The Opelousas courier., 1896-01-04
Ballot Reform and Elections.

Shreveport Times.
The sentiment in favor of ballot re-
form in Louisiana has been very pro-
nounced and has been very s~trenuOusly
urged by the Democratic press OF the
State. To the persistent energy and i'll
sistence of the advocates of such a
measure, are very largely due both the
expressions of opinion in Gov. Murphy
J. Fosters address in accepting the
nomination by the Democratic Conven-
ton for his reelection, as we'll as the
endorsement of the principle as embod-
led in the platform of the party. AS
this question will be a very vital issue
during the present campaign, it is we'll
to keep this matter prominently before
the people of the state. In his accept
ance of the domination Gov. Foster used
this emphatic and significant language:
IL favor an honest government, hOn-
est municipal governments, enforce
ment of laws impartially and rigidly
against all offenders alike, whether they
he rich or poor. | favor Il reform of the
franchise. | favor a reform of the cleo
ton laws in such u manner as will in
sure an honest expression of the voters
and the a"scertainment and proclama-
ton of their will with perfect fairness
and absolute certainty. The ADJUST
ment of the franchises and the secure
ment of honest election methods are
questions profoundly disturbing and ag-
itating the minds and consciences of the
statesmen of the South. The perma-
nency of our Republican institutions is
dependent entirely upon the purity of
the ballot box, and the life blood of our
Republican form Of government is the
submission Of the minority to tho will
of the majority.
"When the fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments of the Constitution of the
United States prec!pltated upo the
people of the South a mass OF Ignorant
and uneducatcd electors, understand
ing neither the genius Of our govern
ment nor approaching tho great duties
or responsibilities Of electors, a danger
Gus blow was directed at the self-gOv-
eminent of this commonwealth aud nee
e~ssariiy presented a problem the solu-
ton of which requires the broadcast
craftsmanship and the loftlest patriot
ism. 1t Involves the great and vital
question of the domination of ignorance
and ycnality over intelligence ard hon
esty, IL problem the most difficult and
serious that ever confronted ii free
people.
''The condition of affairs existing in
Louisiana existed. in every other South
ern State. Sone have solved the ques-
ton, others are now struggling for the
solution of this problem, and il devoIres
upon the Democracy of this State to
meet this question fairly, honorabiy and
legally. All needed reform in this and
other directions can be made by and
tlupllpi, til" Democratic party, and that
party alone. Constituted as it is at
present, it represents the bulk at the in. |
~tciiigence, the virtue, the patriotism and
the manhood of this commonw wealth and
the people naturally look TO it for
measures of REFORM"
Not less emphatic is the declaration
Of the platform on this vital question.
Thus with the present incumbent,
whose administration will he perpetu-
ated, and Il united aud harmonious
Democracy pledged to carry out ballot
reform, embracing a restricted suffrage
there is no reason why there should not
be inaugurated II period Of purer and
better municipal and State govern
ments. 1t is passing strange, indeed,
that the Populists should oppose such |
reform while clamoripg Tor a free and
honest expression Of sentiment at the
ballot box, insuring an honest count ia
order to secure a publication of exist
ing methods.
The Democracy is united and harmo-
NOUS. Pledged to such suffrage re-
form, it should march to victyry with
unbroken ranks, and with full faith in
the perpetnaticn Of its present ascend
ancy insuring the continued progress of
Louisiana in the wealth, happiness I'D
prosperity of its citizens.