On this page

• Text (1)

  Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

  • 

    Untitled Article

• Transcript

  • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

    Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

    Untitled Article

    within the last few years . In no instance has it been determined to discontinue the Ballot . In not a single State has it been abrogated . In some instances it has averted the attempt at introduction of the corruption and confusion of English contests . We know of no indications that it is less effective in the States

    where it has recently been introduced , than in those where it has been long established , nor that in the latter it did not become efficient promptly after its introduction . The writer allows that , if the Ballot had been coeval with our elective system , ' to ask a vote , still more to ask a question as to how a vote had been given , would no more have entered into any man ' s mine ] , than it

    now does to overlook a person when he is writing , or to open letters directed to another . ' But then he says our habits are already formed , and cannot be changed . We think they might soon be reformed . The objection is only one of the difficulties which the Americans have surmounted . A large portion of our

    present constituency , too , is unencumbered with these old and unchanging habits ; if the effect could only be produced on the next generation , it would be better than dooming all generations to the bitter evils of the present system . But we should scarcely have to wait so long as that .

    The writer has all along assumed , that , with the Ballot , the present system of personal solicitation would continue to be practised . This assumption is essential to the validity of every argument which he has adduced : and it is a fallacy which pervades all reasonings against the Ballot ; which magnifies or creates the evils supposed to be attendant upon it , and which hides the great good which we confidently expect from its adoption . We are

    convinced that the Ballot would efficiently protect the oppressed voter . That it would protect him without the accompaniment of any evil which should make us hesitate as to its adoption . But we should be ready to confess ourselves grievously disappointed , unless it also became productive of great positive advantage . Its

    tendency is to annihilate the present mode of canvassing , which is a degrading appeal to the vanity , the fear , and the interest of the voter , and to substitute for it , that exhibition of principles and purposes , which is an appeal to his understanding . The candidate now , has to secure influences and interests ; he would then have to

    secure opinions . So different an object would require the adoption of means as different . The personal canvass of contending parties would be transformed into the discussion of political principles and public measures . The object would be , not to terrify

    or bribe , but to enlighten , and convince a constituency . In fact , * great school of public instruction would be created . Each candidate being dependent on the free and final judgment of opinion , the most diligent measures would be taken to furnish full materials for the formation of that opinion . A few members of the new Parliament owe their election to this honourable and useful

    Untitled Article

    80 The . Edinburgh Review and the Ballot

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1833, page 82, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2608/page/10/