The Hawaiian gazette., 1888-07-10

THE Election bill will soon be back
from Committee, and of course will
come up Immediately for discussion
in the House. As its supporters antici-
.pated. the measure has encountered q
great deal OF opposition, and its fate is
entirely uncertain. 1t is to be feared
hat if it passes it will pass stripped of
ONE OF its most salient characteristics
fact, deprived OF all pith and sub
ance. The point upon which the
rongest opposition has been concen-
ated is the provision for secret voting.
course this was altogether TO be ex-
pected. This is one OF those radical
measures against which men of all
kinds unite. Corrupt politicians, be-
cause il takes the very ground from
under their feet; candidates who will
not bride themselves, perhaps, but who
do not care TO inquire into the methods
of their political henchmen; the large
body of men of medium political moral
ity. who do not believe in bribery, but
who connive at other modes of "intiu-
ence' of varying degrees OF reputability;
finally, the conservatives ultra con-
servatiyes as we regard them, who
never know how thing will work. We
may throw out of account all these
classes, except the last.
Now, what is the real, valid objection
to secret voting? There can be no doubt
that it viii cut off great many sources
OF influence, besides out and out bribery.
But, as we look at the matter, most OF
these sources OF influence are ilegii-
mate. and we shall be the gamers by
Kidding ourselves from them forever.
Voters will lose most OF their bad, venal,
or insufficient reasons for voting for q
candidate, and will be compelled to
seek good ones. The Reform party will
lose votes by this law, as matter OF
course. Men will not vote to please
friends. to curry favor with the powerful,
TO secure any real or imaginary advan-
taee which they conceive the knowledge
of their vote may secure them from any
person. Plantation laborers will not
vote for the planters candidate, through
fear OF losing their places, or because
they think it is going to be OF some
material advantage to do so. Planters,
in fact, are going to be deprived OF all
influence ON the voting OF their hands,
beyond What they may gain by argu-
ment and persuasion, coupled with the
respect for authority which superior
station naturally inspires. But is there
any other mode OF influence to which
they are legitimately entitled, and is not
the country to be the gamer by reducing
every mode of influence to its proper
scope? No doubt this will lose the
planter some votes, how many we can
not say, but surely the Reform party is
not going to be the chief loser by q
system which, so far as any system can,
blots out every dishonest or half dis
honest vote? 1t is better to do right,
--and run the Eisk OF the heavens falling.
eve do not believe the insurance COM
NAMES will raise their rates. Ii the
Legislature really represents the party
Of sound reform; If it further represents.
"a it claims, the majority OF the country,
let it have the courage of its convictions
and earnestly advocate every measure
which will tend to the purity of cleo
tons. 1t viii be strange, indeed, if
such step can lose it the next general
election. But if it does, there is at least
the consolation that it is better to lose
honestly than to win by unworthy or
doubtful means.
Mr.. W. Il. Graenhalgh is evidently
= l.