The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1886-12-30

Notwithstanding the practical uni
versatility of the rule that the vote de-
cides every thing, most citizens seem
to be unaware that there is an infinite
variety of modes of voting, each of
which is useful in its way and few of
which could be dispensed with. 1t may
be interesting to glance at few of
! these at this time.
First, we find that every question
nowadays is settled by majority or a
two-thirds vote: so at least we fondly
think. There are trlhlng exceptions
in Russia and perhaps in other coun-
tries, but they need not be noticed. 1t
may be that, even where the rule APP
parently has its exceptions. the major
ity rules indirectly. The people SUBJ
NIT to monarchical and despotic rule
because 1t meets with their approval
In the freer countries, and in France
since the adoption of the Republican
form of government, the majority of
the people or their representatives are
frequently called upon to settle ques-
tions by vote, and ultimately every de-
tail of government is submitted to this
test of the popular will. The people
of England are steadily becoming more
fully represented in the House of Com
mons, and the House is in turn insist
ing upon larger share of government
al control. In this country, far more
than in any other, our rulers are re-
quired frequently to pass the ordeal of
the peoples Judgment. The majority
in aparty caucus instructs the candidate
for whom to vote for United States
Senator; a majority of the members of
the party in the Legislature chooses
the candidate; a majority of the Legis-
lature elects him; majority of the
Senate carries through important laws
Ii the Senator, or any other represent
ative OF the people, acts contrary to
the desires OF majority of his con-
sttuents, he has soon to submit his con-
duct to their Judgment. and they re-
place him with another more to their
liking.
Not many years ago there was party
strife of very virulent character
between two sections of the Penob-
scot Indians in Maine. That tribe
was allowed to send representative
to the State Legislature, where he oc-
eupied position similar to that of Ter
rltorial delegate in Congress, being
allowed to speak. but not to vote. The
parties were called the Old and the
New. On the day Of the election the
candidates of either party repaired to
20 the schoolhouse on the Osdtown
Island, and took positions in opposite
corners of the room. The free and
independent voters then entered and
cast down their hats, each at the feet
OF his favorite candidate. When the
polls were closed the hats were counted.
and he who had the greater number
was elected. If the Indians had been
white men. they would probably have
mad two hats. and would have repeated,
and there would have been numberless
nights for these primitive ballots out
s,ae the polling place. Being guileless
cnldren OF the forest, they resorted to
no such trickery. though many bloody
contest took place between the parti-
sans OF the candidates.
Clvllization has improved vastly upon
me simpler modes of voting, having to
zeal with all sorts of stratagems to de-
1eat the popular will The registry,
q check lists, was devised to prevent
oonble voting; the ballot to secure the
voter against intimidation and bribery;
sne show of hands, the ayes and nays,
ne Division of the house to make GER
am doubtful votes; and these are bu!
: lew OF great many devices to ac-
somplish other useful ends. Let us
aist glance at some of the modes oil
soung in representative bodies, most
q which will doubtless be familiar to
leaders.
Inc simplest and quickest method il
Y tne voice Those in favor of the
Mo1on will say aye; those opposed
~ s.l say no. The ayes have it: it is q
mas ,s.e. This is very familiar for
s.1 ala. a quick-eared presiding officer
~ s,a. .en almost infallibly whether the
I; es q the nays sshave ii" In case
VuDt there are q great many way;