The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-01-15

of the public health. Your careful atten-
board.
DEMAND FOR GOOD ROADS.
The two elements, aside from climate,
location and other natural advantages,
which are most attractive to settlers are
low taxes and good roads.
There is an increasing demand in all the
States for better road system, and if we
would not. be behind in the line of progress
in this direction. it is important that we
should aim toward general improvement
III our system of roads.
This subject has received the Sc ious
consideration of the various organic atoms
more Immediately intereste in the lie
yelopment Of our public highways, and
there will he presented for your consdera-
ton the results obtained by practical ex-
perence and comparison of the most APP
proved methods.
[ sincerely trust that some comprehen
sve and satisfactory solution of the ques-
ton may be reached, which, while not be-
ing a burden upon taxpayers, may lay
the foundation of system which will
eventually meet the necessities OF the diff
ferent localities of our State.
MILITIA OF THE STATE.
The report of the ad jutant-general, which
will be laid before you, contains full
statement of matters relating to the orga
lied militia of the State
The recommendations therein made meet
with my approval, especially with reference
to an appropriation for new armory for
the Fifth Regiment
This is the oldest military organization
in the State, raining with the best regi-
ments in the United States, and it has long
since ontgrown its present confined and
dangerous quarters.
ELECTION LAW.
By tina enactment Of the election law Of
1895, there was placed upon the statute
books OF Maryland, for the first tine,
law which experience shows to be eminent
ly fair and satisfactory.
Under the provisions of this act, due
opportunity is given for every eligible citi-
zen to exercise the free right Of suffrage and
votes honestly cast are honestly counted
The results of the two elections held
under the provisions of the new law have
been accepted by the people of the State as
the true expression OF the will of the ma
ioritv of the voters.
To the general system created by the act
| have no amendments to offer, but many
valuable suggestions for the correction of
some defects and conflicting provisions
have been received from supervisors of
election When Formulated these recon-
mendations will be submitted for your
consideration.
BRIBERY OF VOTERS.
The use Of money at elections in this
State has in recent years grown to such
proportions as to call for most serious con-
sideration. Corruption at the ballot-b box,
the very fountain head of all free insttu-
tons, is one of the greatest dangers to
which our State can be exposed The
crime of bribery is one which experience
has shown to be most difficult to detect
and punis&. Notwithstanding the earnest
efforts mede by careful legislators in other
States, no satisfactory remedy for the
unlawful use of money at elections has
beer devised.
The present law ought to be amended so
as to include every species OF bribery.
But it must be remembered that no law,
however comprehensive or stringent in its
provisions, is self-executing, and that no
enactment against bribery and corruption
Of voters can be made effective until public
sentiment co-operatCs with the judiciary in
its enforcement
ALAW FOR THE PRIMARIES.
The elective system will not he perfect
until we have an efficient primary election
law.
Tho control Of the party machinery
usually carries with it the selection OF
party candidates, without necessary regard
to the will of the majority of the party.
This system should be so altered as to
insure to each member OF a political organ
izltion the right to have his choice OF can
didates duly registered and counted.
Such law, to lie effective, should be
compulsory, and not optional. The cleo
ton Law should be amended so as to permit
on the official ballot the names only of
those candidates who have been nominated
eieher under the provisions of primary
(Continued on page 81
- WANANHAKER'S.