The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1901-04-17

ers, the sJalwart KepuDncans N the
legislature are practically of one mind
on the question Of giving to party men
a system which will enable them 10
readily mark their ballots.
Senator Benjamin X. Focht, chair
man of the committee on elections,
who had a conference with Col. Quay
regarding ballot reform legislation, in
commenting upon this phase Of the
issue, said:
Having had a talk with Senator
Quay the other day | am more hopeful
than ever that a satisfactory solution
of the problem of ballot reform will
be ultimately reached. Senator Quay
is thoroughly impressed with the idea
Of harmonious action on this subject,
and will continue his efforts to bring
about an agreement between leaders of
the great parties Of the state, and at
the same time satisfy the demands of
the Independent voters. He informed
me that it is his arrangement to have
an interview with Col. Guffey, the
recognized leader of the Democratic
party in Pennsylvania, and expect
that this meeting will take place in
few days From my conversation with
the senator recognize his earnestness
and sincerity in this matter and his
purpose TO labor for the redemption of
the pledges Of the Republican party.
A POPULAR DEMAND.
Personally ! Know there is an over
whelming sentiment, a positive de-
mand on the part of the people Of the
commonwealth for a ballot law which
will offer the elector the simplest pos
sible method Of recording his prefer
ences in the selection Of candidates.
This feeling is universal, as manifested
in the various state In the Union in
legislation providing for separate party
tickets. and where the names Of all
candidates appear on one official ballot
the party column, the party group, the
party emblem, the party square or the
party circle
The citizens OF Pennsylvania of all
parties under our present system have
become familiar with the plan Of voting
for party candidates through the me-
dium Of the cross mark in the circle.
Whatever form the ballot shall be
ltElHldluTE
the sentiment is most pronounced in
favor Of the retention Of the party
circles as the means Of voting what is
known as the straight party ticket. By
the retention of the party circle il is
not contemplated in any way to ham
per, harass Of inconvenience the voters
who desire to select candidates Of diff
ierent parties or policies. Ample IA
eilities should be offered for the mark
Ing Of candidates whose names appear
other than as the nominees Of regular
parties.
MAJORITY SHOULD DECIDE.
Every newspaper of standing among
the Republicans Of Pennsylvania, as
well az papers representing other par
ties, while advocating the most liberal
recognition Of the Independent voter,
voices The popular demand for the con-
tinusnce cf the party circle. which ia
designsi'd % give at least 80 per cen.
" fhn o-i7eue who almost invariably
vote a straight party ticket, an oppOr-
tunity to express their preference in
the shortest time and most convenient
way.
When Col Guffey and Col. Quay
take this matter up they should not be
influenced by the yaporings Of little
clique Of professional reformers or
their theories or their fantasies.
They must not Inconvenience the
great body Of voters to satisfy this no
circle whim, when by doing so they
would not add to the rights privileges
or convenience Of this infinite small
minority. The people will not approve