Smyrna times., 1859-01-06
CORRESPONDENCE.
Correspondence Of t.e Smyrna Times
B RIB E. r V,

Il b l. H Y.
MR. EDIToR--DeGr Sir: In a former letter
I endeayored to show that the purity of the
ballOl-b"x is among the things that were; and
that bribery and corruption has increased 10
such an alarming extent, that men of all par
ties are beginning TO think that something
should be done, if possible, to remove the blight
ing mildew frop the institutions of our country.
If the evil increases for few years longer, the
ball0t-box will be but little more than index
pointing to the men or party that can raise the
most money TO buy votes. SogreaI has the evil
become, and so many have yielded to the cor
rapting influences of money, that few years
hence the Pope of Rome would have a very
fair chance of election at the head of either
party, provided he could furnish half million
of dollars to buy votes. If politicians could
not smooth down all objection. money wonld.-
Such a state of things is alarming to everv
lover of his country and its institutions.
1t may not be possible for one man TO point
out full and sufficient remedy; but it may be
possible for one to suggest something, aud out
of many suggestions, something efficient mipht
be produced. And | would most respectfullv
suggest, for the consideration of the Honorable
Body convened at Dover, that an amendment
to the Constitution, emb"dying the following
provisions, might do much towards suppressng
the evil.
First. Each and every individual convicted
OF selling his vote, should be dsfranchised for
period Of not less than ten years; and when
so convicted it should be beyond the power of
the Governor, Legislature, or any other officer
elected BY the people, to restore the franchise
within the ten years.
Secondly. In order to defeat the object of the
buyer, there should be at each voting. place
close plank avenue extending at least twenty
feet from the window where the votes are re-
eelved, and the entrance and exit guarded by
police officers who should allow but one person
to enter at time, and give time to pass through
and deposit his vote as he passed the window.
This would entirely prevent the grab-game.
Thirdly. To defeat another class, it should |
be made obligatory upon the parties TO have
their tickets printed on white paper, and en-
trely free from all distinctive marks and anv
ticket having on it any number or other mark
to distinguish it from other tickets, should be
considered as prima .fdcie evidence that it was
bought and consequently illegal, and should be
thrown out by the judges. This would prevent
the sale OF class who are not willing to be led
to the polls like a slave 10 do the bidding of
their purchaser; and the purchaser is not will.
ing to trust them, but will pay part and pro-
mise to pay the balance on the next or some
future day, provided there comes out of the box
while counting out, a ticket marked No. 10. 90.
30, or some other number or character marked
on the ticket by the person busing the vote.
Each officer elect should be requ red to take
an oath that he had not given bribe, directly U
Or indirectly, since the enactment of this law.
Justice would seem to say that he buver is :
Is bad as the seller and should suffer like per-
l.ties, but it is claimed that under eristing
circumstances they are compelled to buy or r
ubmt to certain defeat, and If the buyer is I
ueIect to the same penalty as the seller, it =
YOU'D defeat the object Of the fret provision, C.
nd 1t would become a nullny.
The first provision would prevent great :,
lany from selling their votes They would r
OF like to risk the probability of detection and
s consequences. de
Inc second provision would prevent that de- Is
rIded class who are lost to all self.respect. and
e willing for a few dollars to become the
aves and property of others 10 do their bidding
Inc third provision would prevent that class Te I
no vote numbered or marked tickets, for there MI
{ O"' 'e" mat would be trusted without some In
curIty tor the performance OF their part of the
ntract.
The last provision would prevent all homes,
d conscientious men from bribing in any way.
may be objected that this clause would cause ~
me men to purjure themselves. If SO. il an
'uid be their fault and not that of the law
d the consequence would rest on them, and val
Oof of the fact should disfranchise them for
= '''0''' 'O' val
1t Is 10 be hoped that the present Legislature
II do all that can be done to remove this int
ghtIng curse from our community. If il is of
done we shall become a by-word and a re- III
zach among our sister StaIes. Ii to the aLe aue
crest OF all good citizens, and politicians in
'tcuIar, that it should be done. C. {
heat County, Dec Both, SO ton
--- coo any
H1fea lor he Smyrna Tunes. put
lyTn1 Lcdd or the Martyrs of $50. p app
when '15 first dawned upon our little tovvn wit