New-York tribune., 1905-02-15
TO STOP CAMPAIGN WASTE,

Reference was recently made In these col
umns to the proposal of Mr.. Samuel l.. Parrish.
chairman of the Suffolk County Republican
Committee that certain undesirable campaign
expenditures should be discouraged by means of
a law imposing a tax, or fine, OF 80 on every
qualified voter who, without a satisfactory ez-
cuse, fails to vote. In further consideration of
the subject Mr.. Parrish has reached several In
teresting conclusions, as follows:
First-That there is a very large sum OF money
properly expended In every campaign for the
political education of the people.
Second-That under party system the
money required for such education should come
from voluntary contributions and not from tax
alton, as some persons have suggested.
Third-That il is impossible in accepting con-
tributions ''to separate the sheep from the goats
"as was naively attempted by Judge Parker in
"the late campaign; though publication of re-
"ceipts and disbursements, enforced by statute
against campaign committees, would doubtless
'tend TO discourage open contributions by the
goats"
Fourth-That in addition to the money prop
erly expended in every campaign there is a vast
amount wasted for no desirable purpose, such
expenditures being, nevertheless, free from any
faint OF corruption
Fifth-That there is large amount expended
in ways that are, TO put it mildly, at least doubt
full, tending toward the debasement of the cleo
torate, the object being to interest the indiffer
ent voter in the personal fortunes of the candi-
date and lead him to vote fright" on Election
Day
Sixth-That there is a comparatively small
amount expended with corrupt intent and in
such manner that the voter will, for cash in
hand, actually cast his ballot as directed, per-
haps contrary TO his Inclination.
Mr.. Parrish's plan contemplates reduction of
the wasteful and somewhat demoralzing expen-
ditures referred to under the fourth and fifth
heads, and this is his proposition:
There shall be placed uoon the polling list by
certain officers. to be specified in the act, the
names in each election district of all those en-
titled TO vote. Each qualified voter shall then
be burdened with a tentative so-called poll tax
of, say, 50. or any other larger or smaller sum-
according to locality, the wisdom of the legis-
lature shall determine. this tax. however, TO bs
due and payable after the election, and then
only by those who. without valid excuse, shall
have failed to enter the polling booth Elec-
tion Day. Once In the polling booth, the citizen
may deposit in the ballot box, II so inclined. a
blank ballot which, when counted will register
his disapproval Of all the candidates or the pol
icies which they represent. The exclusive pen
atty for failure TO pay this fine shall be dis
franchisenent for a longer shorter time as
the legislature may determine
Mr.. Parrish gives slightly satrical express
sion 10 the belief that the blank ballot provision
! would serve as "a barometer OF generally dis
| satisfied opinion, and should insure for the
measure instant popularity with large group
"of citizens" He has not failed to consider the
question OF constitutionality. and comedies that
an amendment would be required to Iegalize his
scheme in local or State elections where no
votes for federal officers Were cast; but he
| thinks that would be a small price TO pay for
such results as he foresees
4 1t is easy TO find objections to Mr. Parrish's
project, and we cannot say that we look for IFS
speedy adoption. Nor probably does he but he
expresses his astonishment at the number of 70
plies which he has received TO the circular letter
IN which he communicated his IDEAS 10 the Re
publican local leaders of his county, to RepubIi,
can members OF the legislature and of Congress
| and TO many others who take thought of poIiti.