, 1872-10-18

got 500 and 851 respectively, then the 1851 op-
position voters, casting 3,771 Totes, might give
two candidates 1 1865 votes each, which would
elect them both over the two less popular Re-
publican candidates..
Tho only other district in which tie Republi-
cans had more than three-fourth8 of the voters
in 1870, and are, therefore, entitled to the three
Representatives, is the Thirteenth, consisting of
DeKalb, Kendall, and Grundy Counties. IN
these, the aggregate Republican vote was
1859, against 2,391 Democratic. In
this district, though tho Democrats
vote three votes each for one candidate, he will
be beaten, provided the Republicans vote one
vote each, exactly for each Of their three candi-
dates. In every other district Of the State, how
ever, the minority party, whether it be the Re-
publican or the Liberal can elect it's one Repre-
sentative, provided each Of its voters will
"plump "his whole three votes for one man.
Thus, in the Eleventh District, consisting
Of Carroll and Whitesde Counties,
there are 5,861 Republican voters, and 2, 1874
w
changes. If the Republicans here undertake to
elect three Representatives, they may fail even
Of electing two. To explain: The 5:861 Re-
Publicans cast 1858 votes, while the 2.1o4
Democrats cast 6.372 votes. If the Republi-
cans nominate three candidates, and every Re-
publican votes for each Of them, they will get
1851 votes each, while, if the Democrats
"plunp" their whole vote on one candi-
date, he will get 6,s72 votes. This will
elect the Democratic candidate by
q larger vote than that cast for either of the
Republicans, and will leave three Republican
candidates having tie vote, Of whom only two
can be admitted to seats. If, however, the Re-
publicans vote unequally, and eome one popular
candidate draws of the great mass OF the vote,
the Democratic vote, by being divided between
the two candidates. might be made to elect two,
as in the instance previously given.
Second. II party is clearly in the minority,
the danger Of losing any Representative at al1,
if it attempts to elect two, is apparent. In the
Fiftieth District, for instance, the Democratic
party had 1927 votes in 1870, and the Republic
cans 2,89S. Should the Republicans here at
tempt to elect two candidates. they can cast
for each of them 4,947 votes. The Demo-
Gratis might insure the success Of the
Republicans by trying to elect three candidates.
For, in that case the latter would get only ,227
votes each, and two Republican candidates and
one Democratic would be elected. The Demo-
Gratis, however, can easily elect their two Repre-
sentatiyes by voting for only two for they will
then give them each 6, ,34011 votes.
Il will be seen that in all tho counties,
and on the part Of the voters On both sides,
some consultation will he needed beforehand.
Indeed, if it will not compel, it will render ex-
ceedingly expedient, some consultation between
the nominating Conventions Of the two parties,
as we'll as definite instructions from some Cen
trail County Committees to the voters Of both
parties, inBtructing them how to vote, 60 as not
to throw array votes. Both these features, viz.
conferences between opposing parties, and
instructions to voters, arc new in
our politics, and it is impossible
to say how they will work. Evidently the cleo
tions Of Representatives under the minority sys.
tenn are not good field in which to test the
relative strength Of parties to aim ct partisan
victories, for either the minority or majority
party is liable to be tripped up, and lose wha'
representation it is entitled to, by aiming tt
get more. Tho object OF both parties should
be to put in the field their most worth,
men who eau bo got to accept
| the place. We think tue effect of this system
| will very soon be to cause State Legislators tt
be elected with reference to their personal ca
pacity and their fitness for legielating on stat'
| questions, and less than heretofore with refer
| ence to their views on National questions. Thu
arguments in favor Of the adoption Of the pla1
were deemed overwhelming when it was undo
discussion. The people have adopted it, and ri
/ hope that its trial as m experiment in self
| government will bo full fair, and without i'm
| patience or prejudice.