Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-06-09

A strong umdertone Of Democratic
sentiment has developed In favor Of agi-
tarinR the passage Of An act at the special
session Of the Legislature repeating the
Voters Assistant law and providing a
simpler form Of ballot. This was appar-
ent at the meeting Of Democrats recently
held where though they determined
il 70 be the best policy Of tho minority
10 refuse to sanction the calling Of the
Legislature for the purposes mentioned
IN the governors proclamation, there
seemed 70 be q general concurrence that
II an opportunity arose 20 get nd Of the
voters assistants, it would be a great
good for the State.
The Ant-Bnbey League has been
showing q considerable amount Of ac-
fivity recently and references, in the adj
dresses of the delegates Of the league to
the various religious conferences and
conventions, have always been made
70 the deplorable condition produced by
the presence Of the voters assistants in
the election room. Everyone having
any practical knowledge Of politics con-
curs IN the assertion that without voters
assistants Wholesale bribery would be
impossible and the inability on the part
Of the bribers 20 know that, rs Senator
Conner says, "Ihe goods had been de-
liveed," would prevent the almost un-
limited use Of money contributed by a
few rich men.
The agitation is we'll under way in
favor Of the repeal of the Voters Assistant
Act and the following letter with a copy
Of the bill to accomplish this is being
widely distributed throughout the State.
Mr.. Salisbury is sending to every
clergyman in the State n copy of the
following letter and u COPY OF the bill
The bin was duly considered and agreed
upon AZ a conference of an the Demo
cratic members of the Legislature, and
every possible safeguard securing the
secrecy Of the ballot WAS inserted In IT,
Mr. Saulsbury's letter and the proposed
bill are printed below.
Dear Sir. The Republicans have called
an extra session of the Legislature to
consummate the corrupt bargain made
among themselves just prior to the last
election. The only possible benefit to
the State is that it affords an opportunity
10 the respectable citizens OF Delaware
70 put pressure on the governor and the
Legislature 70 enact q law TO lessen cor
ruption at our elections. All those ]
know who have ever had anything TO do
with political management in this State
believe that the so-called Voters As
xistant law is responsible for at least one
half the corruption which exists. The
Australian Ballot law, still unfortunately
IN use, is the only excuse for continuing
The Voters Assistant act on the statute
books, repugnant as Il is 70 the provisions
Of our Constitution against bribery.
At the last session Of the Legislature
the Republicans smothered TO death in
committee a good bill, simplifying the
methods OF holding elections. This bill
U enacted into law, would do away with
the Australian ballot as well as the voters
assistants, would render Il impossible for
the purchasers Of votes TO have a clerk
IN the voters booth 10 certify the reenlt
Of the purchase and would, in my opinion.
render impossible the wholesale bribery
which prevails 40 every election in this
state This bill was considered most
carefully by many members Of the Legis-
lature and believe Is rs nearly perfect
as u can be drawn until practical use
shall demonstrate that some amendment
might improve il. A copy Of the bill as
hnally agreed upon is enclosed herewith
snd / most earnestly urge that YOU will
use your influence to cause Governor lea
and the Republicans in the General As
sembly 70 favor It's adoption at the special
session Of the Legislature Governor lea
must yield TO the influence which can be
eNerted by the honest people Of this State.
and II they manifest their desire that a
bill Of this character shall be adopted. IL
may be he viii secure its passage. and in
such case the evils Of the special session
Of the Legislature viii certainly be greatly
mitigated
The Democrats are helpless but all
would assist TO pass such a law.
II q bill like the one enclosed can he