b) lack of education (c) low medals. 2. If in power he would overthrow good laws and good order Forum Y. p. 388, VII. p. 246.