The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-02-26

Hou OauJ oouo'Iio 'ooo ooo uioo'ou
selected this as possessing greater merit
than suy others. Before this commits
sion, of which the Marquis of Harting-
ton was chairman. Mr.. Dubton testi-
fed : mo act of my political life has
given me 30 much satisfaction as what |
did fifteen or twenty years ago, With
reference to the ballot system If this
is possible am more strongly in favor
of it aow after fifteen years experience
than when | introduced it,"
Mr.. Richard Torreos. a noted au-
thority on such questions, had been
strongly opposed to the system. After
he saw the operation of the law he be-
came completely converted to it He
came to declare that it was 1.-The best
aad most rapid and facile mode of carry
ing elections. 1t worked with the
greatest smoothness, ease aud econ
omy." He testified that rioting, disor
der and corruption DISAPPEARED, and that
stranger wonld not know that an cleo
ton was going on.
After its adoption by Great Britain
its standing was assured 1t tben
spread rapidly to British America /,
Canada, Nova Scotia, the Northwest
Territories. Manitoba and others-.o
Norway and Sweden, France, Belgium,
Hungary. Greece, Italy and other
European countries. In the United
States it was gradually introduced
until it vas finally adopted by thirty.sx
or more States Of the Union, and others
are contemplating its adoption. 1t has
found favor in both the great political
parties lu this country. and all men of
whatever political faith, who favor hon
est elections. with all the resultant beDe-
fits, must come to favor and work for
tie application Of the essential features
of the system to our election laws.
Mr. Manning then proceeded to fully
explaia the operation Of the system as
outlined in the bill He continued his
speech BY saying in substance that he
would DOT discuss the Towuseud bill
which was practically copy Of the
Eight Box Inv "To say that the
Australian ballot system does not suit
our condition, will not mold. for the as
sertior cannot be substautiated. If we
desire 10 have fair aud honest elections
10 South Carolina this bill. essentially
the Australian system, adapted to our
needs, will provide for them but if
this is not desired and the House in-
tends that onr elections are to be left in
the hands Of few observation-disclosures
and Managers of elections-who are
practically to decide the questions at
issue, then vote down this bill. The
issue is before you, it is fair elections
and reputation Of fraud or the reverse.
appeal to you to rise to the import
ance of the question, assume the res :
possibility placed upon you aud act as
Independent, manly men.
This may be bobby with me but |
have the satisfaction Of knowing that
tha such a measure has been adopted
= ,ose states aud countries where
-oic opinion has made itself felt for
this reform. I would, Mr.. Speaker,
that had the gift of orasory and that
could impart to this Aouse the earn
estness of conviction which | feel my
eelf on this subject, but in the absence
Of these qualities. have tried to state
clearly and dispassionately my views,
aud whatever the result hope that |
NAV have sowu some seeds that will
now or hereafter bring forth fruit y