The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-02-11

tiny; and ere the lapse of many years will find
that the empire of Brazil will have been bletted
from the map of America.
BLANK BALLoTs-OUGHr THEY TO BE COUNTED
This curious question, which we discussed al
length, accompanied by many presidents, in the
Herald Of Friday last, is attracting much of the
public attention, and we have received several
communications on the subject, one of which we
have published, and we give another to-day. We
also give letter from Providence, r. l. on points
not touching the question, but interesting as con-
Germs Rhode Island politics.
The practice of the various States with regard to
counting blank ballots, has been, and continues so
different that il is quite time the matter was set
tied by act of Congress, as it can be, as appl-
cable to the election of United States Senator's the
power being given TO Congress to effect such uni
formity by on fourth of the first article If the
constitution, which is in the following words
viz. -
Sec. 4.-The times, places and manner OF holding
prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof
but the Congress may at any time by law make alter
Senators
The power 10 make or alter such regulations, ;"
it will be observed, authorizes Congress to pre-
scribe the manner in which Senators and Repre-
sentatives are to be chosen in the several States
and this power has been exercised far as relates
10 Representatives, in the act of Congress which
directs that they shall be chosen by single dis
tricts. Congress may therefore likewise direct, if
they please 10 do so, how Senator's are to be cho-
sen, go as 10 produce uniformity in all the States
whether the choice Of Senators is 10 be made in
baliot, or by concurrent votes of the two branches
OF the Legislature whether blank ballots shall be
counted or rejected, Nc
our Providence correspondent, il will be noticed,
states, that the communication in a Rhode Island
paper in ayor OF the counting of blank ballots,
which we quoted in Fridays Herald, and attributed
TO ex-Goy. Sprague, was from the pen of exc ov.
knight, who j. considered the best authority in
Rhode Island on such subjects. OF course this
strengthens the position we have assumed, name.
ly that blank ballots should be counted, as con.
tended for by the celebrated orator Of Roanoke,
John Randolph, and 90 decided by majority Of
the House Of Representatives ia the Congress OF
lSC9 as also asserted by that able statesman and
expounder of parliamentary rules and practice. the
late General Root, Of this State, and by the prac-
tce OF many Of the States OF the Union.
We observe tina, blank ballots are very fashion.
able this season, in elections of u ). Senators by
the State legislatures. We have noticed those
lately given in Florida and Delaware, as well as
those which have created so much excitement in
Rhode Island. Ia Massachusetts,, on the eleventh
unsuccessful ballot for Senator on Friday. three
blanks were cast, but not counted. Ia Ohio, on
the contrary, al the recent attempts to elect a
Senator last month, blanks were cast, and counted
nine different balloilinss. On the tenth ballot,
the whole number Of votes was l03 VIZ Payne,
(dem.) - GriswoId, (whig) IL Giddings, a. 50
10; blanks, II. The blank votes, If they had been
for Grlswold, would have elected him, but he had
not a majority over the other two Candidates; SO
that The blank votes did not, in this case affect the
result - there would 40. have been choice with.
out them.
We believe that blank votes are more freqleatly
counted than rejected, by legislative or municipal
BODIES, or political ganizations, such as general
and nominating committees and conventions, aud
W. might present many cases IN poiat. We will,
however, offer very probable case for the con-
sideration Of our correspondents, and those who
may differ with ds, by which familiar example they
will perceive that the most constant practice Is in
favor u counting and allowing for blank ballots.
Let as suppose that the members Of a Common
Council, or General Committee, after org ,niza-
Us
and that such council, or committee, con. ists of
twenty five members. II the presiding officer i
bockhead he may tell the members that they
are 10 elect clerk, or secretary; but they must
be careful not to voc for persons Ineligible or to
tut in blank ballots, such votes will be rejected.
Bot II he is man Of common sense aud expe-
Renee, he will leave the members TO vote as their
pleasure OF their whims may dictate. When the
ballots are all received, he will count them, IN
opened, and declare that twesty. five baots-the
same az the number Of persons voting-haye been
given; and, therefore, thirteen are required to con-
sutu'e choice. Thereupon he opeus the ballots,
and announces the result as follows.
For Samuel weller .....,s..a.s.,,,.12
Punsr HOPKINS. .t.t.. -. s.t....t. ........ .
Jenny Lino .s..s .......ss..
Blanks ..... ................
Total ..,.....s.s..s s.t .s....s......... 70
Those who contend for thu rejection Of blank
votes, would say that, in this case, Mr.. Weller
was elected; but the sensible man presiding over
he council, or committee in qsestion. would de-
eide that there was no choice, and direct that
- katto, sborld take Mace. when the adj