Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-02-05
Proposed ch.ne. In n. s.llo, Lev.

We have been asked to express our
opinion Of the proposed ballot reform Law.
We do not think it Of mnch importance
what our views may be ON this subject,
but We are allowed 10 state then for what
they are worth. The demand for new
legislation on the subject seems to be
strong from some localities in the State.
In other States. especially those having
large cities, the demand is much stronger
and more general THAI in Maine. What
ever legislation may be attempted, should
be made with the greatest care and delib<
Grafton. Without wishing 70 speak posi-
lively or dogmatieaIly on the subject, we
are Inclined to the belief that, what in
New York il known as the saxton bill, Is
the best draft Of law now before the
public.
1t IL the bill that the best citizens Of that
great state are trying to have become
law, and which a majority Of the Legs
lators az Albany Is supposed to favor. 1t
has been good while under consider.
ttbb- abA rs tiOFiSicu1 nave bNcn mus
care fully examined. We und, rstand il to
be modified and improved draft Of the
Australian system. We think it would
be unwise TO oppose the adoption Of any
carefully DRAM and practical provisions
for the protection Of the sacred right of
the elective franchise.
But ii ia not well to cherish Illusions on
the subject. Any law that may be made
for the regulation Of the right Of suffrage
il sure to be more or less abused or
eyaded. The moral education, the self
respect, and the patriotic determination
Of the people are the strcng reliance.
Those who think, or say, that England
has entirely prevented political corruption
aud abuse Of the elective franchise by her
new laws Of Parliament, are greatly mis-
taken. We have in our possession large
amount Of legal testimony brought out in
England before the proper tribunal in a
long and elaborate investigation, years
since Neal Dow witnessed voting In Biz
mingham, showing great corruption and
an enormous use of money. This testi-
mony was reported by as capable reporters
az there are in the world, and furnished
in the London Times, q journal which
gives daily record Of all that is transpir.
ing in England Of any public Importance
For years we gave that paper a careful
daily reading, and the clippings from liz
columns contain very remarkable testi.
mony as to political abuses and political
expenditures in that kingdom This tes-
timony compactly stated by masters in the
art Of reporting, would make large
octave volume. 1t affords the most con
elusive proof that Englishmen who de-
claim against the present condition Of
American political life, as well
as those in this country who
point to England as model
and greatly our superior in this regard,
are entirely mistaken. While Parliament
legislation has decidedly improved the
former state Of things, it has come far
short Of makir g of England political
Eden.
Yet this does not argue that we should
not do what We are able to do to get the
best American system of voting which
can possibly be formulated. 1t is well to
regard the plain maxim of wise and con-
servative men, BE sure you are right
and then 90 ahead"