THE DAILY fiVKNlNU TELEGKAF11 PHILADELPHIA, THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1871. toning clcgvapli THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 1S71. LI0I1T AT LAST-RKFORM IN ELEC TIONS. The evils arising from tha present system ef nominating candidates, and from the fre quency of fraudulent returns of the results of elections, are so palpable that every good citi zen will bail with pleasure the prospect that effective preventive measures will be adopted. We have repeatedly advocated in these columns the passngo of a law throwing legal restraints around delegate elections as an indispensable pre requisite of their improvement. As mat ters are mansgd now, no gang of gamblers ever resorted to such notorious, frequent, and despicable cheating as is habitually prac tised by so-called local leaden of both par ties who "carry" the deUfaUs of many divisions and wards. Thii portion of working politics has sunk from respectability to oon t erupt, and from contempt to crime, until a decent man cannot dabble in it without being mortified at the miserable spectacles of potty tascality which are continually praotised, and disheartened by the repeated triumphs of wrong over right. To thieves, blacklegs, rowdies, bummers, and rascals of high and low degree, delegate elections, under the pre sent system, furnish grand oooasions for celling their votes, influence, or villainous talents to ambitious and unscrupulous triokslers; while by those who have an honest, intelligent, and disinterested regard for the welfare of the city, Stato, and nation, they are regarded as the most dangerous exoreioence of our gov ernmental system. The only check that has kept them from being absolutely intolerable is the necessity for the ratification of their ultimate results at the polls; and if it were not for this, Philadelphia, under the exolusive rule of the fellows who oarry delegate elec tions, would be reduced to as deplorable a condition as poor Paris under the domination of her infamous Commune. Bat it is unnecessary to dwell at length npon the evils of the delegate system as now practised. The great question is, Can a remedy be found ? Fortunately an affirmative answer to this query can now be confidently given. In Cali fornia an act throwing legal restraints around delegato elections has been im successful ope ration for several years. Ohio has also adopted a similar measure, and a modifica tion of the Ohio law was yesterday presented to the Legislature of Pennsylvania by Mr. lteyburn, it having previously been prepared by a sub-committee appointed by the Repub lican Hales Convention of Philadelphia. In answer to an inquiry made of members of the Ohio Legislature as to how the law had worked in that State, the following reply was recently received: "Columbus, April 19, 1ST1. Messr. Kosengaron, Littleton, and Newlln, Committee Gents: We are glad that tbe Ohio primary law Is attracting atten tion la your State. When the bill was first intro duced by Colonel Baber, of Franklin, rrnuy hesitated at first, because it was a novel measure. It passed the House of Representatives last winter by a large majority, and again this winter, nearly unanimous ly. It was supported on lti merit, without regard to fiarty, and sustained universally by the presa and eading men of our State. The opposition la the Senate proceeded chiefly from old fogylsm, aud some doubt and prejudice as to Its practical work ings. Tbe law has been adopted In the spring elec tions by both the Democratic and Republican parties In Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and other places, and has worked satisfactorily In itopplug re peating and other Illegitimate practices, and Induc ing substantial citizens to taVe part In the primary nomination, who heretofore have refused to parti cipate, on the ground that they were mere farces under the old caucus system in onr large cities. Perhaps it might be well In your Pennsylvania law to allow your township judges of uleoUm to administer the oath to the Inspector and judges named In the primary act, so as to Increase the num ber of officer authorized to administer oaths. We think the measure will ultimately be adopted every where. Very respectfully, N. II. Van VeauES, Adams eonnty. Li.ewbu.yn Barir, Franklin county. John Little, Green county. D. O. Cau.en, Mercer couuty." The author of the law, Llewellyn Baber, who represents a strong Democratic distriot, and who describes himself as a striot Demo crat, also Bays that "it has worked admirably againBt bummcrism and the corrupt use of money to contro' election, the great danger now to our republican institutions." Here, then, is a remedy, favored and adopted in another State by many good men of both parties, against which there oan be no valid objection urged by any class save those who wish to prolong in this community the domination of bummerism, raseality, and corruption; and if the Legislature of Perm Bylvania wishes to do a good and creditable thing, it cannot be too prompt in passing a similar law for Pennsylvania. Our readers will see, by a perusal of the bill (which is published in another portion of to-day's Tele cbafh), that it is remarkably well adapted to the existing exigencies. Another measure now pending in the Legislature aims at the other notorious evil referred to. The Democrats and some of the Republicans of the State Legislature favor a law providing that the returns of the elections of this city shall be counted in the presence of the judges of the Court of Quarter Ses sions. Various amendments of the Registry law are unfortunately complicated with this proposition; but if they are postponed for the present, and attention is concentrated on the reform relating to the manner in which the returns shall be counted, such a measure undoubtedly should, and we earnestly hope it will, be adopted. The violent, infamous, and iangerous scenes which have disgraoed the late meetings of return judges should never be repeated, and the proposed remedy will go far to prevent their recurrence. If anything in the whole range of our political system should be done honestly, deoently, and in an orderly manner, it is the final ceunt of the election returns which decide who shall control the city. Praotioally no system can be worse than that now fol lowed, and we know of bo better remedy than that which has been suggested. Let tbe Legislature pass two laws one throwing legal restraints around delegate elections, and the other requiring that the election returns of Philadelphia shall be counted in the presence of her ov.irt: aud it will rejoice the hearts of all good citizens. Pditicinns v,iio oppose cither of those mea sures will by such opposition only sign their own doath-warrants, and they will deserve to perish with the system of bummerism, corrup tion, and crime that has already beeu too long-lived. THE MILITIA TAX. The militia tax as it now exists is a rolio of the days when every able-bodied whito male citizen between certain ages was expected to turn out twice a year to learn the rudiments of tbe art of war; and under our present mili tia system it is unjust, annoying, and en tirely inadequate for the purposes intended in its creation. The old-fashioned "train ings," as everybody that recollects them is well aware, were the merest burlesques, and citizens who had any self-rospoot refused to turn out with old muskets, blunderbusses, and broomsticks for the purpose of making asses of themselves. Those who did net turn out were liable to a fine, which was never im posed, and which finally, when regular vo lunteer companies began to be formed, was entirely neglected. This fine was afterwards imposed in the shape of a tax upon those liable to militia duty who did not join the volunteer companies as active members, or who were not exempt on account of service under the United States. After the close of the war persons interested in the reorganization of the various military com panies succeeded in having this tax enforced for the benefit of their respective organiza tions, and the amount obtained was supposed to be divided equitably between the different regiments and companies for the purpose of providing them with arms and equipments and paying their current expenses. The Legislature finally reduced the tax to one dollar per annum, and a collector was ap pointed to extort it from the unwilling victims, flow the tax is colleoted, and what an unmitigated nuisance it is, the male citi zens of Philadelphia are well aware; how it fails to support our militia organization, and hew its collection is managed so that the col lector is enabled to make large pecuniary profits by means of the irresponsible power placed in his hands, we demonstrated in a former arti cle. That the tax as at present imposed ought to be abolished admits of no question, but it is nevertheless true that a militia system of some sort ought to be supported by the pub lic. That our present system is the best that could be devised is at least doubtful, but that it is the best possible under existing circum stances is very probable. That the public should be obliged to pay for expensive uni forms and other paraphernalia ought not to be expected, and if our volunteer soldiers wish to indulge in such luxuries they should pay for them out of their own pockets. The public, however, should pay the reasonable expenses of the militia, but the whole burden should not fall upon the comparatively few BnH who 11aI1 io nilitit dntjr, btaft wbod not choosa to attach themselves to tny of the military or ganizations. If the militia is of any use at all, the entire community is benefited by it, and all the taxables should be compelled to contribute to its support. Any tax authorized for the support of the militia should also be imposed and collected in a regular manner, and its proper distribution ensured by legal enactments that will prevent the misappro priation of any portion of it. A small addi tion to the annual tax rate of this city would amply provide for the proper support of our militia organizations, and the burden imposed upon each individual tax-payer would be so small as to be almost imperceptible, while its collection would not be attended with the an noyances incident to the present system. The militia tax is almost as much a nuisance as the income tax, and the Legislature should seriously consider the propriety of the ohange we have suggested. It is not right that a portion of the community, and that portion being in a great measure composed of poor men to whom the tax is a real burden, should be compelled to support a military establish' ment that benefits all if it bonefits any; and we appeal to our representatives at II arris- burg to do justice in the matter. AMNES1Y 1NWEST VIRGINIA. The people of West Virginia to-day vote at a special election to determine whether or not a radical change shall be made in the funda mental law regulating the elective franohise. The first section of the third article of tho State Constitution now reads as follows: "1. The white male citizens of the State shall be entitled to vote at all elections held within the elec tion districts In which tuey respectively reside, bat no peuon who it a minor, or of unsound mind, or a pauper, or woo is unuer conviction or treason, felony, or bribery In an election, or who has not been a resident of the state for one year, and of the county in which he oilers to vote for thirty davs. ahall be permitted to vote while such disability cou- uuues. u jjermn vno im.e ine it aay ojjune, inoi, htm given, or ehall give, voluntary aid or assistance to the Rebellion anaiiut the United States, shall be a citi zen of this Slmte, or shall be allowed to vote at any elec tin therein, unless he has volunteered into the military or Mval tervict of the United .state, and to Veen, or .1.111. L II- .l.'. l J.L .. snan v, nvnvruvty uwrnirgm mererom. For two years past the subject of removing the political disabilities of ex-Rebels created by this provision has been earnestly agitated, and the Republicans have eventually lost con trol of the State for a time by general oppo sition to the change proposed. The question to be determined to-day is, whether or not the portions of the above provision which we have printed in italics shall be expunged from the Constitution. The word white is already rendered invalid by the fifteenth amendment to the Federal Constitution, and people of all parties in the State have at last come to the conclusion that ex-Rebels should have the same privileges at the ballot-box as are now en joyed by their former slaves. The amend ment is supported by the Wheeling IntelU. geneer, the leading Rep ublican organ of the State, exd there is no doubt that it will be ratified by a large majority. Experience has taught the Republican party of West Vir- ginia the wisdom which the Republican mem bers of the National Senate have yet to learn. II1E DEMOCRACY AND JUSTICE! DA VIS. An amendment must be made to a f am us old formula. From hearing it so often tbe world has grown to believe that somo men really are born great, that others achieve greatness, and that others yet have greatness thrust upon them. It would show a most perverse spirit to attempt to dishonor these propositions. We feel impelled to add to them, and onr amendment would read thus: Some men narrowly esospe greatness. In witness whereof consider tho case of Justice Davis, of the United States Supreme Court, and the Democratic President-mongers, as recently reported in The Telegraph. Although the time for electing another Presi dent is yet far distant, the wire-pullers are already arranging their apparatus and making ready for their little game. With the Demo crats the selection of a candidate is a much more important matter than the building of a platform to put him on. Tho contrary we believe to bo the fact with the lie publicans, and this despite the abuses in the ruling party abuses that we have never been timorous in assailing. In this still great party men must foot the line of prinoiple, for It is found in even the high est places that voters are ready to give up their most popular representatives rather than deny the great truths that have made Republicanism a power. There could be no greater proof of this than the willingness shown in 6ome quarters to throw over even so distinguished a partisan and high candidate as General Grant. But the question of prin ciple is an awkward one with the Democracy, and one that it would much rather not discuss. Too many troublesome faots lie behind it to make it a profitable matter to dwell upon. So it seems that already, and without any further indication of its policy than can be gathered from the "address" published a week ago, the Demo crats seek to identify some prominent man with the Presidential movement, and to run the campaign on an entirely personal tack. This has been often done, as we all know sometimes succeeding, but oftener shipwrecking all hands concerned. It seems, further, that the Democrats would rather than not adopt a gentleman who has hereto fore aoted with the abused Radicals. The Scent of the Hoses it was thought could be depended upon to cling around such a person to some extent still, serving the double end of nullifying the disagreeable peculiarities of his new quarters and of drawing wandering sheep to the deceitful shepherd. Justice Davis, of the Supreme Court, was supposed to answer these conditions satisfactorily. He had been a good enough Republican, and ho was at present a good enough Democrat. It was thought that Break and Shatter him as a venial Republican press might, the old smell would still cling to him to such a degree that thousands of voters would nose him from over the way and run bleating to tho new fold. But Justice D.ms was born in an unlucky season. The worst fortune mat can Happen to a man, It is said, is to have Saturn in his house, ascendant, in the fourth quarter; and this must have been the melancholy case with Justice Davis. In a miserable hour he voted in favor of the con stitutionality of the Legal-tender act. The managers had almost determined upon Justioe Davis, we are told, but after that unaooount able action they abandoned him. Do not some men, then, narrowly escape greatness? "For this time only," as the theatrical handbills say, when announcing a rare and novel entertainment, lion. W. F. Smith yes terday appeared before his colleagues at liar- risburg in the ro'e of an "honest man." The entertainment was as attractive as it was unique, and it naturally excited the laughter of the spectators. Smiths honesty con sistedin the solemn avowal that he "did not want a fellow whom $25 would buy over." nis recent declaration that be is henceforth a free man and not for sale was doubtless prompted by the low price which he com' mandB at Harnsburg, and his "only" appear ance in tho character of an "honest man" was intended, of course, to give his colleagues on the floor and in the lobby a definite idea of how high they must bid if they would buy back the freedom which he has asserted. Parties having pneumatic tubes and stone cracking machines to dispose of will take no tice and act accordingly. NOTICES. The Ladies of Philadelphia, Akd all Wno ark Interested In toe Purchase of Boys and Children's CLOTnrNO, Will FiDamost elegant assortment of entirely new designs In Spring Wear for Lads of three years of age and upwards, at Oak Hall, and the prices this season are cer tainly within the reach of the most eco nomical. OrR Stock of Fine Ready-made Garments for Youth has never been so largo, or the line of Bizo eo complete as at present, while our btyles are the very latest, and the make of Wavamaikk a Budwn's Clothing, whether for Youth or Cents, has a reputation not attained by any other Clothing House in this city. Tns Salesmen are patient, and all who visit Oak Hall will receive polite attention.whether they wish to purchase or not. An exami nation of our goods and a comparison of cur prices earnestly invited. Store open from 6 A. M. to p. m. Salurdayi until 10 P. M. Wanamakeb & Brown, WANAMAkBK A BltOWN, Wanamakkk A Brown, Oak Hall, Oak Hall, Oak Hall, The Largest Clothing House in America. S. K Coknkb Sixth and Market Sts. 128.000 Wanted. A Partner with this amount, to assist In establishing a Laboratory, to manufacture by an improved prooesa a line of staple Chemicals largely sold. To capitalists aeckiug a safe Invest ment, which will yield a good return, the above It an oi portuulty seldom otlered. The lint of refer ecces will be given. Addrtaa "Laboratory," Ledger Crtice. O T O C K B, LOANS, ETC., U I)U1 UIM DOLU AT THK BOARD OF BUoKERS, BY OEUltOK J. BUVU. 4 25 tuth2uirp No. li t. TU1RD S'.reet, No. 901 CHESTNUT STREET. FRESirCHIA MATTINGS'. WHITE RED CHECK, AfcD FANCY STYLES. 50 PIECES FRENCH AXMINSTER, GROCERIES, ETC. Burlington Herring, First of the season, just in store. E. BRADFORD CLARKE, (SUCCESSOR TO SIMON COLTON & CLARKE,) S. W. Corner BROAD and WALNUT, 1 31 tnthStMp PHILADELPHIA. OLOTHING. Remember it, Gentlemen! REMEMBER I That no anlt yon ever bought in yonr lite was as good or aa cueap as wnat yon bought at Rockhill & Wilson's. REMEMBER! That the EarlT Spring Styles of Fine Kn'meiit now to we seen at tuo GKKAT BROWN HALL are ahead of all competition In every respect. Rockhill A Wilson. FEMEMBER! That tho prices Of the Fine Spring uooes, Doin ior men ana Doys, are bo low at tho GREAT BROWN HALL that you ought to bring ad the male members of the family at once, for full suits. RBMEMBER! Six hundred and three and six hun dred ana uve utuiftjx ux street. IOCH8 TBDLT, ROCKHILL & WILSON, 603 and 605 GHE53UT STREET' J CUT 74 -CHESTNUTST; il inrB 1 Index the PHUADELPHIAiPAj v . - WE CLAIM a rilE-EMINENCE among CIIESNUT STREET TAILORS for the extreme LOWNESS OP OUR PRICES, With which Is combined an unexcelled . -Stock of Piece Ooods to clioostl from, Artistic and Fashionable Cutting, And handsome and durable Trimming and Making. WESTON & BROTHER, TAILORS, S W. Corner NINTH and ARCH Sti, PHILADELPHIA, A full assortment now in store OF THE CHOICEST NOVELTIES OF THE SEASON FOR GENTLEMEN'S WEAR. A SUPERIOR GARMENT AT A REASONABLE FRICB. 8 8mrp PIANOS. fffl STEIN WAY &, SONS' GRAND SQUARE AND UPRIGHT PIAN03. Special attention Is called to their PATENT UPRIGHT PIANOS. CHARLES BLASIUS. Warerooms, No. 1000 CHESN UT btreet, PhliadeU phia. 4 13 tfrp grj 8C1IU1IACKEH & CO., GRAND gqUARE AND UPRIGHT PIANOS. Special attention Is called to onr Upright Pianos. They possets the highest improvements of any in struments made, and are unrivalled for toue and Curability. AIbo, bole Agents for the celebrated Bl'llDETT ORGAN. SCIIOM ACKER & CO., jMSlmlp No. 1103 CHE3NUT Street. PIANOS AND ORGANS, rg GEO. 8TECK & CO.S.l liHADbUhVS, HAINES' BROS', PIANOS, MASON AND n AM LIN'S CABINET ORGANS. GOULD FISCHER, No. Si3 OHESNUT Street. I. I. GOULD. Ko. 1018 ARi'U bueet. M. 0. t IbCUX. in trip WATCHES, JEWELRY, ETO. rpo THE PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC. REMEMBER THAT THIS 13 POSITIVELY THE LAST WEEK IN PHILADELPHIA OF THE GENUINE AND ORIGINAL MILTON GOLD JEW ELRY COM FA NY OF No. 1022 CUES NUT STREET. The following are some of the articles Included in the Company's large and elegant assortment of Goods Just received, WHICH WILL BE SOLD FOR ONE DOLLAR: CAMEO MEDALLION Sets. PEARL ETRUSCAN CORAL CLUSTER CLUSTBR SCARF PINS. CLUSTER TAIL PINS. CLUSTER CROSS PINS. ROUND CLUSTER PINS. EMERALD STONE TAIL PINS. RUBY ' OPAL ' AS80RTED STONE SLEEVE BUTTONS. GUARD NECK CHAINS, rope pattern. GUARD NECK CHAINS, round and square lint. VEST CHAINS. LEONTINE VEST CHAINS. LADIES' CHATELAINE CHAIN'S. OPERA CHAINS, all patterns. SPIRAL NECKLACES. SPIRAL ARMLETS. BEAD NECKLACES. HOOP EAR-RINGS. TELESCOPIC PENS, diamond points, large size, elegantly chased. GENTLEMEN'd PENCILS, with slides, round and scolloped cases. LADIES' PENCILS, elegantly chased. TELESCOPIC TOOTH-PICKS, beautifully en graved. RUBBER SCREW PENCILS, elegantly engraved and chased. FAN-SHAPED HANDKERCHIEF HOLDERS, fine chain and ring, elegantly chased. CnASED AND ENGRAVED LOCKETS, elegant designs. BRAZILIAN BUG LOCK RTS OR CHARMS. PLAIN WEDDING RINGS. ELEGANT CHASED RINGS. ASSOR I ED STONE SBAL RINGS. LADIES' AND GENTLEMEN'S CLU8TER RINGS, set In the newest and most beautiful man ner, with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 stones. BUACELBTS, elegantly angraved and cli&sod, square patterns. BRACELETS, beautifully engraved and chased oval patterns. The choice of any article for One Dollar. Remember tha'. we positively close In Phlladel phla ob Saturday next. Salesroom open from 9 A M. to 9 P. M. 4 8T 8:rp JUST 01liWUl BY JEWELLERS, No. 902 CHE8NUT Street, Paris Clocks and Bronzes, Fans and Fancy Goods 8 13 ktulh lstnlllislicd in 1854. WATCHE8. EVERGOINO STEM-WINDERS, KEY-WINDERS, QUARTER SECONDS, MINUTE REPEATERS, ETO. ETO. ETO, C. & A. FEQUIGNOT, No. 603 CIIESNUT STREET, 4 25 3m PHILADELPHIA. HENEY HARPER, 722 CHE8NUT Street, A NEW STOCK AT LOW PRICES OF WATCHES, OPERA AND VEST CHAINS, FINE JEWELRY SILVER BRIDAL PRESENTS, Rogers', SUver-Plated Spoous, Forks, Tea Sets, Castors, Ice Pi tellers, Etc. 4 19 lnup TRAVELLERS' CREDITS. Our Letter of Credit gives the bolder the privilege of drawing either on DREXEL, 1IAUJES & CO., Taris IN FRANCS, 08 ON Meiirs. A. S PETRIE & CO., London, As mar be found most con vehleut or profitable, and Is available throughout Europe. To panic gulag at'joad we oiur special lacuuies, collecting toeir m U rest and aivldcuds during their absence without barge, DKEXEL & CO., Ro, 84 BOUTQ THIRD BTRSET, PHILADELPHIA. CARPETINQS. CARPETINGS. PEHBODY WESTON, I,o. 723 CHESHUT St., WILL OPEN A WE W LOT or ON FRIDAY MORNING. CHEAPEST CARPETG IN THE CITY. Isgrairs, Three-ply, 70cv. Upward. $1 35 do. $1-15 do, $1 60 do. $2-25 do. Tapestry Bruaeel, TJcdy Brussels, Croeslfy'e Velvets, CHEAPEST MATTINGS IN THE CITY. CAF.GO JUST ARIUVED PE1 CLIPPER TABPINO," 25 Cents a Yard and Upward. PEAB0DY & WESTON, No 723 CHESNUT St., It PUILADELPHIA. WEBER. CERNEA & CO., (Successors to E. J. LesUr & Co.). 29 N. SECOND Street. Opposite Clirlat Church. ' SPRING IMPORTATIONS. Body Brussels, Tapestry Brussels, TCith a Full Lino of Domestic CAKPETINGS. JUST RECEIVED, A L AUG 12 INVOICES or CHINA MATTINGS, Fine Whito and Red Chocked, All Widths. Moderate Iriccs, V., C. & CO., Opposite Christ Church, PHILADELPHIA 4 S3 tuttwim MATTINGS. FXIE3IX IMPORTATION , MADE FROM NEW GRASS. THE BEST In t li o Country, ALSO, Low Priced Mattings. R. L. KNIGHT 8 SON, Ho. I2S2 CHEONUT 8trcot, 4S3tUtb6t PUlLADSLPniA.
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