The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-07-21
A FAIR COUNT IN LOUISIANA.
CONVENTION OF THE BALLOT RE
FORM LEAGUE.

the Delegates From One Parish
Bolt.
New Orleans. La. July 2O.-To-day was
rather an unfavorable day for an enthu-
siastic convention. for rain fen steady
until p. m. AS early as Il o'clock per-
sons began to assemble in the artillery
hall to take part in the State Ballot Re
form League. The hall was not decora--
ted. but to the left of the chairman's
seat were two voting booths adopted by
the Australian system Of voting.
Delegates were present from Ascension,
East Baton Rouge both of the Felicianas,
iberia. Iberville. jefferson, Ouachita, PA
quemines, Orleans, Rapides and Saint
Tammany parishes All of the wards of
the city had representations. Scattered
here and there throughout the audience
could be noticed strikers" for some of
the ring politicians. Though a trifle dila-
tory in making a commencement, there
vas manifestly much enthusiasm among
the gentlemen gathered in the hall.
At AS o'clock DR.. Hickson Bruins said.
Gentlemen, I call the meeting to order.
I do not intend TO indulge in any speech
making. l, as temporary chairman. nom-
mate Judge Allen Barksdale of Lincoln
and r, i. Tullis of the Second ward Of
New Orleans as temporary secretaries.
Judge Barksdale on assuming the chair.
thanked the convention and declared that
since 1870 he had been closely identified
with the politics of the parish of Lin
coin and he earnestly asserted that poll
tics there was free from the corruption
that il was claimed existed elsewhere. He
knew this pretty we'll for he had nearly
all of the time been candidate for
some one or other office. Uaughter)
Still the speaker felt that there vas ne
cessity for better methods in politics and
a reform in ballot affairs. He was ready
to work heart ana soul for any reforms
desired.
1t was ordered that a committee of five
be appointed on credentials. 1t was sug-
gested that the committee retire and that
a recess of twenty minutes be taken.
A delegate said there was no necessity
for d recess.
Another wanted a recess because there
was no hurry; the convention had the
whole afternoon before them and also the
evening"
was ordered taken. After this the dele
gates crowded up to the secretary's desk
and registered and then proceeded to de-
posit their credentials.
At 1890 O'Clock the chairman announced
that the committee on credentials would
be ready to report in a minute. If the
meeting desired, speeches might be made
in the meantime. No inclination for
speeches being evidenced, the convention
waited for the appearance Of the commit
tee.
At o'clock the committee on credentials
reported that the following parishes were
entitled to representation: Claiborne, 8;
Caddo, S; East Baton Rouge, 2; East Fe-
liciana. 3; Iberville, 2; jefferson, 3; Rap
ides, 4; St. Landry, 16; Orleans parCh,
First ward, 10; second ward, Il; Third,
10; Fourth, Z; Fifth, 9; Sixth 8; Seventh,
| IL; Eighth, 4; Ninth, 8; Tenth, "A; Eleventh,
IS; Twelfth, 8; Thirteenth, s. Fourteenth
| 3, Fifteenth, 3; Sixteenth, /; Seventeenth,
| 2; total, 10 delegates. OF this it Will be
noted only forty-three are from the coun-
try, the balance being from the city CT
New Orleans.
The report was adopted and on motion
the temporary organization was made per
manent.
on motion a committee of fifteen was
appointed on platform and resolutions.
The meeting then adjourned until s
o'clock.
At 8 o'clock this evening the committee
on resolutions brought in the following
report:
To the Ballot Reform Convention of Lou
siana:
Gentlemen-Your committee on resolu-
lions beg leave TO report as follows:
This convention recognizes that the pur-
ity, freedom and secrecy of the ballot and
the integrity of the counting of the votes
lie at the very foundation of
our democratic government. fav-
ors a qualification of the suffrage so as
to elevate the character of the electoral
body and to eliminate, as far as practical
BILE, the unfit, the ignorant and the vicious,
and at the same time to so amend our cleo
ton laws, methods and practices as to Sc
cure the freedom. purity secrecy and i'm
portance of the ballot and count the re-
.fNt y
voters.
We, therefore as an organization urge
upon our fellow citizens of Louisiana the
ratification of the proposed amendment to
article 1S5 of the constitution.
1t does not qualify the suffrage in the
exact manner we desire but it is a big step
in the right direction, and opens the door
wide for better things.
We advocate the adoption of the Aus
tralian ballot law, and proposed by the
Ballot Reform League of Louisiana, as
the best method yet discovered to secure
a secret, unbOught and fair ballot, and we
urge the people 10 support for the legisla-
ture men who will support that measure.
We are organized neither to favor or op-
pose the nomination and election of any
particular candidate for any office. All
personal ambitions should be subordinated
to the great end in view; and the can
didates for governor and members of the
legislature SnOuIQ De Ine HtteSt opponents
of the principles Of the league, and ex-
pressly pledged to the measures.
Under the existing conditions in Louis
lana we can only hope for success in car
rying our measures through by means of
the Democratic party. The maintenance
of that party depends upon it's adopting
our measures and policy. We, therefore,
urge that all good citizens join our league
and extend its numbers and influence in
every parish and ward precinct.
That the league actively endeavor to
elect delegates to the next convention of
Louisiana who are the leaders of the bal
lot reform movements and heartily and
earnestly favor our measures.
Resolved, That a state committee to be
composed of one member of each parish
and ward in the parish of Orleans, and
twenty-five members from the state at
large, be appointed by the chairman of
this convention, which convention shall
meet at a time and place to be named by
the chairman of this convention to select
from its members chairman and formally
open ballot reform campaign.
Resolved, That our hearty thanks are
due to the press Of the state for the able
and earnest and hearty support it has
given in the past, and that we request its
continued efforts in our behalf, and that