The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1883-01-25

invariably defeated. The public thus not only
lose the service of one good enthusiastic
servant, but Others, because they are deferred
from such contests for offices where they
would be valuable servants of the people.
Many good servants of the people are lost in
this way, and the so-called equality of rights
becomes mere myth.
Now, while | am 10th to interfere with the
freedom of elections, desire to see the voters
protected, and to establish as far as possible
be undoubtedly effected by the following
amendments to the present election system.
/. That all candidates for Office should de-
clare their intention in writing at least seven
days before the elections.
2. That all tickets used in voting be printed
by the city and county officials, containing the
names names tS OF all eanddates' ana the office fSr
voters personally by the presiding judge at the
ward or precinct poll.
3. That all ''touting" at the polls be forbid
den.
4. That no candidate shall employ any hack
or vehicle for conveyance to the polls.
D: That all bribery or treating shall be
6. The institution of a tribunal for hearing
election appeals, who shall have the power OF
dsqualifying any officer who is found to be
elected by bribery or corruption.
Z. That such tribunal have the power to
punish any person giving or receiving Il bride.
l know, that there are many. who will
plan and will say that their adoption would be
an interference with the liberty of
the people. In respect to the first OBJ
lection let me say that many of the
proposed amendments have been adopted by
prominent European countries and have had
the effect of purifying elections, and of giving
the poor but competent men a better chance
in the race for office, as ii deprives his richer op
ponent of the advantages he has of directly
and Indirectly purchasing votes OF fetching
his voters to the poles i'm hacks and of the paid
services of tout to interfere with the freedom
of the voter; and as regards the latter objection
| need hardly say that il is the duty of the gov
charge of the suffrage. This is all the interior
ence with liberty that the proposed amend
ments would ever make.
The success of the Independent movement
shows plainly that the people are disposed to
throw Off party letters and to exercise their
franchise in proper spirit, electing men for
Office who are competent to discharge its duties
wealth or nationality. 1t becomes
clearly tn" duty of the government to aid
them in this endeavor, and the government
who fails to do it is not that which will in the
future receive the support of the people. am
convinced that in time people will gradually
make the amendments here Indicated and that
America will then, and only then, be plirged
now unduly favors the wealthy man, and the
political intriguant, whom ambition or self
interest induces to seek Office. Americans are
free by instinct, free from choice, and in
time they will break the political letters by
which they are now bound. The cry of Ameri-
cans and of her friends should be: Let our
elections be pure and free, and let us have wise
and honorable men to rule over us p
As an adopted American, shielded by the
American flag, and sustained by her land say
Heaven speed the day.
The MODERN CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.