Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1890-12-30
IDAHO CITY, SEPT. 8, 80. sn


from which it is withdrawn, and while
| it is still in the holder, inserted in the
ballot box. A knob on top of the
box is pressed, the ballot caught and
held, the fastening on the end Of the
holder loosened, and the holder is
withdrawn, leaving the ballot in the
box. The machine would seem to be
possessed of human Intelligence for
it will not register improper or illegal
votes. Should there be number of
candidates for the same office and
voter through mistake, ignorance or
| design, votes for more than one of
them, tho machine will not register
any votes on that ballot for that office,
but will register all the other votes
properly cast. For example, suppose
that there are four tickets in the field
and each ticket contains the names of
10 candidates for Representative
Should the elector vote for moro than
| l5 of the candidates the machine will
not register any vote on the ballot
| for that office; but should he vote for
Is or less number it will register
the vote whether it be straight tick
ct or part of each of the four.
The names of the candidates of all
parties may be printed alternately in
one column or those of each party in
separate column with the name OF
the party at the head. In the latter
instance, il the elector wishes to vote
straight ticket he makes one perfor-
alton opposite the name of the party,
and the machine makes the proper
record; but should he attempt to vote
two or more straight tickets, OF one
and for individuals on that or another
ticket, the machine will not register
any vote on that ballot.
The correctness of the record de-
ponds i'll no way upon the honesty or
intelligence of the person operating
the machine. The crank cannot be
) turned when there is no ballot hold.
or in the machine, and then only once
each time holder is inserted, anc
even then no record is made unless
there is perforated ballot in the
holder, and it is impossible TO regis.
tor the ballot more than once.
The ballot holders cost but few
cents each and the machines about
fifty dollars each, making the entire
; cost of fitting up polling place with
two machines and sufficient number
of ballot holders little more than
500. The only reason for having
two machines is that one may prove
the other. When they agree in re.
suit, that is sufficient proof that both
are in good order and the result cor
rect; but should one of them get
broken and the results disagree, the
ballots may be taken from the ballot
box and canvassed in the usual man
ner.
The whole operation of registering
in both machines and depositing the
ballot in the ballot box requires but
a few seconds, and as any number Of
voters may be preparing their ballots
at the same time, several thousand
may vote at one polling place. WheE
the polls are closed and the machines
unlocked, the number of votes cast
for each candidate will appear oppo.
site his name.
A number of the most solid anc
conservative business men in Mis-
soula are interested with Mr.. Dougar
in his invention and expect soon t.
get large returns from their interests
: -+ s.----
The argument most often used
against governmental control of rail
roads is that it would destroy all pos
sibility of competition. This is Ger
tainly true, but let the people of the
/. United States ask themselves whether
they would prefer to submit them
selves to the tender mercies of ;