The record-union., 1897-01-18
A DOUBTFUL BILL.

Assembly bill ITO. by Mr.. Dtbble, was
undoubtedly introduced for a good pur-
pose, and the end aimed at by its au-
thor is praiseworthy. But 1t Is a bill
that Is by no means free from doubt
as to its wisdom; first, because it Is
doubtful If 1t could be made effective
and equal in operation. Second, be-
cause 1t would bind the good citizen
and would have no effect upon the riff
raft, the push, and the unscrupulous.
Thirdly, because It gives an undue ad-
vantage to the independent candidate.
On the other hand, 1t is bill which,
If 1t can be made effective as a law,
will protect candidates, leave them free
from annoyance, tend to induce better
men to enter political lists, and will
free candidacy from the exactions of
piece clubs and political blackmailers.
The bill is so important that we give
it almost In full:
Section l. 1t shall be unlawful for
any person, either individually or as
the officer Of any committee OF assoct-
alton, to demand or solicit Of any
candidate for the Legislature, for Su-
pervisor, School Director, or for any
legislative body, that he shall vote for
any particular bill or specific measure
which may come before any such legis-
lative body to which he may be elected.
Provided that this inhibition shall not
apply to members of any convention
by which any such candidate may be
nominated.
Section 2. It shall be unlawful for
any candidate for the Legislature, OF
for any candidate for Supervisor,
School Director, or for any Legislative
body, TO sign or give any pledge that
he will vote for or against any partic-
ular bill or specific measure that may
come before any such legislative body.
Provided that this prohibition shall not
apply to any pledge or promise that
any such candidate may give to a
convention by which he may be nomi-
mated for any such office, or to those
who may sign a certificate for his nomi-
nation
Section 3 provides the penalties
which are misdemeanor in the case OF
one of the parties, and disqualification
from holding the office as far as the
candidate Is concerned.
It IS unnecessary to further specify
the purposes and aims Of this proposed
law since they are obvious But IT is
Of interest to examine it as to It's prac-
tica1 wisdom and effectiveness In case
1t should become a law.
It would seem to be unequal In It's
operation because it prohibits anyone
from soliciting a candidate to vote fol
specific bill or measure, but does not
prevent any candidate from giving &
pledge to convention by which nom
mated But members of conventions
are given license to solicit pledges
from candidates, but It is prohibited tc
other electors? VIII not this privilege
to members Of conventions simply
make them the agents for anyone out
side OF the convention to make solicit,
alton and exact pledges? If it is meant
to confine the privilege to the conven-
tiens as political bodies alone, why
not say so?
What is to be done with the cases Of
lhdcpSilueHI CdHuIualeS unQer SECTOR
1? They have no convention member
ship behind them to propose questions
or demand knowledge as to the policy
and belief of the candidate concernine
affairs which he aims to administer
Broadly, also let 1t be asked what thert
IS wrong in the people in groups or al
individuals. honestly soliciting expires
sion of opinion from candidates as L
their views concerning proposed legisla
ton? Have not the people a right t
know what the attitude of a candidat,
Is on specific bills and measures upor
which he viii be called to act?
If 1t Is replied that the candidate e.
will always express themselves in thei
canvass as to their views, the answel
is that not all do so. This bill will ak
those in their designs who purposel,
evade practical and plain expression
and seek to gull the public by higl
sounding generalities as to promised
performance.
Let US suppose the case Of an inde
pendent candidate for Trustee in thi
city. and the desire Of the people t