Grand Rapids herald., 1892-09-06
RE.ApIusrlNo LrolsLArloN
Election Methods Must Be Revised-Cisa-
uons Of It's Necessity.

AC--@ - - @fAN~-~t%f-
The question OF re-adiusting our
legislation upon absolutely fair, non
partisan lines might find some effective
response. Many times l nave had oc-
casion 10 say that laws ana election
methods designed 10 give unfair ad-
vantsges 10 the party making them,
would some time Toe used 10 prrpetnate
in power a faction OF party against
the Will Of the majority OF the people
OF this we seem 10 have an illustration
IN the recent state election IN Alabama.
There was no republican ticket
in the field. The contest was be-
tween white democrats. The Koib
party say they were refused
the representation guaranteed 10y law
up on the election boards, snd that
when the courts by mandamus al
tempted 10 right thls wrong an appeal
10 that could not be heard until after
the election made the writs Intellectual.
Ballot boxes were thrown out for al
legged irregularities or destroyed, and
II Is asserted on behalf of one-hsf, at
least, of bthe white voters OF Alabama
that the officers 20 whom certificates
have been gwen were net honestly
elected. There Is no security for the
personal or political rights of auy man
IN a community where any other man
Is deprived OF ME personal or political
rights.
Power of the states Ample 10 Protect.
The power of the states over the
question of disqualification of electors
i ample 10 protect them against the
dangers of an ignorant or depraved
suffrage, and the demand that every
man found 70 be qualified under
the law shall be made secure
in the right to cast free ballot and 10
have that ballot honestly counted can
not toe abetted. Our old republican
cry "a free ballot and 8 far count
comes back to us, not only from Ala
bams, but from other states and from
men who, differing with Us widely IN
opinion, have come to see that parties
and political debate are but a mockery
If when the debate Is ended, the Judge
ment of honest malorites is 10 be re-
versed by ballot box frauds aud talley
sheet manipulations IN the interest OF
the party or party faction IN power.
The political movements IN the
states aud the recent decisions of some
Cf the state courts against unfair ap-
portonment laws encourage the hope
that the arbitrary and partisan election
laws and practices which have pre-
vailed may be corrected by the states.
The laws made equal and non-p2rt.san
and the election Tree and honest, the
republican party would rejoice st such
& solution, IS a healthy aud patriotic
local sentiment Is the best assurance OF
free and honest elections.
Fturfs.-
I SHAH again urge upon congress that
provision be made for the appointment
of a DOn-partisan commission TO con-
sider the subject OF apportionments
and elections IN their relation
The civil service has been extended
and the law forced with vigor
and impartiality. Appointments to the
classified service have been made I'M
partially from the eligible lists. The
system now IN force in all the depart
ments has for the first time placed
promotions strictly upon the bass of
merit, as ascertained by daily record.
and the efficiency of the force thereby
greatly increased. The approval SO
heartily gwen by the convention
to all these agencies winch contribute
to the education Of the children of the
land was worthily bestowed and meets
my hearty approval, as does also the
declaration as 10 liberty Of thought
and conscience and the separation Of
church and state. The safety of the
republics intelligent cIuzenship and
the increased interest manifested Ia the
state in education; the cheeTfulness
with the necessary tax and are paid bv
all classes and the renewed interest
manifested by the children IN the ma
tlonsl flag are hopeful indications that
the coming generation will direct pub
&c affairs with increased prudence and
patriotism.
Public schools Need AI Oar Care
Interest IN free public schools open
to all children OF suitable aye is su-
preme and our care for them VII
be Jealous aud constant The public
school system however Was not intend
ed 20 restrain IN the natural parent,
after contributing TO the school fund,
10 choose other educational agencies
for MS children. ] favored aid by the
general government 10 the public
schools, with a special view 20 the ne
cessities Of some Of the southern states.
But il is gratifying 10 notice that many
of these states are with commendsble
iherality developing their school sys-
TENS and increasing school revenue 20
the great advantage 10 the children Oi
both races.
STATUTORY CHANGES.