The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-03-02
CDMPILSOKY VOTING.

If an exhaustive digest were made Of the
foolish and ridiculous measures which are
annually introduced in the Legislatures Of the
different States of the Union, it would be
difficult to believe that this collection could
have had its origin outside of an asylum of
imbeciles Not only are law and fact over
looked. but also every dictate and suggestion of
common sense. 1t is true that the very
great majority of these measures are received
with silent contempt and committed at once
to oblivion. but it is a cause for regret that
some effective rule cannot be established
which would prevent their being listed upon
the calendars. This is. OF course, impossible
the only obstruction TO the Introduction of
bills being the sense of personal dignity in
the members of Legislatures and their tender
ness for their own regulations.
There is now pending in the General As
semby Of Maryland bill which distinctly
illustrates the folly (which is so often exhibited
in the measures which are placed upon the
calendars of our legislative bodies only to
meet in the end the defeat which they de-
serve. This bill provides that every citizen
shall be compelled 10 cast vote at every
election. national and local alike. under the
penalty of q very severe punishment in case
he shall seek to evade the obligation.
No one can question the supreme impor-
lance of the right Of suffrage and the serious
injury which is inflicted upon community
by the failure Of its best citizens 10 exercise
this right in the cause of conservative gov
eminent and sound public morals. But
very remarkable condition Of affairs would be
supernduced by an organized attempt 10
force every man to deposit ballot on cleo
ton day The suffrage is one Of the preroga-
tiyes of freemen. 1t would cease to be so the
moment the voter was driven TO the polls
without any voition on his part.
The patron of this Maryland bill very pro-
badly was anxious to remove one OF the great
est evils that confronts all who are DESTROYS
of promoting municipal reform. namely, that
indifference which does SO much TO prevent
so many men of intelligence and probiiy in
our cities from taking an active part in politi-
cal life. The corruption which is observed in
all of the principal centres of the North is d.
rec;ly attributable to the refusal of the
largest proportion OF the members OF the
upper classes to participate in the practical
political duties of citizenship. This is the
evil which the Maryland bill designs to reach
but the method IL proposes To enforce is 30
opposed to the tenor of our Constitution, the
character of our political institutions and the
spirit of the American people that the bill has
only served 10 excite ridcule at the very time
that tho general object which IT has in view
the universal exercise OF the right Of suffrage
is commended.
There is very properly no public sentiment
TO sustain such an extreme measure. Other in
fuences must be employed to encourage in
terest in public affairs and to foster an active
public spirit. When il becomes really neces-
ssry to compel every citizen 10 cast his vote
by the menace of a large fine or long i'm
prsonment. the spirit of liberty Will have
fed from our communities. All regard for
the public veal will have been obliterated
from the hearts Of the people. and no meas
ure, though as stern and uncompromising as
the one referred to. will have the power to
revive it. Patriotism will then be practically