Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-06-16

The JorayaI has been sske-i TO give the
recommendation for the Australian system
VI voting ~ made By Governor Barieigh in
his inaugural address ut the openinz of the
last legislative session Governor Barieigh
then stated his risss in the following lam
1nage:
am firmly convinced that the time has
come for Maine To sioa the Australian sys-
TEN of voting. Two years ago this method
Of ballosias was largely viewed in the Light
Of doubtful innovation. Many members
Of ths Legislature felt that the results which
had followed its adoption by q few RATES Of
tie Union were tho meagre TO fnrnish a
proper ba.is for action IN This STATE, espee-
ally A. they were achieved gBsieT the tetn-
porary disadvantages Naturally attea'sst
gpon the introduction Of a sex law effect
ing such important changes.
There 10 no longer season for this con
s~ryaiism The Australian system of v0t-
ing has safely passed il experimental era
10 this ensntry. It's Wisdom has been eieariy
established Today il is the las in more
,issn sSe-third Of the -tates III the Union,
and there IL reason 20 believe that the time
il aos far distant when its adoption viii be-
come genersi
IL is the sacred duty Of popular govern
nsent 10 maintain. in every possible way
the purity of the ballot. The nearer oar
elections come to fairly registering Me per
.onsi convictions Of each individual voter,
the closer viii they conform TO the trae
spirit of our institutions. IL j. the eOnear-
rent testimony Of those stsles which have
male a trial Of IT, tina, the Australian ballot
~ stem comes nearer srcHrlag this desirable
result than any other YET devised. III. re
IL no reason ~ douit that, unaier its whole
some o,ssrarioa intimidation aud bribery
sill be practically unable 10 influence elee-
tons. and voters will BE- freed from I'M
PHEASANT espionage at the polls. Another
benefit tina, siil accrue from tie adoption
Of thi. system of voting will be found in
the powerful incentive giyen political par
tie. to nominate honest and capable candi-
dates Tn. subject is one that eaik for
careful thDasiii, aiid ! cuuliBeGd II to your
earnest consideration.
Not only did the Governor thus recon-
mend this reform IN his inaugural address
but he iii every thing 10 his power To bring
" about. tbnf rfafisfs s!N IcfhtIhfaf tiat
many Of the opponents of the measure
we're much inceused at the strong support
which be- gave TO itso much 50 that som"
of them did not hesitate IA vent their
Iispl.asaro upon the foor Of the
House of Representatives The JotRrti-
also, which gave the movement hearty
backing come in for attention of the same
sort both in the Senate and in the House.
OF course Governor Barleigf IN advocating
this reform AMI pushing il tn u successful
issue had the cordial assistance of strong
earnest, republican workers IN both
branches of the Legislature gentleman who
merit much credit for their courage and
their devotion to principle. Without them
-uccess attained as it was by u close mar
gin would have been Impossible. Ii would
also have been impossible had not the re-
form received the early and vigorous en-
Iorsemcnt Of the Executive of the State
aud the answering backing OF his large
influence