Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-01-05

TIE annual message Of Gov. hiLL. oi
New York. contains many valuable sus-
qssiaus az TO the means necessary Go
pari y our elections The Legislature of
New York would 40 well n % embodied
in new laws an Of Coy. Hills sagsc-
t.ons.
There is a difference, in existing clndi-
tone. between Rev York and West Viz
einia. and what would Be beneficial to
New York might he impmciicsble in
West Virginia. Stnl. there are sugges-
tons in Gov HILLS messsgs which are
valuable 20 any State and tnss3 are sub
joined.
Gov. IluI. with all other unbiased men,
believes that the recent PresIdentisl cleo
ton was the most corrapt Of any in the
history Ct the country, SO far as the direct
use of money was concerned in Influencing
the electors, and public sentiment is natu-
rally awakened to the desirabiity Of some
relief
The Governor drst takes up the suhiec
Of bribey aud the improper use Of money
and inter GRANGE with voters in elections
oar "sixty-foot law" the beauty and
worth Of which was so plainly seen and
felt m the recent election, substantially
covers the suggestion CT Governor HILL
on this subject; and. thus far, West Yir-
GINA is ahead Of New York.
Gov Hull continues;
ut ia also suggested that it be provided
that ballots for all elections he furnished
90 public expense, under suitable and
nroper regulations. The necessity or Wis
dom of this change Is not entirely clear,
and 10 may well be doubted whether of It
eelfil wis prove of much benefit OF be pro
ducdve of any very sssentisl REFORM but
having no special objection 20 10, am dis.
posed % recommend It's adoption a. an eX-
pertinent fairly entitled 20 reasonable
trial 10 is power which Is liable 70 great
abuse. and should be- carefully restricted
While ballots should ba furnished Tor the
candidates Of the principal political par
tiss. and for all other parties polling GER
tain fair percentage Of votes at the previ-
ous election, vet any further provision
compelling their furnishing should be
strictly guarded
The Governor enumerates grave otJee-
tions ''to any provisions vesting the ex-
elusive power OF furnishing ballots in the
State, county, or city. That power should
be concurrent with parties. candidates ard
individuals While ire State, county or
city may furnish ballots, and thereby
always insure a sufficient supply for the
conveuiencs, and thus tend to relieve
candidates from the necessity OF large
political assessments for such purpose, yet
no good reason exists way parties, caudi-
dates or private individuals may not them
selves be permitted voluntarily 10 furnish
their own ballots In case they desire 90 do
So 10 the sole custody Of the ballots
were iutrusisd % one man his careiessness
or crime might virtually disiranchise the
electors Of a whole county, and control a
State or Presidential election thereby
For the purpose Of further facilitating
pure elections the Government recon-
msnds that election districts throughout
the State be made much smaller.
Aud again taking up the suti,ct Of
bribery snd undue influence be says
Another suggestion is pertinent at this
time Oar elections should be fee nom
intimidation - well a. from corruption.
The evil Of bribery Is fast undermining our
inst buttons ana Is the disgrace of the sge,
bat the wrong of the intimidation and IN
due ir1uence is also becoming common
and Is likewise dangerous.
"A new form OF species of intimidation
was invented aud much rssorted TO just
before the recent election in some portions
Of the State, which was equally effective
"a corruption in improperly Influencing
electors Employers of workmen in pay
irg their pay m envelopes called pay en-
velooes. which bad been furnished the
employers By political COMMITTEES, upon
when envelopes were printed political
notices. devices and Arguments, intended
% Influence the workmen, and among
other things warning them in substance
that their vote for particular candidates
meant loss Of work, and containing I'M
piled threats. and intimating that work
would he stopped aud they and their
children would suffer starvation and