The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-12-08
Tho People Must Govern.

Probably the most serious menace to
the future of this republic is the want
of interest in elections by large class
of intelligent people of every commun-
ity. How often one hears complaints
regarding officeholders and politicians
from persons who have not exercised
their franchise. 1t is generally con-
eeded th;t only in presidential elections
is there full expression of the voters
of the country, and from year to year it
seems as if the number of people who
take no interest in politics, not even
enough 10 cast their votes, is increasing.
AS result of this many are elected to
Office who certainly could not represent
the full vote of any community. Per-
haps there is no question which has
given statesmen and patriotic citizens
more thought than "How can we secure
full and honest expression of the votes
of the entire people?" OF course, any
fair man will admit that there is a
great amount of illiteracy in the United
States. At the samu time there is a
greater amount of intelligence, and If
the intelligence of the country will ex-
press itself fully there will be no doubt
as to the future of the republic.
The question naturally arises "How
can this be accomplished" Living in
IA great city, if the snow falls heavily
and person neglects to clean his side
walk, he is fined. Living in the coun-
try and neglecting the poll tax, a man
is compelled to take his team and do a
certain amount of work on the road for
the benefit of the community.
Why should not penalty be attached
IL citizen fails to help govern this re-
public by his vote? In almost any state
Of the Union investigation will prove
that large portion of the intelligent
voters fail to help in governing by not
casting their ballot for one excuse and
another-sometime it is the fear Of
jury duty. Sometimes it is the lack of
interest. Sometimes it is disgust with
a given party, and in this failure to ex-
ercise the right of franchise our intelli-
gent people are endangering the future
of the country.
From the east comes the suggestion,
which looks very practical. that every
citizen who fails to register and vote
unless disqualifieD shall pay fine of,
say, So, and the persons thus fined shall
form list from which juries shall be
chosen before those who have exercised
the duty of voting can be called upon.
What would be the effect of such a
law? 1t is well known fact that the
full intelligent vote of the country is sell
dom, if ever, cast, and this is undoubt-
edly true in what are known as off
years. This was well illustrated by
the recent elections, when in great cities
like Boston, Brooklyn, New York, Gin
cinnati, ETC., from 8 to 10 per cent less
votes we've registered and cast than in
!. the last presidential year. Very few
realize how business men dread jury
duty, and it is mainly from the dread
of jury duty that a large portion have
formed the unpatriotic habit of not vot-
ing. If by voting they could take their
chances with all citizens in being call
ed as jurors, an almost unanimous vote
would be given at every election.
The plan then, to secure a vote from
every qualified citizen, may be sum-
married as follows:
First-Every qualified voter who does
not register Cwhere required) and vote
shall pay fine Of IS. y
Second-The list of persons fined shall
be used for jury duty before other citi-
zens are called.
Third-The person furnishing the
evidence of not registering and voting
: shall receive one-half the fine.
Fourth-A list Of persons thus fined
shall be printed in representative news
papers of the county at public expense.
w. +. Wakeman.