Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1840-12-11
OBLIGATIONS. OF VOTING.

Mr.. Dewey, in his late work, 'sMoral Views
Of Society, Commerce and Politics." has the
following remarks:
81 have dwelt much longer than ! intended
\Apcn this first foundation principle of our polit-
ical morality --that which requires every legal
~ qualified citizen to give his vote at the cleo
sions. There is another duty coincident with
this, which is too often violated to be passed
over in silence; and that is the duty of giving
m honest vote.
.sEvery citizen, in his primary act, that
eises its being and character to the Govern
sis bound to express his honest convic-
THE vote demands the contribution of
i ~nss:se> ef his judgment, of his patriotism
and fidelity to the common veal. The citizen
: IS the real governor; and if the elected ruler
Is forbidden. by every justpriaciple, to swerve
from an honest purpose toward the public
good, so is the ruling elector. And he who
surrendeSs his Judgment or his conscience to
private interest, or the mere dictaton of par
"; he who accepts a bribe or offers one; he
who, ia the ballot, smothers his own convic-
ton, or attempts to coerce another's, is per-
iured in the hottest rites which he sWears upon
his country's altar.
ssT'he familiarity with which certain trans
actions at the polls are spoken Ct, yes, palpa-
bic infections of the law. with regard TO the
age, residence, and where property quaifca-
ton is required, the property Of voters-the
freedom with which parties charge these prac-
tees upon each other after an election-are
facts of evil omen. And the common defence
set up for them is, if possible, worse than the
things themselves. We are constantly told,
every nerve must be strained, every means
used, 10 carry certain measures; the opposite
party lexSe no means, however Gagicious and
\ deaperate, untred and we must meet them on
d. (Flacir own ground-must fight them with their
1 own weS,ons. Admirable doctrine! that goes
around fhe whole circuit Of parties, and lends
ahaddlsto each one, wherewth ~ pnsh on the
emuatise argument for dishonesty and in
II tigue! The country in danger! and to be
il saved BY corruption, bribery. false swearing,
and the violated law! The nation sick and
prostrate by the tampering of some ignorant
administration with its health and vigor-and
how to be .cured9 By the canker and the
gangre0e they are eating out its very vitals!
Away with such paltering and pal,ry argn-
men,s for the expedent against the right! If
it must be so, | had rather my county were
destroyed by truth than saved by fasehood.
would rather it were ruined by virtue than Se-
deemed BY corruption. But do not the very
terms Of this Statement. show that il is not so?
No; honesty is the best policy for man or ma
!, iion,-fer Individual or party. But if honesty
i, anv where TO be demanded or expected, ii
lis in the first act that gives its characterize the
Sovernment--,he elections. Admit any false
principle there, and what, in consistency, can
YOU look for but corrupt Government Will
you poison the fountaln'head and expect the
stream to be pure!
II insist, then, that the election shall be
honest. A man should no more dare to be
false to his own mind, false to conscience, in
giving HE vote, than he would in giving his
word. His vote is his word, and the only
word, perhaps, that he CAN speak in the great
ear of the nation. II that word is a lie, he
sacrifices, as far as in him is, the right govern
ment and rec.itude of the country"