Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-11-12
Electoral Colleges Usefulness

| 'iEkE IS good deal OF justice in the COM
paints voiced by the New York World
ana other newspapers against the electoral
college The World calls ii an anachronism
applies other uncomplimentary epithcts and,
moreover. is in position to show histori-
caliy that on more than one occasion this
device for naming Presidents has thrown the
country into confusion. Nevertheless The
Ilmes-Dispatcn is not in favor of the cleo
torai colleges abolition. and predicts, with
confidence. that many years will pass before
an: such change is accomplished
The electoral college, in essence is one of
many rccogniions by the makers of the Con-
stitution of the principle Of State rights
The Constitution permits the States to choose
presidential electors in any manner they see
III, AID III the early years Of the republic
the electors we're chosen by the State Legisla-
lures. This method however. was gradual
~ changed. so that every State now names
it's electors by popular yo.c.
..iorc than once there has been confusion.
III 4"-l the failure OF any candidate TO re-
ceiNe Al majority of the votes in the electoral
COLES" threw the decision into the House
OF Represe natives. which chose Thomas JEFF
ierson. In 1929 the House cut the knot
again by elccting John Quincy Adams, and
III 1897. tho Senate. 10 which the Constitu-
ton IN such circumstances coniides tho choice
OF Nice-Presidcnt, placed Richard NJ John
son H. that Office In 1876 the celebrated
Tiden-lIayes controversy threatened civil
war. and placed an indclibic blot on the
political history of the United States
loSpite ali these facts tho electoral col
lege yet permits The States to fix their own
Qualifications for the suffrage In tho view
~ TINS newspaper that is right which no
Stnte-- certainly no Southern State--car nf
ioru TO surrender. II the suggestion of the
World were followed and Presidents chosen
Ivy popular vote of the people of the whole
ho
between abandoning tho safeguards il has
cFcctco against the destruction OF it's ciyiliza-
tion and yielding its influence in national
elections.
as matters stand, electors arc apportoped
10 inc States in accordance with their rcprc-
sehtation III Congress, and this representa-
iioh' III turn is based, not ON voting strength
out on population. Virginia, for exampn
mas Twelve electors and California thirteen
so mat their votes. to all inteuts and Dur-
poses balance each ether. IF The mc,hod
al choosing President were changed as M,
world suggests California would swamp Wiz
Ginia, FOR on last Tuesday something like
s4o,uou ballots were cast there and only obou,
$4,000 here. II is true that Virpinia.s vo,o
Win real contest on, would be measurable,
Increased out under our present election
laws it never could approach Calfornia's.
me reason is plain. California gives the
.ot' I" women while we refuse it. and Cali
i'a naS iouhd IL unnecessary TO establish
the elaborate poll tax. residence and rcgistr,
ton Qualifications Of the virginia law C,aIi
lorna last Tuesday cast as MANY votes %
Alabama. Arkansas. Florida, Georgia, Louis
iana, Maryland. South Carolina and Virginia
combined Illinois cast nearly 4oO, 900 more
votes than New York. and has only three
Nuns OF New Works influence in naming a
President
The South never will consent to DESTROY tho
electoral coileGc--to choose between its in
nucnce on the selection Of a President and
us voting standards. Tho States which have
SHOWN themselves steadfast agans, woman
suffrage will take like stand