Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-01-01

of evi doors.
With these remarks let us start fair for the com
ing year. Let every one visit his acquaintance,
and may the day end in happiness!
REFORM BEFoaE RsvoLurIoN.-A New ELECTION
LAw.--The decentralization which opened over the
whole face of society-in public life-in banks-in
trade-in the church-n the dr. ma began, we be-
lieve, in politics Oae party, in order crcumvent
the other, introduced fraud at the polls-and from
the polls il spread to every Of life. OF this
charge, both parties equally guilty-the loco
focos aud the whiss-but, If either will begin
form, and carry it out much the better for their
character and reputation Unless reform is begun,
some terrible catastrophe TO the country is incvi-
table.
As the wings have positive majority in this state,
there is every reason believe and TO hope that the
legislature at it, next session. will pass law for the
union OF the spring and fall elections in election
November, for the registration ofthe voters ofthis
city, and for combining the three days into one,
by a subdivision Of the wards. Indeed, il must be
passed, if we are 20 put stop TO the frauds that
are practised at all charter and other elections.
The demora lied state Of society is such that
thing but law Of this kind put stop to frau
dulent voting, and this be done best by
taking all the votes in day; by dividing every
name Of every person entitled to vote. II those
measures would not stop fra 4dulent voting, nothing
will.
In the first place, then, we would recommend that
the whole city be divided into electoral districts, say
fifty, three for each ward, in such way, that
equal number OF votes be in each district The gov
and senate should appoint three commissioners
Of registry for each ward to go out Of Office every
two wears; these should have an office in each
ward with a clerk, at a salary of 81 per day each,
and keep registry book for the Of all per-
entitled 20 vote at an election, with his occupa-
ton, residence, &c; these books should be open
for the inspection Of the public at all reasonable
hours.
The Registry Commissioners might meet next
August, and give ten days notice through the pa.
pers and by Of plaeards, that they arc about
make a registry Of all the votes in the city; this
might be completed with ease in October, in time
for the next November election. This registry
should be revised and corrected annually. and al
ways completed fifteen days before the election,
when the commissioners should make their return
10 the proper officer and swear to its accuracy
One day, however, should be set apart, bCore II is
completed, hear objections. And Of this correct
lists Of all the voters at least ten or twelve copies
should be posted up in each Of the fifty electoral
ing officers at the oils with copies.
The election should then be held annually, and
not semi annually as now, and all the votes should
be polled in one dsy. The Common Council
should appoint judge and two inspectors Of cleo
tons with proper clerks. All the votes for charter
OIL GERS might be taken the first Wednesday in No
yembef a the votes for state and county officers
might be takeR the same day, or the following
Wednesday The polling at each place should com
Inenee az sunrise and close at sunset, aud the
vass be made the same night. The city and eoun-
" officers. then, might be sworn IN on the first Of
January every year, and those whose terms expire
next May. might by common consent, hold over un-
al Jan !. lsll.
After they are once appointed the judges of Flee.
tions might serve free and be voted for annually. In
order o. facilitate the voting proper officers should
be provided. and those who obstruct the polls, he
fined from $50 to $500 II there be any doubt about
voters identity, a suPPosiiion that one man Is
assuming the uame II another, he might be chalen.
aed and sworn; aud Il he swears falsely, he can be
punished Tor perjury. The punishment for thus as
suming anoiber's name, might be punishable as a
felony, with from one 20 Eve years imprisonment;
and the punishment for Offering vote twice, might
he similar n law of this kind to be passed,
with its specific lions clear and well defined. its
provisions properly enforced, we should hear but
Little more Of roguery and eorruptions a. elections.
TINS Pursr Avp rue SwoED.-With The sub.trca-
sury system and the re organization Of the militia,
equal 20 40 600 troops, believe there will be
capital union n the purse and the sword. " ell,
well sc go forit as fast as possible. Let rs have
military aad hard money government 1T once-it can
not be worse than a corrupt one.
49,. g ~ Easu atae-
cd for two days in succession How - this, Amos
Kcndalll Unless you attend 90 this business we cnn-
not support you Tor he succession.