The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-02-07

We have received copy of the propOs-
ed new registration law, and although We
have not given il careful consideration
throughout, wc observed enough to con
cIuds that ii is no improvement on the
present law and viii DO equally as expea-
sive.
II provides for two registrations as now
lone for registration and one for revision
The registrars to sit in September six
days in Baltimore city and three days in
the counties, and in October three days in
Baltimore and two days in the com
ties; and for a general new registra-
ton in 1881. Registrars are to serve
when appointed, under a penalty Of $500
fine, and there is to be one fer each cleo
tioa district 10 the counties aud one for
each voting precinct Ia Baltimore and in
each municipality. Besides, there is to be
an alternate for each registrar, the altes.
nate to serve in the stead Of the registrar
when the registrar for good and sufficient
cause cannot act. Tho per diem Of regis
trars is left blank, but 1t is the idea Of
Governor Hamilton, we beliye, and some
others, to pay them two dollars day.
The Baltimore city registrars are to re-
ceiye an annual salary. which is also left
blank. In Baltimore city an attorney is
to be appointed at salary Of three hun
dred dollars year as counsel for the reg
istrars 10 appeal cases, and in the counties
the States attorneys are to perform thai
duty.
The present law nor the proposed one
suits our view. They are both two expen
sive aud contain two much. There is nj
need Of swelling the number Of Ofice-hold
ers, as proposed by the new law, and Their
is no need Of both a September and al
October sitting. For the purpose Of an
nual registration aud revision, two days il
the counties and three days in Baltimor
are ample with the present number of rec
isirars, and such sittings should be in Oc
tober. People can attend to the privileg
of getting registered at one time just a
well as at another and If registrars sa
the whole year, some would go at tb
last momcat and some even would appl,
too late. 10 no country district does
require more than two days, aud three day
would suffice III Baltimore city.
In addition, as a matter Of conveniene'
to voters, registrars should be permitted t
register voters and give transfers at an,
time during the ten days previous to tn
regular sitting, for which ten cents nam
might be allowed, the registrars to max
oath to the number so registered and trans
ferred.
The compulsory system, requiring regis
trars to serve under heavy penalty, a
proposed by the new law, does not NEE
our appreciation, nor does the per diem Q
two dollars. No man should be obliged 1
take an Office against his viii, especial
when there are so many who would gladl
fll il. The Office Of registrar Is an impol
tant one, aud has great responsibilities a
tached to it. The registrar is the jude
Of the qualifications Of voters, and if !
rejects or strikes off name Illegally, he
liable to suit for damages. In this vie
Of the ease registrars should be men Of !
teIligenec and men Of some property, al
to obtain such good pay should be ofiere
Five dollars a day would not be two muc
and with such an iuducement good mi
would accept the position.