Western Carolina Democrat and French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1913-1915, 1913-01-02
A Plea for the Australian Ballot.

The progressiveness, social and
moral conditions Of a community re-
feet the character of it's governmental
machinery, and therefore, the person
mel of the Office holders is necessarily
an important factor in material, social
and moral advancement. Obviously
then, the method employed in the cleo
ton Of men to whom governmental af-
fairs are entrusted is fundamental and
should receive the most earnest con-
sideratien of every good citizen.
Without wishing to detract from the
wonderful progressiveness which,
particularly during the past decade,
has been witnessed in North Carolina.
or suggest any criticism of the type of
men who have directed our govern
mental affairs, we feel that it is logical
to expect results to conform to the
methods and policies applied, and
therefore with the adoption of more
modern methods, greater results would
have been attained. After the most
exhaustive and careful deliberationy by
able sociologists, students of political
economy, philanthropists and other
men of affairs, a revision or modifica-
ton of what is commonly known as
the Australian Ballot, has been recon-
mended as best adapted to the peculiar
needs of the casting of votes under
our form of government, as result.
that system has been adopted by sew
era1 states and incalculab1e benefit has
been derived therefrom.
The system employed in this state is
antiquated and extremity inadequate as
{ it admits of pernicious and demoraliz-
ting practices, and initiates against man
Of character, dignity and ability who
should receive politicl preferment
| without unpleasant competition with
! those who, by the use of infamous
| practices oft pervert the popular will
place premium on dishonesty by the
| tendency to lower the franchise of the
voter to commodity of barter and
sale, and attempt to drag civil rights
| and reputation through the mire for
the advancement of their degraded
! ambition.
! A vast majority of our citizens are
favorable to the adoption Of some form
/ Of secret ballot, but their wishes have
been effectively expressed by reason
Of being unorganized and unsupported
by any medium for concerted action
| Now by reason of this Board being {
non-particial body, and, as this very
important matter pertains sorely to the
| governmental machinery for the furth-
erance of the material social and
moral interests of our citizens, we fee
| initiative in this movement, which. in
that it in its capacity as representa-
tive civic organization, the Board Of
Trade is peculiarly qualified to take The
initiative in this movement which IL
our opinion, would receive the spon.
famous support of the clergy, press
lcivic betterment, commercial and Other
organized bodies, and a large MAORI
ty of the better element, citizenship
throughout the State.
i In conclusion, permit us to express
our appreciation of the very able edi
torials which have appeared in recen
issues of the press of the state, advo
eating the Australian ballot, and con
gratulate them on this further evidenc'
of their public spirited and broad
minded policy with reference to al
; matters pertaining to public better
ment.
Respectfully submitted,
|. d. HARRIS,
W. VANCE BROWN,
E. C. CHAMBERS.
Committee Asheyille Board Of Trade.
Asheville. N. c., September 1912.