DEBATE OF OCTOBER 31, 1888.Question: "Resolved, that presidential electors should be chosen by districts instead of on a general ticket."

Brief for the Affirmative.W. D. Clark and M. A. Kilvert.

Best general references: Stanwood's Presidential Elections, particularly chapters I, XXI, XXIV and XXVII; O'Neil's American Electoral System, particularly chapters I and XXIV.

1. At the present day the American people are confronted with the fact that the weakest point in their plan of government is the mode of choosing a president.- O'Neil's Am. El. Sys., p. 1.

2. The district system counted among its advocates during the National Convention the ablest men in the country.- Stanwood's Pres. El, chap. 1.

3. The district system has been in use, and strenuous efforts have been made by Congress and by different States to introduce it still further.- Lalor's Encyclopaedia II, 66 et seq.

4. The general ticket system unjustly gives the balance of power to a small majority, or even a plurality, in a larger state; (e. g., Pennsylvania in 1840.- Am. Almanac, 1881, p. 352.)

5. The possession of this power leads to great corruption in the large doubtful States. (e. g., Indiana in 1888.)

6. Under the district system the factional contests in a great city, like New York, could affect only local instead of national results.

7. The general ticket system is (a) sectional and dangerous; and (b) lessens political interest. Under a district system there could be no "solid South."- O'Neil, Am. Elec. Sys., p. 166.

8. Probably both Houses, and certainly the lower branch of Congress, would be in political sympathy with the President, obviating the danger of deadlocks and fixing political responsibility on one party.- G. Bradford's "The Practical Working of Our Government."

Brief for the Negative.G. H. Black, and T. Woodbury.

Best general references: Benton's Debates, Vol. V, pages 678 and 681.