Evening journal., 1892-10-05
SECRET BALLOT DISASTERS,

Buildozing, Bribery Fraud Practically
Suspended Displeasos the Republican
Leaders.
Damn the Australian ballot law
Tho Courier-Journal begs the indui
gence of its readers for giving place in
its columns TO the above torrid bit of
English II is a quotation from the
Bangor, Ne. Wing, whose editor is that
high priest of the God-and Morality
party, Congressman Boutelle.
The Wings, in company with other
Republicans Of the state, do hot seem to
know just where they are at" since the
recent election, and in casting about TO
discover what hit them, have concluded
to shake their CORY locks and after clap
profanity at the Australian ballot.
There are indications of similar dis
position in Vermont. Indeed, the chair
man of the Republican committee OF that
state declares in print that he homes the
first thing the new legislature willdo viii
be TO repeal the Australian law.
This condemnation, on its first trial. Of
a law to insure fair elections is rather
significant, made Us il is by d party
which is constantly clamoring for legis-
laton TO secure free ballot and fair
count. 1t lays that party open TO the
suspicion that its professions in this re-
spoct are purely pharisaical intended
only FOR effect, to cover il real policy of
running elections to suit itself This is
certainly It's policy with reference 10 the
Force bill, aud it's prompt demand for
the repeal of the fair elections laws in
kepublicnn states like Nermo.t and
Maine is ouly another proof of how
thoroughly il is committed tothat policy
The Australian system is Acknowledged
to be the fairest we ever had in
this country. BY it the opportunities
for buildozing, bribery and fraud are
practically destroyed. II secures, as far
as law can secure, the right of the
elector 90 cast his vote Us he pleases,
and have it counted as be casts il. The
fact that the Republican leaders in
Maine and Vermont are already anxious
Ter the repeal of such law demonstrates
That the protection of the voter in that
right is not regarded ds advantageous TO
! the Republican party in those states We
do not suppose that they will attempt
TO explain their opposition TO the law on
the ground that its provisions prevented
iuore ignorant Republicans from voting
than ignorant Democrats. Republicans
WiI hardly admit that in the old New
England states of Maine and Vermont
there is more ignorance and illiteracy in
their party than in that of the Demo
Gratis Indeed, fair minded Democrats
would not seriously make such charge
as that themselves How then does the
Australian ballot system work to the
detriment Of the Republican party in
those statesg
Principally by giving the worlIingmen
The right to vote as they please, free
from The dictation of their employers.
Since the abolition OF slavery in the
Sonth the protested manufacturer Of
New England nave been the slave driy-
ers OF this country Regularly they mar.
shall their employees at the polls aud vote
them, not as men, but ms chattels. An
assertion of his manhood by one of these
iaborers and the exercise of his suffrage
| IN disobedicnce Of the mandate of his
boss insure his discharge and loss Of his
means of subsistence Until the adop-
tion of the Australian system he was at
the mercy Of his employer The new
Jaw changed this, and gave him n chance
TO cast his own ballot unintimidated by
the threats and espionage of the man
from whom he draws his wages. Thus
protected in his right TO vote, he is be.
ginning 20 exercise 1t, and the Republi-
can I'sfrty - suffering in consequence.
Hence the cry that has gone up for re.
turn TO the old system, and the anath
ema that is sounded:
Damn the Australian ballot lawr-
Louisville CourierJournal.