The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1842-05-04
From, the Asherille Messenger.

A vicious custom prevails in some OF the
counties in North Carolina, of candidates 1or
public stations, treating the people, before and at
the elections. This custom is radically wrong
in principle, and demoralishng in practice
Elections ought to be free as the air. every voter
should exercise his own free will, and make his
own voluntary choice, regardless of brlbes and
bats, or of money or liquor TO influence or control
his tote. A free man ought not to sell his lloer-
ty for mess of pottage, or a gill OF whskey.
The right of suffrage is high attribute of sover-
eighty in this country, and he who exercises 1t
ought 10 be entirely sober, and in the full pos
session of all his mental faculties. On the day
of an election, every voter acts in the double Ca
pacity Of judge and juror, 10 decide upon his own
rights, and the rights of thousands of his fellow
citizens. Surely then, the judge and jury, when
they have cause of such great magnitude COM
mtted to them for trial and decision, should not
only be sober, but they should repel and reject
with Indignation all tampering, or treating them,
to influence their impartial verdict, and righteous
Judgment.
Treating by candidates is demoralishing and
imposes heavy tax on the community. 1t ena-
bles andinduces those who ere addicted to lntoXl-
cation, to get drunk, swear and fight, then the
case is taken to court, and too often the lntem-
pcrate volators of the peace, are unable TO pay
anything, and consequently, all the loss falls up
on the taxpayers Of the country. In that way,
idle vagabonds impose and collect high tax off
Industrious farmers. THIS custom is all wrong,
and desire to sec it stopped. am not men,
Der of any temperance society, but l wish to see
the election privilege not only free in theory
and name, but free in truth, and in fact | do
not propose to prevent any person from drinking,
I nct II. of dali chnl
freeman shall not sell, or be cheated and de!raud-
ed out of their votes.
The question now arises, how shall this Vi
cous custom be STOPPED and abolished! pro-
pose this plan, that each grand jury, in each
county in the State, shall at their next court,
respectfully request all candidates to come before
them, and say they will abstain from treating
with any kind of liquor, before and at the elec-
ton. If the candidates will 60 in body, or
separately, and agree they will not treat them
solves, or procure others 10 treat for them, then
this corruptve and pernicious practice will be
abandoned, and forever relinqushed. If any
one or.pore candidates, will not agree publicly
to abstain from treating, then all the other can
ddates are absoIved from their promise or agree
ment. But let the friends of true liberty, good
order, and low taxes, mark that candidate who
would not agree to run fair race in the election,
without offering to bribe or buy their votes. If
the friends of civil liberty, and rational elections
will act with moderation and yfrmness, they will
soon see an enlightened public opinion, correct
and change this pernicious custom. If some
half dozen prudent and sensible men of concili.
atory temper and patriotic spirit, will unite and
cooperate to effect such reformation in their
respective counties, their cxcrtions will be sue
cesstul. a WHEN