Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-16
Progressive Propositions.

The message Of Gov. Butler, Of Massachu-
sets, has attracted the attention of the whole
country. His propositions are original,
striking and novel. He evidently reaches
out for something new and progressive
which will furnish an example for other
States and, perhaps, the whole country.
Gov. Butler fayors the freest exercise OF the
right OF suffrage. He says that in time Of
war soldiers are hurried to the front without
regard 10 the contents of their pocket-books,
and they should be allowed to vote without
regard to the amount Of property they
own; that if ignorant men are fit TO carry
muskeis in time OF war they should
be trusted with the ballot in time
of peace. The proposition to exempt
voters from the payment OF poll-.ax is =
move in the direction OF compulsory voting.
We will never have pure laws until all
amensble TO the law unite in electiDg the
Lawmakers. Suffrage should not only be
free, but it should be compulsory. The Ro-
mans, at one time, exacted from every citi-
zen an interest in public and political af-
fairs. The price OF good laws and the purity
of government is eternal vigilance. Ten
years sgo the new government OF France made
an earnest effort to tax all who refused to
vote. 10 almost every election in the United
States the contest ia between the rabble and
the ragamuhins on one side aud the better
class who take an interest in public af-
fairs Often the worst elements of So
cieiy triumph, simply because BUSH
ness men do not exercise the right
of outrage. Men are compelled to work on
roads, 10 serve on juries and to perform mill
itary duty in order 10 promote the public
good, and they should be compelled to vote
for the same reason. In several OF the
Northern States the day OF election is made
general holiday. This law is intended
10 relieve business men from their ordin-
airy concerns and duties, and give them
time 10 serve the public by voting. Iu'every
election complaint is made that the better
portion of the community, the more orderly,
thoughtful and respectable, will not give the
time necessary 10 secure the election Of good
men, and consequently the best men are not
always elected. If voting is a duty it
should be made compulsory. 1t is argued
that IL business men fail TO vote they are
the sufferers. That is true, but their neglect
of duty also entails suffering upon the good
men who do vote, and are unable TO elect
good men to Office and TO secure an honest
and economical government because of the
failure Of those interested TO join them in
the election Of honest officials. The nearer
we make voting solemn duty the nearer
we approach good government. Our insti-
tutIons cannot be preserved, good men can
not be elected to office, so long as good men
stay away from the ballot-box. Because a
man is forced 10 vote he is not necessarily
forced 10 be politician. There is a
difference in voting for the public good
and becoming a politician. When every
man is compelled to vote we will have better
laws and economy in The administration Of
public affairs. The worst elements OF society
never fail to vote. They seek 10 elevate men
of their own class. But in every community
there are enough good men 10 elect honest
officials il they will exercise the elective
franchise, and they should be made to sacri-
fee this much for the benefit OF the true men
who never fail to labor for the election OF
good men.