Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1831-06-09
For the Gazette.
TO THE PUBLIC.

The practice Of candidates in treating the
voters with ardent spirits, during the time Of
canvassing, before an election, is one involv
ing MANY serious consequences. 1t is a sub
ject worthy Of our consideration, because it
concerns our dearestipterests and bestwishes.
bring it before you. ] have chosen the press
as medium Of communication best suited
to my purpose. And, as the subject is one
of much moment, have no apology to make
for my present obtrusion. But perhaps it
may be thought by some. that word onth
subject at this time is out Of seasons pre-
mature. | do not think so II is known to
all Of you. that the car vassing for the ensu
ing election has commenced, and am sorry
to say, it is known to some Of you, that with
it, the odious practice of treating has also
commenced | ask then can this moral, this
political curse, he too prematurely, or too of
ten brought before the people?
ask-will the people seriously AMI dis
passiona'ely consider this subject and when
they have done so. will they decide and act
accordingly? They have the power TO put
down this practice, and will they not put il
DOWN. The constitution of our country
guarantees to US, the right TO bestow our suf-
irages, free and nnrestrained, without the
Influence OF either reward or compulsion.--
dom, and one Of the best att, ibutes of our
government Shall we not protect itp say,
shall we not preserve the purity of our cleo
tive franchise9
If it shall ever be asccrtained, that we are
incapable Of preserving our privileges, WE
may then prepare TO bid farewell to cur pre-.
sent republican form of government. Ours
is emphatically government of the people
and the day that proves 10 us, that we can
not keep pure the elective franchise, will tel
US, that we are incapable of self government
| What has a more certain tendency to de
stroy our liberties. than to destroy the purity
Of our elections? Nothing. Has not the
practice OF treating the voters cerruptins
! tendencyp We know it has. True, the can
didate who offers you whiskey to drink, doe
not tell you, that il is for the purpose 0
obtaining your vote. No, he knows that sucf
: an avowal would make him liable, to Grim
inal prosecution. in the courts Of his country
But that the procuring your vote, Is his OBJ
jcct, Is obvious to every one who viii reflec
! far moment. He who runs may read. ant
he VINO will read the conduct of candidates
before and during canvassing, may racl
his ingenuity to find out any other plausible
motive. This is his object. No other cal
be assigned.
VIII we longer tolerate such vile prac
tice, and suffer candidates to insult our dig
nifty, by offering MS, that which is ten time
more significant than mess of pottage, 10
one Of our noblest birth rights as America
citizens? hope not. II is virtually askin
US. to sell our suffrages, They would no
dare to offer US. money. and yet ask, wher
would be the difference in principlep Bein
an enemy to treating voters, with ardent spi
rits--to this kind Of electioneering in a can
didate who never can enter a company Q
gentlemen. but says, "come, what will yo
: drink-drink something-here's whiskey
brandy, gin, Sc. SIC. come take little
have had it within my minds eye, after tar
rying while at Jericho, 10 become people
man Cor popular favour, hut rest assured,
will never court popularity by hrihing m
fellow-citizens with wliskey would disdai
holding an office of honor acquired by sue
means. OPEQUON.
|, A letter from the u States Consular Com
mercial Agent at Antigua. dated May
the Colleetor of the port Of New York. state
, that these is a great scarcity OF provisions .
, that and alb the windward islands, there b
. ing scarcely barrel Of -four or beef for sale
9T-Price OF Flour in Baltimore, 81 IS
: In Alsxandria, - 62a-In New York, IS 6