The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-03-05
ReRistratiOn.

The Albany Assembly has advanced to n
third reading what is known as the FER
sonal Registration law. a measure OF pollt-
ical equalization which has inspired the
vigorous and excited opposition OF Repub-
licans. and aroused a little opposition. too,
among some Democrats who are unfamiliar
with the conditions the bill seeks to cor
rect. The Press refers to 1t as IAN at
tempt to rob country voters OF the right
of the franchise:" and the same public
teacher calls upon rural freemen generally
at the spring elections ito rebuke tho
plot" Of the Legislature by electing Repub-
lican Supervisors and Republican county
officials.
But what are the facts? AZ The pres
ent time there are two registry laws
in existence in this State: one FOR tho
cities and large towns. which are usually
Democratic. and another for the villages
and hamlets. which are usually Republican
In the former, q citizen who wishes to vote
must personally, each year. present himself
at the polling place. swear to his qualihca-
lions. have them subjected to inquiry. and
then have his name enrolled. In tho coun-
try districts the voting list OF one year
serves the purposes Of tho ensuing years
election: and a citizen may have his name
added by proxy. by the act OF a ncighbor.
| relative. or friend. In other words. tho
city resident must appear twice ut the po'l-
ing place in order to vote: tho country resi-
dent needs to attend only once.
The Personal Registration bill aims at
uniformity: one law for all. city and
country alike: no exceptions. no exemp-
tions, and no Determinations. 1t is n
| Democratic measure. and the Democratic
party in this State is absolutely committed
to the principle Of the political equality OF
| all citizens before the law. In convention.
In party gatherings. and in public meet
ings. It's representatives have pledged
themselves to sec this equality es-
tablished in the matter Of registration.
The power to end the existing dis
elimination rests in Democratic hands. a
responsibility which accompanies control
OF both branches Of the Legislature. The
members Of both are to be elected again In
November. and tho plain duty Of the party
is to keep it's pledge to the voters.
The Republicans in the Legislature oc-
cupy IN untenable defensive position in
opposing this Just and salutary meas
ure. Originally the principle OF per.
sonal registry was applied only to
Now York and Brooklyn. Then other
large cities were included. then the minor
cities. and finally all tho Incorporated cities
in the State. Stop by step the Republicans
fought persistently. bu: unsuccessfully
against the application Of tho law. They
lave now reached what may be described
without offence. as their last ditch. tho
small villages Of the State in which they
still preponderate.
Throughout the whole controversy tn;
only objection they have had to urge agains'
the extension Of the registry system has
been that it would cut down the Republican
vote by depriving their party leaders Of
benefit which the Democratic party leader
In the largo cities do not enjoy. That's all
Such is. in brief. the situation Of affair.
regarding the Personal Registration Law
now pending in the Legislature. The Dom
ocrats are intent upon passing it and tn
Republicans upon defeating 1t. but tho PEG
pie Of the State approve 1t, demand it. an
hold the Democratic responsible for s%ecurin!
it.. Pass it!