The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1889-10-16
ELECTORAL gEFogM.

There IL a simple electoral reform with
the advocacy o. which the four neg states
might appropriately signslizs their adnsis-
sion into the union. II IL one which would
involve no innovation ~ 10 fundamentals.
aud to the adoption Of which Il IS bard 10
conceive Of an unsellsh objection.
The electoral college rs a; present consti-
snted consists Il q number Of members
from each state equal 10 the number OF
senators and representatives 10 which the
state IL entitled in congress Each state is
entitled 10 tao electors as equivalents for
the two senator 10 whom il is entitled. and
oae elector as the equivalent Of each OF It's
members IN the lower house. Its repre-
sanitation la congress IL the basis, the
foundation. OF It's representation in the
electoral college. Bat the manner of choos-
ing the electors is utterly inharmonious
with the method of choosing the senators
snd representatives. Why not make them
harrnonixe7
That is the object of the proposed amend
ment. II IS simply TO amend the constitu-
ton 80 ~ 10 provide for the choice Of two
electors by the people Of each state at large.
and one elector by the people of each con-
gressional district. There we're good rea-
sons for requiring the division of states
into congressional districts and the election
Of one congressman from each district,
rather than the election OF all the congress
men from each state on a general ticket
There are equally a. good or better reasons
for adopting the same rule a. To the choice
Of electors, the number Of whom IL based
on the representation in the lower house
The evils that would be corrected by this
reform are many. and that they are evils
il a matter universally admitted. II would
n once and effec,ually break UP the solid
outh" as factor in national politics. for
there are many districts In the South from
which Republicans are sent to congress.
and from those districts. doubtless. Repuh-
iiean electors would be chosen. And this
would he effected without In any degree
damaging the prospects of the party with
which the South has OF late years been
solidly identified. for there would be com
pensatiny gains from other quarters.
II would at once and ef'ectually do away
with the altogether hurtfal predomlnance
of pivotal states" In accomplishing this
il would give TO capacity, merit, national
reputation and popularity of the individual.
the weight which now accrues mainly TO
the place OF residence. In doing this il
would give new aud healthy stimulus 10
individual ambition, and would elevate A
higher order Of men TO the first places in
the nation.
Above all. 1t would a. once and absolute
" equalike the voting power of citizens Of
the United States, irrespective of their
place Of residence. The unfair practice of
allowing one set Of citizens 10 vote for
thirty six electors. while others are only
permitted 10 vote for three. would be done
away with. Each citizen OF the United
States. whether resident of New York or
Washington, would vote for three. and
only three electors, two 10 represent his
state and ore to represent his congress.
siouai district.
The benefits a. he accomplished viii
hardly admit % denial What are the oh
jeotsons9 One. doubtless. viii be the same
that has been made 90 the constitution n
the senate, that in the choice of two elee.
tors at large New York with her SEQ 80
population viii have no more voice than
Nevada with her t0,"oo. bat that conform,
g. The senatorial basis for that portion Of
the electoral representation. and Nevada
would get 40 more, New York no less
representation in the electoral college than
a. present. Another objection may he tina,
II change is 10 he made at all. il had bet.
Ter bc 10 an election Of president and vice
president directly by the people, but North,
eTn dsstruss u some Southern popular ma
loestses = too great - allow thas change "a
hx thought Of
There - nc ground FOR partisan objection
g. this change from either side. With hu,
enc oF tao exceptions there has been IA
presidential election zgihla CITY years ths
result q which would have heen changed
By the adoption ri this reform. is merit.
are apparent. \ valid objection Ia IL.
adoption Is chAlienxct
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