The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-03-13
THE SECRET BALLOT.
TIE CITY COMMITTEE SHOW OPPO-
STfION no AUSTRALIAN SYSTEM.
Several Mem bers Resign-Chairnan Paite-
son says Confidence In the Purity of the
Primaries 81 lust be Maintained

The resignation or Mr.. Bernard as a
member Of the committee from CLAY
ward was read and accepted. Mr.. Ber-
nard has accepted a position under the
Government. Later in the meeting Mr.
Frank French, citizen Of the Fifth pre-
cinct Of Clay ward, was nominated by
Mr.. Phillips TO succeed him. The Chair
stated that II had been the custom Of
the committee 10 accept whoever the dele
cation from ward named TO fill va
cancy. and Mr.. French was elected unani-
mously.
The resignation Of A. w. Rosene as a
member from Jefferson ward was also read
and accepted. and the appointment Of his
successor was postponed until the next
meeting.
The matter of the primary was then
taken up, and Messrs. Bowery and Phil
lips were appointed to fill vacancies on
the committee on plans.
Australian Ballot Opposed.
The very first mention Of the Australian
ballot aroused warm opposition. Mr.. Pat
teson stated that If the Australian ballot
was adopted the committee could lesalize
IT,
Mr.. Lovensteln said he was opposed 10
the Australian plan for a primary undef
any circumstances.
Mr. Bradley moved that the committee
on plans adopt the viva voce ballot.
Mr. Enright amended by substituting the
secret ballot I'm place of the viva Voce'
Mr. Bradley said he favored a viva
voce vote generally, but that for TINS oc-
casiOn he would oppose it on account OF
the slowness in getting the votes polled
at the large precincts.
Mr. Phillips held that the viva Voce
ballot was impractcable. as it would take
five minutes 10 cast a single vote Where
there were so many names.
The substitute to adopt secret Dallot
was adopted.
Mr.. Lovenstein then moved that we
do not have an Australian ballot.
Mr.. Patteson called Captain Pleasants
to the chair and took the floor He moved
as q substitute that the whole matter be
referred to the Committee on Plans. lie
said he thought it important 20 have the
matter where everybody could think over II
and consider the bill recently passed on
the subject lie said ne did not know
that he would vote for IT, but it might be
a good time 10 test the system or al any
rate everybody should have an opportu-
nifty TO read and become familiar with the
law.
Mir. Lovenstein opposed the substitute
and said our people were not educated
up TO this plan, and he was sorry II had
been adopted as a state law.
Mr.. O'Niel agreed with Mr.. Lovenstein.
Mr. Bowery said he did not think II
practicable. and did not believe six hum
bred votes could be polled, as they nave
TO be at some Of the precincts.
Mr.. Patteson said he did not think any
body had seen the bill as it was actually
passed with all its amendments in the
last hours OF re Legislature, and as the |
law had beer q recently passed, and the |
ought at least become acquaint-
ed with all its provisions, and unless It
was looked into now We would 90 into the |
election next fall without any knowledge |
OF the methods 20 be used.
To suppress Negro Votes.
Mr.. O'Niel asked if it was not adopted
10 suppress negro votes in the black Delt.
Mr. Patteson said he did not so under
stand IL. but on the other hand that II
was adopted in the interest Of honest
elections. He was also asked by captain
Hall if il had ever been used in regular
Election in Winchester. lie said It mad
been used for five years in municipal cleo
ions there with success.
lie was asked If Winchester was not
Republican city. He replied that Win
slN-ffF a.
,ut under the Australian ballot system
,ad moved 10 be a Democratic city.
sneakiug further on the same line, Mr..
paterson said. We are legislatng now for
N nm Democrats. and We ought 10 give
hon, all a fair hearing. my object is not
N suppress anybOdy's vote, but 10 get az
he real expression of the wishes Of every
.otor i'm the dominant party and their real
hoice.
contain George Wayne Anderson also
,ool,e and said he would Ike 10 have
IN oDportunity of examining the law be
or deciding for or against, but ne thought
he committee could determine the matter
,or themselves without binding them
- 80 tho decision of the Committee
)n Plans.
AIR T,ovenstein and others spoke against
he Australian system again, and there
aemed 10 be a disposition on the part
# the committee not 10 consider the law
? an vote was taken, and the sub
titlta 10 refer TO the committee was lost
~ a vote II ayes and II noes.
Laid over.
Nfr Hobson then moved as an amend
cont that the matter be laid over until
he next meeting. This was adopted.
Nfr Hobson offered his resignation as
no superintendent of Madison ward. He
o. candidate for the Common Council
ron, that ward. and gave that as his
aason for reslgning. His resignation was
ccented. and the election OF his sue
assor POSTPONED until the next meeting.
The RESIGNATION of Capt George Wayne
nderson as superintendent Of Monroe
ard was read and tabled by unani- {
lous vote.
The Date Of Primary.
Mr.. Jefferson Wallace moved that the
,ndidates for the municipal offices be !
octed bv primary on April 18th. and
,at the details be referred 10 the Com }
ittee on Plans. Adopted.
The committee then adjourned 70 meet
ext Monday night at the same place
Mr.. Pstieson's v!ews.
Chairman Patteson. in conversation al :
- tho meeting last evening said: Il ,
link that IL is OF the utmost Importance I
the people Of Richmond 70 secure the /
,rest and best men for their municipal 4
iices.
lrity Of our primaries. :
a.verv citizen should interest himself
the mode Of selection, for he has as ,
uch interest In the result as any men,
.r Of the committee. 4
"The work OF the committee is very ,
ferrous. and IL is doing the best II can. 4
II IL can be assisted by suggestions n
ON members Of the Democratic party.
THE Australian ballot law was passed \
r the General Assembly in the interest \
honest elections. and II will give as a /
,od result In the approaching primary. n
am IN favor of trying it, a
'All politicians know that the place 10 a