Evening journal., 1891-10-24
B0ST0N'S JOINT DEBATE
Governor Russell and Congress-
man Lodge Cross Swords.
r. P. FLOWER ON BALLOT REFORM.

His Reply to an Inquiry As to his Views
On the Australian System Of Voting.
what he says he WIN DO If lie Is
Elected.
BosroN Oct a. The joint debate be-
tween Hon John f. Russell and Hon.
Henry Cabot Lodge upon the administra.
tion of Governor Russell took place last
night at fremont temple The Republic
ans occupied seats together on one side
Of the hall while the Democrats were on
the other. Colonel Allen acted as chair
man, and announced that each speaker
would have forty-fve minutes 20 open the
debate and thirty to close il.
Russell Opens the Debate.
Mr. Russell opened the debate and said
that it bad been the claim or their oppo-
nents that an political virtue was vested
in the Republican party The administra-
tion just passed has proved that either
party is competent fairly to administer
the affairs of Massachusetts
The administrator il to be judged on his
recommendations Of legislation his yetoes.
his appointments and his appearance be.
fore the people The speaker claimed his
message marked the beginning Of an ad.
ministration Of positive ideas. No less
than seventeen Of his recommendations
were acted upon. Mr. Russell asked his
opponent how be and his candidate stood
on the poll tax question. The governor
recommended uniform aud accurate sys.
tenn Of counting votes to perfect our pres
ent ballot system the application OF the
lobby law to general legislation, greater
power given TO cities and towns, and ia
the interest Of free public schools he rec
ommended manual training aud raising
the compulsory age. In regard to the
governors appointments MIR Russell read
figures to show that the larger number
were reappointments with but a small
number Of Democrats appointed
The speaker referred briefly to the Davis
claim on the return Of the direct tax.
stating that Davis had received $4,000 ia
commissions for collections which il was
the duty OF congressman to make lie
closed by saying that the governor has
brought TO the peoples attention that the
government is largely carried on by com
missions without power Of removal or
responsibility and urged change. giving
the power of removal TO the governor who
Is responsible 90 the people
Lodge Takes the Floor
Mr. Lodge began his response by saying
that be always supported the abolition Of
the poll tax. He then criticised Governor
4 knsselis legislative acts. calling especial
attention 20 the signing Of the bin incor
! porating Gloucester trust company and
his veto Of a bill granting bounties TO
soldiers in East Bridgewater, after having
signed a similar bill with reference TO
Randolph. Continuing the speaker said
The governor wished to substitute execu-
tive departments for commissions and
wished for himself larger power Of re-
moyal, but said nothing as 70 which com
mission needed reform.
With the exception of one the work Of
each OF the five commissions whose mem
bers he appointed could be done az well
by one man. Mr.. Lodge then pointed to a
number OF alleged bad appointments made
BY the governor, and asked, "Are we TO
nave the argument advanced that in con
liberation Of certain good appointments, a
governor is 70 be allowed TO make a mum
Der Of bad onesfn Mr. Lodge said the Re
publican party adopted the law appoint
| ny the police commission ia the interest
/ ~ ENnu vinef anu TEN ptFahce. IL hau re-
somplished good work The Democrats
opposed the law as an outrage on local
'elf government, aud undertook 70 break
iown the commission by attacking a
commissioners character; the governor
'hirked the responsibility Of recommend
ng the removal, aud asked the council 10
investigate He then set aside his own
board Of inquiry and nominated one who
NotIfd ever SWAY fha nnvVar af fba r,olira
,ommission in favor Of Democrats at eiec-
/ ftnpe