New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-09-06

change but o measure of value, and, when two
unequal measures are called In law BY the same
name, commerce is unsettled and confused, and
the unwary and ignorant are cheated Dollars
OF UNEQUAL commercial value will not circulate
together. The better dollar is Withdrawn and
becomes merchandise. The true interest OF all
our people, and especially OF the farmers and
working people. who cannot closely observe the
money market. is that every dollar, paper or
coin. issued or authorized hy the Government
shall az all times and in all its uses be the exact
equivalent. not only in debt-paying, ont IN pnr-
chasing power, Of any other dollar. am quite
sure that il we should now act upon this sub
iect independently of other nations, we wonld
greatly promote their Interests and in1ure our
own. The monetary conditions in Europe within
the last two years have ! think, tended very
much 70 develop a sentiment in favor OF larger
use of silver and was much pleased and enconr-
aged by the cordiality, promptness and nnahimlty
with which the invitation OF this Government
for an international conference upon rms SUD-
iect was accepted by all the Powers. we may
not only hope for, but expect highly beneficial
results from this conference, WHEN VIII no" soon
assemble When the result Of the conference
is known We shall then be able lntehischt'y' 10
readiust our financial legislation to any new
conditions.
FAIR AppoRrIoNMENT AND FREE ELECTIONS.
In my last annual message to Congress said !:
81 must vet entertain the hope that ~ 4" pos
sible 20 secure 4 calm, patriotic consideration OF
such constitutional or statutory changes as may
he necessary 10 secure the choice OF the onicer5
of the Government 10 the people by fair appor-
tionrncnts and free elections | believe 1t would
he possible TO constitute a commission. non par
tisan in it's membership. and composed OF pa'ri-
otto. wise and impartial men. to whom a con-
sidcration of the questions Of the evils connected
with our elections systems and methods might
be committed with a good prospect of securing
unanimity in some plan for removing or miti-
eating those evils. The Constitution would per
NIT the selection Of the commission 10 bc vested
in the Supreme Court, IL that method would
give the best guarantee OF impartiaty. This COM
mission should be charged with the duty Of in
curing into the whole subject Of the law OF
elections as related 20 the choice Of officers OF
the National Government, with a view to So
curing to every elcctor a free and unnlocs'ei eN-
erclsc of the suffrage, and as near an approach
to an equality of value in each ballot cast Ne
is attanablc The demand that the limi-
and only there, is a Just demand. and no just
inuH i'<'h' WI i'riH' w.
AN ILLUSTRATION FROM ALABAMA.
IL seemed 20 me that an appeal 10 our people
TO consider the question OF readjustng our legisa-
ton upon absolutely fair non-partisan lines might
find some effective response. Many times have
had occasion 20 say that laws and election methods
designed TO give unfair advantages 60 the party
making them. would some time hc used 10 per-
petuate in power faction Of party against the
will Of the majority Of tho people OF this We
seem 70 have an illustration In the recent state
election in Alabama. There was no Republican
ticket in the field The contest was between white
Democrats The kolb party say they were refused
the representation guaranteed by law upon tho
election boards. and that. when tho courts bv man
damus attempted 70 right this wrong. nm appeal
that could not be hcord until after the election
made the wri,s Intellectual BALLOT bo>rS wee
thrown out for alleged irregularities, or destroyed;
and IT, Is asserted behalf OF one hnf. AZ least Of
the white voters Of Alabama that the officers 10
whom certificates hay" brn given were not HON
cstly elected There Is security for the personal
or political rights OF any man In community
where any other man is deprived ~ HIS personal
or political rights. The power OF The States over
the question Of the qualification Of cector. is ample
10 protect them against the dangers 81 mn ic-
norant or dcpraved suffrage, and tho
demand that every man found 20 he
qualified under the law shall he made
sccure in the right 10 cast free ballot
and 70 have that ballot honestly counted cannot
be aharcd. our old Republican battle cry.
" A free ballot and fair count. comes back 10
Nd, not only from Alabama. but from other
States. and from men who differing with Ms
widely in opinions. have come 10 that pariie.
Ill. l,,, .Eor, han
the debate is ended, the Judgment Of honest
ma jorties Is 10 I've reversed by balloi-box frauds
and tally sheet manipulatons in the interest Of
the party or party faction in power.
NoX.r,ETIs,S ELECTION COMMISSION.
These new political movements In the States
and the recent decisions Of some OF the State
courts against unfair apportionment laws en-
courage the hope that the arbitrary and partisan
election laws and practices which have prevailed
may be corrected by the States, the laws made
equal and non partisan and the elections free and
honest The Republican party would rejoice at
such a solution, as healthy and patriotic local
sentiment Is the best Of free and homes,
elections | shall again urge upon Congress
that provision be- made for the appointment OF
n non-partisan commission "a consider the sub
cct Of apportionments and elections In their re-
stion 70 the choice OF Federal officers.
THE CfvILosERvICE LAW ENFoncED
The CivilService System has been extended
md the law enforced with vigor and importiality
There has been no partisan Juggling with
The law in any Of the departments or bureaus ~
rad before happened. but appointments to the
classified service have been made inpartially from
he eligible lists. The system now In force in oil
the departments has for the first time placed
strictly upon the basis Of merit. as
,scertained by daily record. and the efficiency
# the force thereby greatly increased
The approval heartily given b.. the convcn-
ton TO all those agencies which contribute 10 the
education Of the children Of the land worthily
bestowed and meets my hearty approval, as does