The record-union., 1892-12-07
EVIL OF ELECTION METHODS.

upon NnICn the extensions most prOpartv u
and fully be made.
EVIL OF ELECTION METHODS.
have in each three annual messages which
II mas been my duty to submit TO Congress
called attention TO the evils and dangers con-
Iiected with our election methods and prac-
lices as they related 10 the choice OF officers of
tne National Government. In my last an
hllal message [ endcaVOred to invoke seriouS
atlenlon TO the evils of the unfair apportion-
menus Ior congress. | cannot close this mes
sage without again calling attention to these
grave ana threatening evils. I had hOued
tntI u was possible to secure non-partiSan
Inquiry, IL oy means of a commission, into evils
lne existence of which is known TO ali and
that out of this might grow legislation from
Mulch all Thought Of partisan advantage
snOulu be eliminated. and only the higher
thought appear, maintaining the purity OF the
DaIot ana the equality OF the elector. without
we guaranty OF which the Government could
never nave been formed, and without the con-
tlnuance of which it cannot continue 10 exist
IN peace and prosperity,
II Is IlIne that mutual charges OF unfairness
anu IrauQ between the great parties should
cease, and that the sincerity Of those who
profess desire for pure and honest elections
Shouid De brought to the test OF their willing
ness 10 free our legislation and our election
HeIn0ds from everything that tends to i'm
par the pubic confidence in the announced
result. The necessity for an inquiry and for
legislation by Congress upon this subj .ct is
tIhphaslzed by the fact that the tendency OF
Ile leglslatlon IN some States in recent years
mas, IN some important particulars be en-
aiWaS from and not toward free and FUR ee;-
tiohs ana equal apportionments. Is it not
ume that we should come together on the
hiSh plane of patriotism and devise methods
ina INA shlli secure the right of every man quail
Heu oy law TO cast free ballot and give to
every such ballot an equal value in choosing
our puDlc officers and i'll directing the policy
OF the Government?
LYNCHING OF CoLoRED PEOPLE.
Inc frequent lynching of colored ueople ac-
cused Sed OF crime is without the excuse which
mas sometimes been urged by mobs for q fail
@ uLc 70 pursue lhe appointed methods for the
punishment OF crime-that the accused ho ,a
an uhuue influence over courts ana iuries
Such acts are reproach to the community
MngLe Inev occur, and, so far as they can be
ltrC,tl iiIue SUBJECT OF Federal jurisdiction, the
stIohsest represslve legislation is demanded
q PioIc sentiment that viii sustain the Off
GERS OF the law in resisting mobs and in nro-
TaaII55 eTo'ii5 accused persons in their custody
SnouId De promoted by every possible means
Inc of1cer who gives his life IN The brave dis
charge OF his duty is worthy of spetla honor
,o,5 No esson needs TO be so urgently impressed
upon our people than ths-that no worthy
emu or cause can be promoted by lawlessness.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
This exhibit of the work of the executive
departments Is submitted to Congress and the
public IN the hope that there will be found in
purpose to maintain the national honor ana
to promote the happiness and prosperity OF
an our People, ana this briet exhibit of the
growth and prosperity of the country viii
give US a level from which TO note the increase
or decadence that new legislative policies may
bring to US. There is no reason WHY the ma
uonal influence, power and prosperity should
not observe the same rates OF increase that
have characterized the past thirty wears that
we may carry the great impulse and Increase
OF these years into the future. There is no
reason why in many lines Of production
we should not surpass all other nations as we
have already done in some. There are no
near frontiers to our possible development.
Retrogression would be a crime
BENJAMIN HARRISON
Executive Mansion, Dec. 6. 1892