The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1904-01-09
A Secret Ballot.

The Baltimore Sun, in its rawlings in support
of Hon. Isidor Rayper, and its effort to cram
him down the threats of Democrats, has far
exceeded the bounds of fair dealing, and in
its furious efforts for an open ballot has re-
versed its record for years. 1t says:
"The constituents of each legislator have
right to know how their representative votes
on the Senatorship. So intense is the public
interest in the contest, so determined are the
people that the popular will shall be respected,
that it would be the part of wisdom for the
Democratic members of the Legislature to
elect United States Senator without recourse
to secret methods of any kline"
The Sun for years advocated the secret bal
lot for voters upon the Australian plan. 1t
argued ably and well that secret ballot was
defense against coercion of voters by en-
ployers and others, and bribery, and that it
would insure absolute independence in voting.
If the Suns position was correct its theory
would hold good in the nomination of candi-
date for the United States Senate by ballot
in Democratic caucus. A secret ballot
would insure the absolute independence of
every Democratic Senator and Delegate in
voting. 1t would protect them against ''un'
derhand manipulation aud corruption.
Except in Montgomery and Hartford coun-
ties. where candidates are nominated by the
direct vote of the people, every Democratic
Senator and Delegate who was not nominated
by reclamation in convention, icas nominated
by a secret ballot.
The system OLIVIA voce voting was discarded
in Maryland so long ago that few are now nv
ing who can recollect il; The ballot-the
secret ballots in universal use, not only in
the nomination of candidates for political
Offices. but in the election of directors of banks,
railroad companies gas companies, trust com
pauies and all other corporations. and even
governing bodies in churches.
The Sun has convinced itself without any
proof whatever, that the great majority of the
Democrats Of Maryland favor the election OF
Hon. Isidor Rayner for United States Senator
aud that some Of the Democratic members Of
the legislature pledged to Mr.. Rayner cannot
be trusted to support him in caucus II the
nomination is made by ballot.
Why the sun espoused the cause Of Mr..
electing a single Democrat 10 the legislature
i, is simply no concern Of the SIN whom the
Democrats eject to the Senate. The gentle
man who dictates its policy cannot assume
that he is the Democratic majority in Mary
land. His paper represented nothing during
the campaign, and be cannot expect the Demo
Gratis TO elect Senator in accord with his
views.
And If the Sun knew there were Democratic
nominees on the ticket in Baltimore City
pledged to Mr.. Rayner who were open TO
bribery and manipulation, ii was its duty, As
it assumes TO be the peoples paper aud
champion Of their cause, to have made their
names known and either have better men
named or had them defeated at the polls.
Nearly all the Democratic papers Of the
State are supporting Gov. Smith for Senator
We presume they are supporting him for the
same reason the ADvocATE is-because II Is
for the bests interests of the people and the
Democratic party that he should be elected.
Gov. Smiths first knowledge Of the ADVo-
cArE's interest in his behalf was when be re-
ceived copy Of the paper making the fact
known. The Sun cannot give a reason for It's
support of Mr.. Rayuer tina, is valid. 1t can
not represent the people, for the Democrats
are the people in this contest, aud itthe Demo
cratic press correctly foreShadows Democratic
sentiment, great majority Of the Democrats
favor the election OF Gov smith To the United
States Senate 1t cannot correctly claim that
Mr.. Rayner would be a more capable repre-
sentative in the Senate than Gov. Smith. The
latter would be far more efficient Senator 10
every respect except as an orator, and orators
have their most interested listeners 10 the
galleries.
As to the people having a right to kno~
how their representatives VOTE the Sun as
sumes that they viii know, for it says
s.For there can D.. no permanent conceal
ment of the action of each legislator even II
there is secret vote IN caucus lie people
despite any precautions that may be taken by
legisiors to prevent publicity, will bud out ~
good season how each OF their representatives
voted.
What difference does it make then whether
the regular method Of making nominations IN
caucus by ballot be followed, or departure
made TO see that none Of Mr. Rayner's sep
porters get away from him. The Suns oniy
fear seems to be that the Rsyner Democrats
are not TO be trusied-Qate complimeHtl?J
both to Mr. Rayner aud his supporters
The presumption : that every Democratic
member Of The legislature will know the sen
timent of his constituents and vote accordingly.
The great majority Of The Democrats Of Car
roll are f,.r Gov Smith, and the presumption
is thai the Senator and Delegates from this
county will vote for him for United States
Senator
The Sun says the people are interested IN
the contest for Senator. The Democrats, who
are the people, most assurediy are, aud they
expect TO see Gov. Smith elected in aecor-
dance with preponderating Democratic sent-
ment Of the State.