Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-03-14

constituted four-fitths of the entire ~
surgent following. The contingent in
the interior of the state has been al
most obliterated, and before the nex
state convention of the Republican par
ty shall be held there will not be
enough insurgents in the entire COM
monwealth to elect corporal's guard
of state delegates.
BALLOT REFORM COMING.
The subject of ballot reform will be
considered by members of the legisla-
ture here this week. The several bills
introduced in the senate and the house
on this subject will be taken up and
carefully considered. Col. Quay has
requested the Democratic leaders to
submit a bill, and he believes that if
they are sincere in their professions
for ballot reform there should be no
difficulty in reaching an agreement
upon bill, which will meet every rea-
sonable demand for ballot reform.
Senator Quay says that he is in favor
of putting every safeguard necessary
around the voting system to in
sure a secret ballot, a correct count and
true return of the votes as cast. No
one should ask for more
There is, however, small element
of so-called radical independents who
want the circle at the top of the Off
cials ballot eliminated, but Republi-
cans and Democrats alike who believe
the method of voting party ticket
should be made as easy as possible de-
mand that some such opportunity to
vote straight ticket with one mark
shall be given the voters.
FOCHT STILL HOPEFUL.
Senator Focht is still hopeful that
there will be an agreement for nom
partisan support of his ballot bill.
with some amendments Since he has
shown that the Municipal League
would be entitled to a separate circle
on the ballot he does not anticipate
much opposition from that source.
Representative Chew, of Philadel-
phia, has introduced a bill in the
house which would bring out the
stay at home" citizens on election
day. 1t provides that every qualified
voter shall vote at all primary and gem
eral elections or be subject to fine
of S. or ten days Imprisonment. Sick
ness or absence from the county are
the only excuses that will stand. 1t
also makes nominating day"-the day
on which primary elections are held
lcSdl uOilludy. ne Dill was referred
to the election committee, where it is
probable it will be amended. The
clause declaring nominating dey a hol-
iday will be stricken out and the power
OF collecting fines will likely be placed
In the hands of magistrates and JUS
tices Of the peace instead Of the Grim
inal courts. as under the bill at present
Congressman Green. OF the Berks-
Lehigh district. appeared before the
house committee on congressional ap-
pOrtionment and spCiSe in favor Of
making Berks and Lebanon one con-
gressional district. The committee de-
cided upon next Thursday as the date
for final hearing of all who wish to
make recommendations regarding con-
gressional apportionment
The Haworth bill creating a separate
county of Luzerne county. with Ha-
zleton as the county seat, has been re-
ported adversely to the house. This il
the second new county bill introduced
this session by Mr. Haworth, of Lu-
xerne, and negatived by the commit
tee on counties and townships The
Jones and Stroh employers liability
bills have been reported from the ju-
dietary committee favorably