New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-11-13
PRICE THREE CENTS.
OUT FOR BALLOT REFORM.
COUNTY DEMOCRATS TAKE Up THE ISSUE
WITH SPIRIT.

RESOLUTIONS PASSED WHICH PRACTICABLE
ISDoRsE THE sAxToN BILL NO DIS
sESTING VOICE HEARD-RINGIyG
WORDS OF ENTHUSIASM.
The New-YorlS County Democracy took the i'm
portant step last evening Of indorsing the most
advanced sentiment on the subject of ballot re-
form. The resolutions which were unanimously
adopted, and by rising vote, proclaim in effect
approval of the Ssxton bill and disapproval Of
Governor Hills vetoes OF that measure.
There WAS full turnout of the County Com
mittee at Cooper Union last evening All the
prominent leaders, from Maurice J. Power down,
were present The only absentee of note was
Police Commissioner John X. Voorhis In place
of Mr. Voorhis they had his esgnation as chair
man. Colonel John o. Byrne was placed in the
vacant chair, and when Secretary SIulquecn read
Mr.. Voorhis's resignation il was received in dead
silence 1t was dated October 80, and addressed
to Recording Secretary Charles J. MCGEE. as fsl-
lows:
In view OF recent events which have developed wide
difference Of opinion several leading members Of
committee and myself TO the policy and course thas
should pursued by the County Democracy az the ap-
approaching election, deem It proper that my openly an
nounced views and position the subject above
ferred may be cause for embarrassment 70 the
organization in the performance Of the work incidental
the present campaign that should place my resignation
as chairman County Committee in the hands OF the
committee and its disposal. which hereby very re-
spectfully do.
Thanking through you very warmly the COMMITTEES for
It's many OF kindness and partality 10 generously
extended the past and desrous OF doing all thas
within my power and sphere for the advaneemens
OF Democratic principles.
Charles H. Jackson, OF the XXIst District, moved
to accept Mr.. Voorhs's resignation, and this was
promptly done. The primary elections for choosing
new County Committee and district committees
and officers for 500 were fixed for January Is,
at Z 80 D. M The naming of time and place for
holding the With Congressional District Convention
to nominate Register-eect Fitzgerald's successor
was left to the Assembly District Committees
within the Congressional District.
Mr. jackson, from the Committee on Resolutions.
presented preamble and resolutions on ballot
reform prcfacng them with an effective speech.
Ex-Corporation Counsel II. K. Beekman is wnder-
stood to be the author of the paper After re-
ferring to the causes which are alleged 70 make
thorough and sound remedies for the suppression
ef corrupt practices necessity, the resolutions
declare:
We are in favor Of ballotreform law which shall EN-
body the following principles
The ballots should be printed and distributed az the
public expense 49, - m..
9 The names Of all candidates for the same ONO"
should be printed upon the same ballot" 49,,
g. The ballot should be delivered TO the vo'er wlsp'
the polling place election day by sworn puonc onc
A. Only ballots delivered should be voted tne 'o0'
guaranteed absolute privacy In preparing MS oAu'' ~
the secrecy OF the ballot made compulsory -.
At the recent election in Massachusetts, such oAio"
reform law has been tried with conspicuous su'0e'"'
Simple in It's methods secure In is secrecy lts op
has been such have been dsranchseo ~u AAA
have been free to vote according to their choice
We are also of a law which shall extena 'hs
registry before election 70 the enare sa'e
Resolved That select committee be apIon'ea pJ 's
Chair to take steps may be considered dess's
secure appropriate legislation upon these matters
The resolutions were received with hearty ap'
pause. and a number Of speeches were made La
sunnort OF them The most important ntterances
we're from Colonel John X. Fellows. The adop-
tion of this declaration, he said, would pace tne
Countv Democracy abreast of the most radical leg:
isIation having for its object the protecuon OF
the ballot Vague resolutions had heretofore
been adopted, but no strong remedml me.hods
had been advocated. For the first time In the
history of any Democratic organization IN new.
York City real reform was now proposed; X
there was a man so lost to shame as TO sell MS
vote al the polls he would place him in positon
to cheat the would be. buyer when he got there
Mr. Fellows said Very heartily and very earnest.
v and with as much cordiality as eVes gave 70
any measure in my life, / second these resolutions
Chairman o Byrne, in putting the motion saio
" Remembering the overmastering importance VI
This decaration | call for its adoption Dy rlslnS
vote y Every member arose TO his feet ana the
resolutions were declared adopted, with cneers
Mr. Mulqueen offered resolution Gaining Ior
the formation of ballot-refOrm central organlza-
ton. with branches in every Assembly dIstrlca
and in the Twenty third aSd iyas
to advocate the measure The resolution was
sdopted after Mr. Mulqueen had made stirring ing
speech in its favor. Chairman U byrne calieu .ns
attention of the meeting to the recent deatn OF
GeneraI Thomas F. BourlIe. and the Committee on
posontions was instructed to prepare suitable reso-
utions on the subject.
II Is understood that no successor 10 chairman
voorbis will be elected this year. Next year iG Is
exnectad that Charles c. Baldwin will be made
chairman