New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-01-22
COZ ARRKTTS MESSAGE.


Jersey, of which full abstract is printed
on the fourth page, is largely de-
voted 70 State finances and modes
of taxation. But citizens OF all States VIII
be interested in his extended discussion OF
ballot reform. for he diSsents radically from
Governor Hill, of New-York. While hndlns
no objection to the exclusive use of an Official
ballot. he proposes notifications of the Aus
tralian system which, he frankly admits III. tne
Judgment of many sincere friends of reform
would deprive the system of much OF Its value.
lie expresses his belief, on the contrary, tha'
the methods suggested would not impair the
usefulness of the system.
Governor Albeit proposes at the outset
registration of every voter in the State, sub
ioct 70 judicial revision. The one reason given
is that importation of voters into smaller towns
or country districts is possible, as into the
cities. and may hereafter become frequent ana
should be prevented. Many Will seriously
ouostion whether there is yet adequate neceS-
sitv for this measure, and it is tolcrably certain
that in the rural districts of New-Jcrsey 1t
would be the reverse Of popular. II there be
no present necessity for ii, voters VIII 1eel that
neglect or failure to get registered IN season
should not deprive them OF suffrage, ana that
the extra loss of time required for registration
should not be exacted
The Governor proposes secret ballot,
separate compartment in which each voter shall
nrenare his ballot and the use of an exclusive
official ballot. printed and distributed by the
state. The reasons he gives directly conflict
with the position taken by Governor Hill, and
lut ia nlipFfS the
plovment of election officials to assist the voter
in any case. as destroying the secrecy of the
ballot and advocates distribution OF the official
ballot to all voters before the election so that
voters can mark their ballots If they please at
their homes Upon entering the election booth
each voter according to the Governors plan
should there have other official ballots ready
TO be substituted if lie prefers and should be
required to inclose the ballot selected IN an
official envelope. which. it j. reasoned, would
make it impossible for any watcher To deter
mine whether he had USED ballot previously
marked. Governor Albeit states that he Will
Weld his convictions in regard to this pariIc-
ular if the Legislature deems il wise 10 limit
the distribution of official ballots TO the voting
places. and with comparatively few exceptions
the friends Of ballot reform will probably hold
and act upon that opinion.
The finances OF Ncw-Jcrcy are shown TO be
embarrassed the estimated income falling
S35. coo below the ordinary expenses, and with
special app OPERATIONS heretofore voted and the
temporary debt already existing. deficit OF
S559.674 next October is anticipated. Unless
increased revenue is provided by the LcglNat-
ure. the Governor states that he will favor
transfer Of shares held and owned by the State,
worth $4,000, cat the price paid by the
school fund for similar shares" in order 20
extinguish temporary loans. But he advocates
taxes on collateral inhertanceS and lcgaceS,
larger tax by about one-third on miscellaneous
corporations, and argues at length in favor OF
an additional tax Of one mill on railroad and
canal property. Here he sets forth with much
detail views in regard to the existing law and
the taxation of that kind Of property, which
were extensively discussed during the late cam
paign.
Governor Albeit will hardly succeed in con
vincii7g both branches OF the Legislature that
his views on this subject are wise. But he de
serves credit for recommending a non partisan
commission for the consideration Of the whole
question Of taxation, 10 report to the LcgiS-
Iaturc AT the next session, and also for urging
that Joint committee representing both par
ties should mature a measure of ballot reform.