The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-10-08
THE BALLOT.


The agitation for reform in the method of
conducting elections continues. 1t is an anus
ing but suggestive fact that the chief objec-
tion brought against the adoption of the bal
lot is that it is American" The Toronto
Globe meets this very enlightened argument
as follows: .at e fe..t -...
The old cry, that the ballot is an American
institution, hardly avails much at the worst.
Most people have the courage to accept good
thing-even if it is in use among our neigh
bols And the ballot can hardly be called an
American institution, when it is in operation
in so many other countries besides the Unit
ed States. Besides the European countries
which vote by ballot, there are several British
colonies in which the system prevails. They
have the ballot in the Australian colonies and
in New Brunswick; and we believe that the
ballot system in Australia is much better
one than that in use in the United States-
1t works we'll in New Brunswick and after
eight years experience-during which three
or four general elections have been held-the
people there seem well satisfied with the re-
suit
The Globe adds that the violence at good
many polls in Ontario and Quebec, at the last
election, was most disgraceful, and thinks if
the ballot will prevent repetition OF such
scenes it should be adopted. The fact, how
ever, that it is loudly called for in England is
likely to bave more influence in inducing the
mass of Canadians to accept it than far more
important considerations. Ii it should be
adopted "at home" it may seem good for the
Dominion also.
A FRACAS.
The amenities of the riotous election for
West Montreal eliminated last week in a rem
contre similar to those which used to be FASH
ionable at Washington in the time when the
"chivalry" displayed most freely their "planta-
ton manners" During the recent canvass
Mr.. Thomas Darcy McGee tried to damage
his political opponent, Mr.. Devlin, by accusing
him of Feniansm. He did not succeed in
bringing any proof OF his charge; but the
Herald, Mr.. DevIin's organ, retaliated by call
Mr. MCGEE "thief," and a 'hired and false
iniormer' More recently it called him
''scoun6rel" and "liar." He had constantly
been held up by that paper as a common
drunkard In reply to this MCGEE made an
odous personal attack upon the editors of the
Herald. He also referred to Mr.. Devlin de-
cIaring that he had only to go to the Court
House for facts, which would have blasted
him for ever, both politically and profession
aly Mr.. Devlin encountered Mr. MCGEE in
the street and demanded what he meant by
continuing to insult him in that way. Mr..
McGee is said to have replied, 81 mean what
l saw" Devlin then told him he was a black
guard, and spat in his face MCGEE struck
| him over the held with his walking stick,
leaving a mark on his forehead. Devlin was
about to close with him when friends inter-
fered and they were separated And so the
matter rests. 1aH
" RED RIVER TERRITORY.
The Nor -Wester of the oath ultimo, says:
From Caledonia, the new name of the Port
age, we have very encouraging reports of the
crops. The wheat is unusually heavy, and it
is expected the quantity will exceed 10000
bushels,-considerabl improvements are go
| ing on there, and as soon as this approaching
| change of the country takes place, very rap
| id advancement of the rising settlement may
be expected We understand that the Sioux
| intend to settle about there this win
| ter in considerable numbers, to hunt and
| tran: it was anticipated that trouble would
| arise between them and the other Indians
| (Chippewas,) but the Sioux have signified
| wish to remain at peace with them. The
Hudson's Bay intend wintering some 400 head
| OF cattle near the Portage, and there is some
rumor OF new fort being constructed at
White Mud river. The people of Caledonia
have received courteous reply from the I'm
perial Government to the memorial complain
ing of want OF law and protection, &c. Their
interests with those of Red River are at pres
ent occupying the sci ious attention OF ', tne
Government, and immediate results are oa,y
expected The having weather has been very
npa ia7ora5e, and nd lar large es quantity stacked
| ITEMS
The Provincial Agricultural fair o' on'a
rio has Just been held at kingston lwo
nrinting- presses, made at Oshawa, the hrst
| - ,anusoctured west of Montreal, were