101 1 1CS OF THE DAY.
CHEAP ELECTIONS.
Out last week's article on This subject—the most important of an at the pee,ent moment—has been extensively circulated in the country. On two departrnente only of the directiuns we wish So add additional advice.
LEGAL EXPENSES.
The choice and location of Booths is a matter of frequent gene- ral arrangement by the agents of candidates. The Reform Acts give extensive diecretion to the Returning Officer ; who may con- duct the poll in any convenient large building or warehouse. Much expense eriay be saved, therefore, by the non-erection of booths.
A saving tnny also be made in the cost of Special Constables, numbers of whom are often appointed .in places where no dis- turbances ate apprehended. The administration of the Long Oaths should be avoided by the popular party. It almost invariably protracts the poll a second day, where one day would otherwise suffice.
The Poll Clerks are generally too numerous. A-careful selec- doe of more competent persons would usually dispense with half or a third of the customary number. It is common to appoint the ereatest ruers of the locality to this office of "checking votes." Reversing the principle of selection, would greatly diminish the expense ; and surely, at such a time, and for two days, clerks and the voenger members of the constituencies might gratuitously officiate.
THE WATCH COMMITTEE.
The judicious appointment of this new voluntary Sub-Commit- tee is of the greatest importance. Public notice should be given of its objects and duties,—namely, as a means for the collection and record of every species of illegal act ; such as Bribery, Treat- ing, payment of Rates preceding the Registration, Coercion, In- timidation, threats of Exclusive Dealing, &c. Accurate notes should be kept, by the WATCH Commerree, of all Public-houses avowedly open by the Tory candidates or their agents, or gratui- tously open to their partisans. The persons conducting the "spirit and beer-barrel process" should be narrowly watched. A record should be made of all detected instances of the gratuitous distri- bution of ribands ited drapery, whether given to electors or non- electors. The functions of the members of this Committee are most important, if faithfully executed. In all cases of disputed returns, their records will be highly valuable. The facts collected will, moreover, be of essential use to illustrats hereafter the ex- isting defects of the Representative system, and especially to de- monstrate the virtue of the BALLOT as a necessary corrective of the mode of voting. We urge therefore on the Reformers, in every contested city and borough throughout the kingdom, to nominate early a WATCH CommineE.
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