no reason, to doubt the correctness of the entries made by the poll-clerka ; yet many electoi s have spoken to ourselves, feeling un easy as to the fate of their votes, and request ing us to ascertain the same, if possible. For,in deed,according to the manner in which the votes were taken, nothing would have been ensier than to tamper with them, had any poll-clerk been so disposed. Let it be distinctly under stood that we do not entertain the slightest suspicion, but merely shew how false votes might have been entered, in such a manner as to defy the utmost vigilance of the agents ap pointed bythe candidates. The books were ruled in columns, one for each candidate, in which the votes were enter ed, a simple cross for each ; and a fifth for the signature of the voter. Ehch voter was entitled to give two votes ; but let us suppose the case of his giving only one. John Smith plumps for McCaul ; a cross is entered in McOaulV column, and John Smith signs the entry. But Coolahan's column is still open ; and what is there to hinder the poll- clerk afterwards from marking a cross in that like wise. It would be the work of an instant ; the most lynx-eyed agent might be baffled. The danger is not merely theoretical ; for it is well known that false voting-papers, under the former system, have been added to the file ; on one occasion, as many as thirty to gether. There are other reasons why the poll book? should be open to inspection ; to make simple mention of them will suffice. It has been the custom of the colony ; the yotin? papers, under the old system, being ordered by law to be preserved for six months, in order that any person, on payment of one shilling, should be able to examine them. When, moreover, the Hou-e of Representatives declared against the ballot, they virtually declared in favour of publicity, as regards proceedings at elections. And if the Regulation Act, as finally passed, did not carry out the expressed intention of the House, it ought to have done so. 