Poor Candidates And The Voting System.

POOR CANDIDATES AND THE VOTING SYSTEM .

IT would be an interesting , though perhaps not a pleasant stndy , to inquire into the cost of charity . It is comparatively easy to ascertain the outlay in any given instance where a building or institution exists . The balance sheet in each case should clearly show income and

expenditure , assets and liabilities . From these figures and the number of persons benefitted , a per capitum charge could be arrived at , sufficiently precise to admit of honest inferences being drawn . What is easy in the instance mentioned is almost impossible in the case of any one

seeking the aid of a particular Institution . A person wishing to obtain a benefit by means of voting must necessarily incur some outlay in the operation , and to a certain extent success depends upon the amount expended . Those who have influential friends stand a better chance ; indeed , they

virtually monopolise the vacancies in most charities . How painful and disheartening the system is to the very poor few can realise , and the thought occurs whether a preliminary fund should not be formed to help those who are too poor to help themselves . It is sad to contemplate such

cases , many of which , it is feared , are hopelessly out of the struggle because they have neither money themselves , nor friends io supply the necessary means . Yet this very class has the first claim upon charitable institutions , especially upon those connected with Freemasonry . The difficulty

does not arise from want of heart . Those engaged in Masonic Charities , and these alone are matters of consideration at the present moment , rank among the foremost of those concerned in good works . It is enough to go to Freemasons' Hall on voting days to understand the

devotion displayed by men , aye , and by women too , in labours that can have no earthly reward except that which a satisfied conscience yields . The scene is one of mixed pleasure and pain . On the one hand is the certainty of relief being given to a fixed number : on the other hand is

the equal certainty that the majority must go empty away , sick at heart and in despair . A few who can come again have hope in the future , but too many , alas ! have sacrificed their strength in vain . How many of these fail from want of monetary and other help it would not be easy to define . It

is not an unfair inference to assume that some at least might have succeeded if they had been blessed with that assistance which seems to become more and more necessary every day . It cannot always be made clear that some candidates are less eligible than others , and it assuredly is not

intended here to insinuate that any candidate is unworthy of success . Yet the fact remains that there are distinctions , and the fear is that the present system is calculated to intensif y them , to render more difficult the path of the poor to the desired end . The cure for this state of things is not apparent , nor would it be possible to formulate a method that would be acceptable to the majority . It would , perhaps , not be desirable , even were it possible , to lay down fixed rules . The charitably disposed are entitled to the choice of method of exercising their generosity , and the ° nly thing that can be done is to place the facts of each

case before them in the clearest and fullest manner . Every care , no doubt , is taken in the first place , in accepting cand'dates , and honourable efforts are made officially to pre-8 fc"Qt individual claims . So far the work is done well , and

Poor Candidates And The Voting System.

little alteration , perhaps , can be made in that respect . The Masonic Press , particularly the OHEONICLB , does sift the cases , and present their several necessities in a clear , if not in an exhaustive manner . In our own case great pains are taken to place the merits of each case before the brethren ,

and we have reason to believe that much good results from this arduous though willingly undertaken labour ; but something more is needed in particular instances , especially in the poorer cases , which can only be done by those possessing personal knowledge . In the absence of any

general rule on the subject it would be well for individuals aud Lodges to assure themselves that their candidates are able to bear the necessary outlay consequent upon an effective canvass ; and where it was lacking to endeavour to supply it . We can only point out to persons what we

consider to be a necessity , and leave the decision m their hands . No reproach would attach to them for not finding money as well as votes . They are the best judges of their own powers and responsibilities . We may , however , appeal to Lodges , and ask them to consider what we have

said , in order that any candidate in whom they are interested shall not risk the chance of defeat , because of the lack of means to push their claims . The disposition to do

all that is necessary no doubt exists ; it only requires to be put into systematic practice to secure the end they desire , at least to ensure an equality of chance for those they favour .

Looking at the question in another light , it opens up considerations that are well worth reflection . The practice of borrowing votes has obtained a wide development , and has led to the growth of evils that threaten to damage reputations and the Charities themselves . Much

recklessness prevails in this respect , and unless greater care is exercised in the future very unpleasant results will follow The system is wrong in principle , unless the security for repayment is absolutely put beyond question . It is something like the custom that exists among too

many young men , who are induced to pledge their credit by tempting facilities only to find that they have brought upon themselves torture , disgrace , and an incubus from which years , and , perhaps , a life , cannot free them . A case occurs to us , in which a brother ,

in his zeal for a candidate , pledged his voting credit beyond the possibility of repayment . He brought reproach upon himself , discredit upon the system , and inflicted injury upon some other candidate or candidates who relied upon the return of borrowed votes . He sowed distrust , and probably

damaged a reputation that in every other respect stood high . It is to be hoped that there are not many similar cases , but the system is full of temptation and danger ; and , unless some alteration takes place , the probability of recurrence may be constantly anticipated . Moral influence

can do a great deal to guide the practice of exchange of votes . The principles of the Stock Exchange are not desirable in the work of charity , and , however anxious a brother may be to secure the return of a particular candidate , he should not forget his liabilities , nor should he

incur obligations about the discharge of which he has the slightest doubt . Tbe system of barter implies risks , hence the creation of rates of exchange . Were security

indisputable , there would be no necessity for the inequality of votes ; in proportion as this is not so , rash speculation arises , ancl in the nature of things there must be some failures . No law would meet this condition of things ;