The Democratic pioneer. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1845-1853, 1845-12-05

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BILE that the difficulties which have blight
ed its prosperity, have had their origin in
the fact, that the interests Of the lessees
of the college lands, in the midst of which
the University is located, have confictei
with the prosperity of the Institution
earnestly commend the condition Of this
institution to your consideration, in order
that you may inquire into the causes of its
and devise remedy for the evil.
The Medical College, al Cincinnati,
under the control Of the Legislature, is in
a prosperous condition, and managed with
eminent skill and ability. 1t is said that
an enlargement of the college edlGce is
greatly needed. A REIMBURSEMENT of the
property of the state in he institution TO
the Trustees of the College, and their
successors, would, as am informed, ena-
BILE them to make the necessary additions
10 the buildings. AS it is inexpedient to
increase the debt of the tate, and as a
pecuniary connection of the state with
any company or local institution, is found
ed on an erroneous principle, and proves
prejudicial to the interests Of the state.
submit to your consideration the pro.
priety OF making the requirements men,
toned.
In government like ours, which origi-
mates from and is controlled by the popu-
lar will, all must acknowledge the neces
sity of guarding the free and unbiased
exercise Of the elective franchise and tn
purity OF the ballot.box. In the heat of
party excitement, and the severe conflicts
of popular sentiment which occur at our
general elections, it is not surprising that
practices should occasonly be resorted
to, calculated to defeat proper and free
expression Of the popular voice through
the medium of the ballot box. So far as
law can correct this evil. it is the duty of
the Legislature to provide effectual reme-
dies. Much has doubtless been accom-
plshed by the cleo tion law of 1871, to
preserve the purity Of elections; but there
still remain avenues unclosed, through
which, at time Of high popular excite
ment, illegal votes are conveyed into the
ballot box. The registry law passed at
the last session, which operates only in
some of our cities aud large towns, has
been salutary in its operations. ] re.
specially submit to your consideration
the expcdieucy of extending the provis-
ions of this law, in some form, to all the
election districts in the state. There is
nothing connected with the political in.
stitutions ofthe country which should be
guarded with more sanctity than the
proper exercise of the cleo tive franchise.
Legislation on this snbIect should never
be governed by party feelings, nor direct
ed by party views. Should one party
adop; measures when in power, to change
the local and fixed institutions of the peo-
pie for party advantages, it may be made
a precedent for the exec sses of another
party when in power, perhaps less scrupu-
lous and conscientious
1t is an undeniable fact that the prac-
tice of betting on elections has become
an evil of no in considerable magnitude.
The practice is demo ralizing in its ten
dency, and corrupting in IFS influence
1t brings the consideration of property
directly TO bear IN its influence on the
elective franchise. 1t is true that one of
the great purposes of government is to
protect the rights of property, but proper
ty under our institutions is not made an
element of political power. The practice
Of betting upon elections not oaly brings
The influence of property to operate upon
the consideration of the voter, bnt can be
30 practised as to have the effect of bri
berry, and TO be in fact indirect bribery
in itself Nothicg can be more degra-
ling to the enlightened and free institu-
ions of our country, than this venal prac
ice of corruptiug the elective franchise
and poisoning the fountain head of poIitI-
cal power. The penal enac tments area-
y '""uC vi tHiS suoJeSt nave oeeu WuOil1
and utterly disregarded. The
Grand Juries Of this State, have become
lerelict in their duty, in regard to ,hi,
'ffence. The degrading practice has
'een carried on with impunity, openly
md upon broad scale. The moral feel |
ngs of the community have been yielding
o the inroads of this base practice, and
public sentiment in this respect is trav>
'lipg the downward road 10 corruption-l
earnestly solicit your attention to this |
growing evil in the country. Ifmild pen.
Il enactment be Intellectual in CORE sting |
he evil, respectfully solicit your con-
ider alton, whether betting, as we'll as ev-
ry other species of bribery at elections,
hould not be made crime, ana the per-
etrators of the act, uFon conviction, dis
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