New-York tribune., 1885-02-13
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ABOLISH TIE ELECTORS.
SOME VEHEMENT STATEMENTS AND oPrSIoNs.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
c.a. Iha a1anAinn Of Clnunlnnd anl Han

SOME VEHEMENT STATEMENTS AND OPINIONS
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
SIR: The election of Cleveland and Hen
dricks, which was accomplished last November, was
formally declared to-day in the presence OF the two
houses OF Congress Mr.. Edmunds's mode OF announc-
ing the result peculiar might have been expected
Inasmuch possible controversy could DO made In
this case about Of the election any other sen
tor would been conented 20 announce the result
in a peaceful and inofensye manner. But Senator
Edmunds would not be Mr.. Edmunds II he should ever
let slip opportunity to strain at gnat and swallow
camel Tho OF the Senate may take occasion to
express their opinion in regard tho method adopted
by the presiding officer In announcing the result.
and hie larger question, well worthy Of Sc
rous attention by the Senate will probably escape notice
altogether.
What s the use OF the electoral systemi What single
individual In all this land In favor Can any body
give decent reason why 1t should continue. The
cien theory upon which the electoral system based
has long become obsolete For many years the eector
has been simply clerk register the Will OF those who
have chosen him, and has possessed rightful
discretion than the messenger who has borne his formal
vote " Washington. But though bound In honor 10 act
I'm accordance with the will OF the people who choose
him. an elector Is not In law bound by any obligation
whatever He can vote for whom he pleases can sell
his vote II he sees ut; upon any frivolous pre-
text can absent himself at the time OF
voting Controversies may arise at any time in regard
TO the OF al eector. II who
legally disqualified happen to be elected the will OF tho
people may be defeated by the election OF President
who their will had been expressed directly. would hay
been beaten.
Why should not the Senate instead OF wasting time
Mr. Edmundss attempt TO set his opuion tho
law OF the and take the occasion TO Introduce
anne endment of the Constitution providing direct
vote the people for President and Vice President Let
the balance OF rcpresen ave power remain undisurbed
II 1t be desired let the record that plurality
OF the people Of Now-York have voted
to elect Cleveland and Hendricks for In
stance, be equivalent to thiry-sx electoral votes
for those candidates, and the record that Nevada
has given plurality for Blaine and Logan DO equivalent
the voting be directly for the candidates. and for
unless they act dshonorably who unknown To the
people, whose names may be spelled wrong; who may
be disqualified; who may get sick and die or who may
sell their votes IL Ia safe to say that In practical
business known among men would foolish "a method
be tolerated by civilized people the method by which
the people OF the United states get their votes
corded for President and VcePresldent Any Senator
draw amendment In few words, giving 10 tho peo
pie OF each State the power to directly for President
and VicePresident, and to cast many that
State may have Senators and In Congress
II there is interest," or body OF persons In any
State, or any individual from whom objection
to change reasonable and proper the fact has
not yet appeared. Why may not useful reform DO
made at once by unanimous CONSENT
CoMHoS-SESsR REPUBLICAN.
Wash,n0On ID. c.. Feb. IL, 1888.