Word: systemize
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Dates: during 1880-1889
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...divided his arguments into three parts: First, History of the existing system from its foundation in 1787. Second, Arguments against the existing system. Third, Arguments which are in favor of the existing system stated and answered...
Under the first head, he described the working of the present system, laying especial stress on the power vested in State legislatures to determine the manner of election of presidential electors in their several states. Under the second head he claimed that under the present system the president might be and has been elected by the minority of voters. Another point made under this heading was that according to the present system many voters were virtually disfranchised in states returning a large majority in either direction. Under the third head, the argument that the present system would destroy state individuality...
...present institution has stood the test of time, and is still sustained by the reason which led to its formation. It does a great deal to obviate the danger of ties and of contested elections. The power of small states depends entirely upon the continuance of the present system, for under the system now being discussed, New York city would have more power than the four smallest states in the Union. Also under a change of system there would be a much greater chance for bribery corruption and intimidation...
...continued by J. P. Nields, '89. He said he intended to point out existing evils and show how they could be remedied. He also dwelt at length upon the evil of giving the state legislatures so much power as well as upon minority elections. He said that the proposed system gave every voter a sense of his responsibility, and destroyed the chance of a dark horse...
...Rich offered two minutes of his time to any one who would suggest a plan for deciding contested elections held according to new system...