POINTS FROM LETTERS THE GENERAL ELECTION AND VOTING BY PROXY.
In the business affairs of many large firms, it is the custom to consult the shareholders, before any important matter likely to affect their interests is carried out. This is done by allowing thaSe unable to attend the speeial Meeting Called for the -purpose to vote by proXy.- Why, it nay'reasonably be asked, should not the same method be iiiticidiked the election of a candidate -for the- far greater responsible- post of government of the country ? _Many whose names are on the roll of legitimate voters are often prevented attending personally the recording place. Why should they not be able, by means of special schedules, to empower the retiring or past representative of their constituency to present these schedules at the recording office ? The necessary -forms could' be obtained at the post • office for 'a -sum, and with a government. stamp on them be as legitimate as any used in ordinary business coneerns.. -As -it • is Mostly - -employers rather than employees who are likely to be absent 'from home in the interests of their concerns at the time of an election, the loss of their votes would tell more to the disad, vantage of the Unionists and Liberals than to the Socialists and Communists. Illness would balance the votes of all parties r but proxies from invalidg would reveal a truer numerical appreciation of the country's sense of what it feels and needs.—A. ERNEST MAYLARD, Kingsmuir, Peebles.
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