New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-03-19
MR.. LODGE ON HIS ELECTION BILL.
SHOWING THAT IT DOES NOT STRIKE AT ANY
SECTION, BUT AT THE EVILS THAT BE-
SET ELECTIONS EVERYWHERE.

SECTION, BUT AT THE EVILS THAT BE-
SET ELECTIONS EVERYWHERE
Washington, March Is (spccaD.-Reprcscntativ
Lodges Election bill, the provisions OF which nave
already been given in great detail, has been received
with general favor by those who have 'iven some
attention to the problem OF securing FIRE. illo ana
A fair connt in Congressional elections country
over The Southern Democratic leaders, Of course, OPP
pose IT, on the ground, Mr.. Carlisle puts IL, that
an election of Congressman conducted under the pro
lection OF the Federal Government Will hurt bnsi'
ness at the SOUTH But the only business II Is ikev
to hurt seriously is the business OF balothoNstumns
and fraudulent canvassing practised by
southern Election Boards. Speaking today OF the
provisions of the Election bill, Mr.. Lodge said
Nv bill to regulate Congressional elections Is
long but on examination it will be found to be very
simple I'm principle and operation. It's lcngth Is duc
to the provisions for the Massachusetts, system Of
ballong. These provisions cannot be stated briefly
although, has been shown in the Massachusetts
elections nothing could be simpler than they are In
practical operation. The bill proceeds on two piln-
ciplcs: That the United states should take complete
charge Of the election Of its Congressman, as tho
states do OF the election Of their state officers and
that the voting should be carried on upon the Aus
tralan or Massachusetts, system. by secret aud official
ballot.
There is q widespread bcef-whethcr well or III
foundcd-tlat Congressional elections arc improperly
affected by corruption or intimidation at the polls.
hy fraud in the registration the court. The former
evils are met by the Massachusetts system OF ballot
ing the latter by the United states taking charge OF
the election of its officers, and registering, count
ing and returning the vote The bill j. absolutely
fair as between the parties. and impartial In Its
application. Tho election officers arc to be appointed
in equal numbers from the two leading parties by a
Judge OF the United States Court who is permanent
officer and /, to be relied upon to appoint proper
representatives. Of both parties. These election
officers have party interest In seeing that no unfair
advantage is taken at the election, and they
posed to heavy damages for misconduct. They have
power TO assist a voter unable read write; but
this assistance must given in the presence of the
officers Of the opposite party, and the penalties for
disclosure severe.
Every provision Is made to secure absolute fair
ness between The parties, and. unless some party
Should be 10 objection to TIL, bill. far
A. the constitutional point gOc-, there can
lie reasonable question of the absolute power OF
Congress to take control OF its elections, and the
decision Of the supreme Court in partc Marlborough
really sets this matter N rest No district. under this
BILL Is compelled to adopt the system. except on the
petition ~ 800 voters and. unlc>, there WAS real
need for putting a district under this act, this number
could not as rule be easily secured. The Nas>a
chil>ctt, ballot meet, the evils which usually
charged upon the elections OF the North. The con
tr1l II the elections by officers Of the ntcd states
taken cautllv from both parties meets the evils
aiir ihucd 10 the elections of the south
Thus II will be that this bill T. distinctly
National. II docs not strike AZ any section but at
licye in line with the general demand Of the
people that the election Of Congressman should be fair
and above suspicion and that there IS no question Of
greater moment now before the country