Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1890-01-08
Ballot Reform aud the g. or.

Matthew s. Quay, OF Pennsylvania. is
the most astute and able politician in the
republican party. as well as one OF the
most INSCRIPTIONS, correctly remarks the
Indianapolis Sentinel. He is the official
head OF the national organization. being
chairman of the national executive COM
mittee. He knows the grand old party,
not only in Pennsylvanis, but through
out the county. One who Is familiar
with political matters. therefore, is not
surprised that he should oppose the Aus.
tralian ballot system. At the last ses-
sion OF the Pennsylvania legislature the
democrats tried hard to get law passed
establishing this system. 1t was de-
handed by all the labor organizations Of
the state. but Boss Quay Issued orders to
his legislature not to heed the demsnd.
and the bill was throttled. Quay can
see, al all men can see who know any
thing about Pennsylvania politics. that
with such law the perpe,ustion OF tie
systematic bsllot-box frauds. which
have made Philadelphia notorious. could
not longer be practiced.
Among other sstute politicians who see
that a secret ballot system, which should
require the exercise OF any degree OF in-
telligence in voting. like reading or even
marking ballot without assistance, and
which would prevent the purchase Of
fosters I'm blocks-of-flve, would be a
blow at the republican party, are Blaine
and Manley, Of Maine, Tom Platt. OF New
York. Dudley, OF Indiana, and Clarkson.
Allison and Wilson, of Iowa. All OF them
are doing everything in their power to
prevent the adoption Of the Australian
system In their respective states except
Dudley, whose state has already adopted
this system In spite of him. or rather. per-
haps, because OF him. his brazen rascality
having precipitated the adoption of the
measure.
Such representative republican newsps'
pers as Mr.. Hals,eads Commercials GdzStt,
and B. Harrison's personal organ. the In
diauapolis journal, have done all in theii
power against ballot reform. Last spring
the journal left nothing undone to prevent
the adoption of the Australian system il
Indiana. and since 1t was adopted has los
no opportunity to sheer at 1t. and to ex'
cite popular suspicion and distrust Of IL
The Commercial Gazette has printed many
furious attacks upon the new law from III
special Indiana liar, wv. II. S." and Il
bitterly opposed to the introduction o.
the reform in Ohio.
Long before the year 1890 shall hsv,
ended the republican party will be solidll
arrsyed against the kangaroo" bsllo
law. or any other law which requires tn,
exercise OF intelligence on the part of tn,
voter or prevents the wholesale purchas,
Of votes. The republican party is par
ty OF Doodle. It is accustomed to carry
ing elections by force, and fraud, ant
bribery. 1t has perpetrated the mos
gigantic election frauds in history. /
stole the presidency in 1875 and bough
II in 1880 and 1888. Republican success
depends upon loose election laws, whicl
will make 1t easy to commit frauds
Republican majorities are rolled up wher
bribery and intimidation can be mos
safely and effectusl:y practiced. as Il
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island. Nevada
etc. and where general intelligence an,
public mortality are lowest, as in Yer
mont. 1t Ia not at all strange that no
one OF the great leaders of the republican
psrty-not one Of its representative pub
lie Journalists an advocate Of ballot re
form. Pretty much all the effective ad
vocscy It has had in this country hs
come from dem ocratic and labor leader:
and from the democratic and independ
ent press.