New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-01-25
THE SAXTON BILL as AM TENDED.

Tho friends of genuine ballot reform in the
LEGISLATURE of this State are intent solely upon
tbe massage of the best attainable measure.
They have no disposition to reject suggestions
from any quarter, provided they are calculated
70 strengthen the measure. In other words,
they have not gone TO Albany with an iron-clad
piece of legislation which they aim to pun
through without amendment of any sort In
an interview with Mr.. SaXton in advance OF
the opening of the Legislature, he assured a
correspondent of THE TRIBUNE that, so far as
he himself was concerned, he stood ready to
make any concessions which might be asked
by those representing Governor Hill, provided
none of them endangered the vital principle
Of the reform. This has been the attitude of
all the recognized friends Of the SaXton bill
over since the struggle began, and it is their
attitude to-day.
1t was not strange, therefore, that at the
hearing on Thursday Mr. SaXton offered n
number of amendments. Governor Hill in his
annual message objected to the Australian sys-
tenn on several grounds Mr.. SaXton, so far
as Justice 10 the bill will allow him to do So
by means Of these amendments takes the bill
out of the range Of the Governors criticism
For example. the Governor held that because
tho Constitution provides that the ballot shall
contain the names of the persons for whom
the elector intends 10 vote. by necessary impli-
cation il excludes all other names. One of
Mr. Saxtons amendments provides that all
names shall be erased from the ballot by the
clcctor except those for which he votes. Again,
the Governor held that under the proposed
measure the illitcratc voter would suffer en-
barr1ssmcnt-he would be compelled to expose
his ignorance TO one Of the poll officials. With
a Wow Of meeting this objection another of
Mr.. ~aX'On'S amendments provides that the
candidates Of each of the political parties shall
be grouped together. 4 third OF the Governors
objections was. in effect: suppose all the po-
litica palticS should fail to make nominations,
what then? As a contingency, this IS so re-
mote a, forcibly 70 suggest the familiar query,
suppose your aunt was your uncle what
them" The criticism i, an absurd one, but
Mr.. SaXton di>poscs of j. and relieves the
Governors anxiety by providing that blanks
shall be LEFT in the ballots which tho voters
can till mp aS they choose.
The spirit which governs Mr. Saxton and
those who act with him-thc Republican ma
iolity IN both hOu>cS-iS thus clearly revealed.
They earnestly desire the success Of ballot re
form in tins. the chief state Of the Union. To
obtain it they ask for tho passage of 4 non
PARTISAN hin. They honestly desire TO leave
the Governor no Ncmhlauce of a respectable
cNcusc for utorpoSing his veto. We have seen
how. ~ the amendments referred 10, they have
conformcd the pending measure 10 some Of his
view, touching ballot reform. What remains
that is hscly to cause disagreement? Nothing
Of any importance except the question of regis
trltiou and Of the exclusive official ballot.
But Mr.. SiNton has frequently stated that h.
shall no, oppose general registration if it is
REGARDED a essential; and thc majority Of his
fellow member, DOUBTLESS, feel rs he does. 1t
j., tolcmbly clear, therefore. that if the COY
crnor will waive his untcnahlc objection to an
exclusive official ballot IN" SaNton bill will
become a law ;hi> year. VIII hc do so?