The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-12-04
The Method Of Voting.

voting, or shall we substitute therefor
the viva voce system in our State Consti-
tuition ? is a question to be deliberated
and disposed of by our approaching
Convention. 1t is one of the utmost
importance to the people Of our State
and should be carefully weighed by the
members of the Convention, and in fact
by the people themselves. for they are
the final judges of what system We shall
have.
l am honestly of the opinion that
the purity Of elections can better be
preserved by the viva voce system than
by the ballot, whilst others as honestly
entertain the contrary opinion. The
system of ballot voting, to say the least
OF it, gives the amplest opportunity for
the preparation OF fraud. Suppose for
instance, that the officers conducting
elections were dishonest, interruptions
men, what is there to prevent them
from removing ballots that were actual
" cast, and substituting others in their
placer II they should do 80, how is
the fraud to be detected? They have
entire control of the ballot boxes, and
if 80 disposed can perpetrate the grossest
frauds without fear of detection. And
we have good reason to believe that in
many counties of this State, under the
late administration, such frauds were
committed, but we are entirely without
the means of establishing them and
bringing the offenders to justice. That
system certainly affords an opportunity
to commit frauds, aud offers tempta.
ticn that should be removed. On the
other hand, under the old way Of viua
vocs voting, if any person had reason to
suspect the officers conducting the cleo
ton of disposition to deal unfairly, he
could take his position at the place
where the votes were cried and by noting
them would know as accurately how
mapy votes were cast for A and how
many for B, as the election officers
would.
But there is another and higher
argument in favor Of the viva voce sys-
tenn. If we desire to preserve our Re
publican institutions we must foster in
the breasts OF our people spirit OF in
dependence. Moral courage OF high
grade is absolutely essential to the
preservation of liberty in any land. II
is argued by the friends Of the ballot
system that there are many men who
have not moral courage sufficient to
stem the tide of popular opinion, or
other causes that may be presented, and
consequently, when giving an open vote!
do not give expression to their actual
wishes. If there be such men, we dc
not hesitate in saying they are not com
petent voters. 1t is dangerous to trust
the liberties of people in the hands
of such men. They make plant tools
for a despot, but do not make good
Democrats Tin the literal sense OF the
word Democrat.
The man who is afraid to walk up
and openly give expression to his
wishes at the polls had better remain al
home-better for himself and better fol
the country. The old fashioned Wiz:
GINA mode of voting with a loud
voice" is the most independent and best
calculated to inspire spirit of indie
pendence that is certainly desirable. II
is said by some that the viva voce sys'
tenn has too much Of Old Virginia
fogyism about it-that it is not up with
the progressive spirit of Young Amer
ica." We must remember that limo.
walton is not always reform. We like
the system because it is characteristic
of Virginia manliness and independence.
No true Virginian ever wished to con-
ceal mis- sentiments or hide away his
ballot in q box, but always, under all
circumstances, was willing to proclaim
his views to the world and maintain
them even with the sacrifice of life, as
90 many thousands have done. No
one ever heard serious complaints Of
frauds in the Virginia elections in ante
bellum days. When the result Of an
election was announced every one felt
confident that the announcement was
correct, and everybody was satisfied.
How is it now in every State where the
ballot system has been adopted. There
is scarcely an election but what we hear
charges of fraud, and very frequently
good grounds for the charges.
The Democratic party now has con.
troll Of the State government, and will
be held responsible for all defects that
may be found in our new Constitution.
We should therefore be very careful in
making Constitution that will meet
the wants and suit the spirit of our
people. Let it be free from all the
Objectionable features Of the one we now
live under, but at the same time retain
all that is suitable. Whilst the Dem
ocratic party will be held responsible
for all changes, these changes must no,
be made to suit the Democratic party
alone, but must be made in the interest
of the whole people without regard te
party.
Let US exhibit to our enemies q mag
nanimity that they seemed utterly incap
able of exhibiting toward US when they
held the reins. We hope that ell pro
posed changes will be carefully con
sidered, and when conclusions have
been arrived at, every citizen Of the
State will feel that..the members OF the
Convention had his interest ut heart
and when the Constitution is submitted
to the people that it may be ratified
with something like unanimity. +
.r-~E--E FAIR PLAY.