To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.1
SIR,—Is it not possible that the adoption of negative voting- would effectually destroy the chances of men with any marked individuality of character, and result in the still further up- heaval of mediocrity ?
Suppose a contest in a two-seated borough constituency. Let us say that Smith, a local brewer, and Lord R. Churchill were.
the Conservative candidates; and that Jones, a local ironmaster, and Mr. Chamberlain were the Liberal candidates. Would it not be almost a certainty that Mr. Chamberlain and Lord Randolph Churchill would be at the bottom of the poll, and Messrs. Smith and Jones at the top
I protest against undue honours to Smith and Jones. The negative vote would give us negation of talent.—I am, Sir, &c.„
Slingsby, York, November 26th. W. C. ALEXANDER.
[We do not think that voters with strong positive leanings would ever wish to give up their power of supporting a man they admired, for the purpose of opposing another man. In the case supposed, the strong Liberals would all vote for Mr- Chamberlain, and the strong Conservatives for Lord Randolph Churchill.—En. Spectator.]
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