Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 6.djvu/553

 A YEAR'S MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT 539

that make frauds at election easy of accomplishment and diffi- cult of detection ; which facilitate the election of machine men and discriminate against the honest independent. Until Penn- sylvania has fair and adequate election laws it is almost useless to talk of other reforms. The present prospect favors the enact- ment of a law that will place all voters and all candidates on a parity, and the adoption of a constitutional amendment and laws which will make personal registration possible and will introduce other much-needed regulations and safeguards.

The Municipal League of Philadelphia for years has been laboring to bring about these reforms, and the present bright outlook is undoubtedly in very considerable part due to its per- sistence. In 1897 ^e constitutional amendment was prepared by one of its committee and presented to the legislature by its counsel. It failed of passage at that session, but in 1899 was again introduced, and this time passed, only to meet with the governor's veto. The league questioned his right to take this action and instituted a suit to determine the scope of his author- ity. The lower court decided against the league's contention ; but the supreme court sustained every one of its points and denied the right of a governor to prevent the people from passing on proposals to amend the constitution which have had the sanction of the legislature. The amendment must pass another legisla- ture before it can be finally submitted to a vote of the people.

The league's victory has been considered by the leading papers of the state, not identified with the machine, as one of the most notable reform victories achieved in the state.

The plight of Kentucky under its present election law is well known. The reform forces of that state have laid aside every other consideration and measure, and concentrated their energies to secure " a fair election law." A nonpartisan committee has been formed, which has been conducting a vigorous campaign for the repeal of the infamous Goebel law and the enactment of a statute which will safeguard the liberties of the state.

The existence of a law which makes it possible to throw out the entire vote of a large and influential city like Louisville is a menace to free government. Until it is repealed, public activities