Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-03-05

The keunebec journal also joins the
ranks of the ballot rcformcrs. Its remarks
on Mr. Manley'- letter are quoted IN an
other column. with perhaps AN excess Of
caution. the journal has hitherto RETAINED
from committing itself positively on the
subject. but now It get. down On the right
side of the fence. Il welcome addition
that is capable of doing valuable service
for the cause ~ Portland Adrfrt,ssr.
Our contemporary is in error when
selves positively On the subject Of Ballot
Reform. The Journal has been for that
principle from the first although it has
not gone to the length In advocating
specific systems that many of its con-
temporaries have. It believes that the
whole subject should be approached in a
spirit OF conservatism. aud with deter
mination to do 10 the matter what
ever may. all things considered, be
best for the State OF Maine. On
February 10. 1889. when the Looney bill
was pending before the legislature We
took our stand upon the question of
Ballot Reform in this language There
eau be little doubt that the trend of the
best public opinion of the country ia to-
wards improved lava for the maintenance
Of the purity OF the ballot. 1t Is equally
clear to our mind that this sincere public
demand sooner or later Is to have an At
hrmative response In Maine, where the
right of suffrage has always
been more carefully guarded than
In most Of the States. IL is un-
doubtedly true that there are four hun
drcd towns and plantations in Maine in
which the provisions of the Australian
law or the SsNton bill are not necessary.
But In all of the cities aud large towns
the proposed ballot law might be made
useful for good. We believe all the
members of the present legislature wish
to act rightly on this subject and that
the committee who have had the subject
10 charge, both the majority aad minor
ity, are equally honest. Yet our judg
ment, as humble journalist. Ia that 1t
IL not well TO oppose what experience
and the tendency Of events are likely to
achieve reasonably soon. Is it not prac-
teal to have carefully drawn aud
effective Law applicable to all the
cities and large townsg Wise laws
and the moral education of the
people should make the right of
suffrage as sacred and secure as pos
eible."
This Is the position OF the keunebec
Journal on Ballot Reform is posi-.
ton which, as we have shown. was stat
ed clearly and frankly more than a
year ago when this question first
claimed the attention Of the people of
Maine. The views we held then, we
hold now. We believe that the prinei-
pie OF ballot reform is right and that II
10 destined to be very generally adopted.
In lust what form 1t should be applied
20 Maine is question that deserves care
full consideration As we stated when
the matter was before the last legisla-
ture It seems to US that, in the beginning
At least, the operation of ballot reform
measures should be limited to the cities
and large towns. II, later on, expert.
suce has shown It advisable to
extend the system to the smaller
towns and plantations, the State will be
IN position to do so with very little
trouble. The Journal is committed to
no particular method Of application.
u 'ntends to be free, when the proper
time comes, to lvocste just that form
Of this measure which, In its Judgment,
Will best subserve the interests Of the
otats.