The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1853-11-12
NEW MEXICO. Nov. 7, '53.

Sioners-I rimiei forms Of foH boohs, &c.
Now that the election is over, poIiti-
clans are beginning, again to breathe
freely, and those who have been sue
ces>iul among the cusscsSful Among the
candidates, together with their fricnds,
to let the rleasurable emotions, created
by the hoppy result, subsde into a peace
full calm, while the Disappointed aspi-
rants have already learned to smile a:
their defeat, and pocket the disappoirt-
ment with a good grace.
The recent contest, has developed one
important fact, which is the precursor
OF a better day in politics; that is, the
disregard of party lines when public
interest demands a departure from the
same. The numerous offices filled by a
direct vote Of the people, in a great
measure, contributed to this wholesome
influence upon partizaniSm, together
with that decided temperance influence
which is rapidly gaming ground in, and
purifying politics. This is manifest by
the triumphant election of the Maine
Law ticket in RaItimorr; and-also, by
the leading majority OF Mr. Thomas,
and the large poll of Mr.. McCauley, OF
Cecil, who were understood to be Maine
Law advocates.
The contest which has been Just ter
minated, should think teach some Of
the most active electioneer,ng cand-
dates that the old system Of beat
ing up for votes, is superseded entirely
by ia more gentlemanly, as we'll as a
more economical mode. Those who
"cnrriPd water on both shoulders" and
were good Maine Law men among tenn
perance people, while about the taverns
they cirCled round the "hre water" with
unsparing hospitality, have in most in
stances taled the worst. The time for
that vulgar, low, corrupt, immoral prac-
,ice of buying votes by Neattng has
nearly past away, and the candidate
who resorts to it, and TINS destroys the
healthy tone which should ever dlstln-
gush politics, corrnpts the morals OF
society, and disturbs the peace OF tami-
lies, should be put down, no matter what
his politics and qualifications may be,
by the vote of every honest man in the
community.
Such practice is rirtualIy violation
OF the second section OF The Constitution,
which says:
"lhat if any person shall give, or
offer 10 give directly, or indirectly, any
bride, present or reward, or any prom
lse, Or any security for the payment or
delivery of any money or any other
thing, to induce any voter TO refrain
from casting his vote, or torcibly to
prevent him in any way from voting,
or to obtain or procure vote for amy
candidate or person proposed or voted for
the person giving or Offering to
give, and the person receiving the same
(S,c. &c.) shall on conviction in a court
of law, in addition to the penalties now
or hereafter 10 be imposed by law, be
forever disqualified to hold any Office of
profit OF trust, or to vote at any election
thereafter"
Now, altho' those clectoneerng add
minister the potion, as an act of friend
ship, and thus evade the letter Of the
law, the motive and requilal for the ac!
are well understood byaIl parties. There
are other modes, also, in addition to
those cited, that con'ravene the conStl
tuition, and have decided demorallzing
influence on the polty OF the state; such
as taking advantage Of those who are
HgM headed, or in humble circumstances
and practicing on their crcdulity or fears.
This species OF fraud upon the elective
franchise-tor it is nothing else-is
more apt to be made use Of by aspirants
TO district ofices, and has, no doubt, in
some cases been extensively practiced.
Any who owe their success to such
illcgitimate means, should serious y con-
slider the penalty denounced against
such constitutional Violations; and altho'
they may escape the consequences Of a
literal infringement, yet they stand in
the category of moral ofr nders.
The vote received by the commission
ers in contrast with that of the Dele gates,
is cutting rebuke for the present board;
and such a heavy endorsement as the
people have given them and their favor
ties, should cause them to hang their
heads IN very shame. 1t will be a good
lesson to the people, however, and in
future they will not be so ready to in
trust the county finances to the manage
ment Of men incompetent to perform
the duties of the office.
The long list OF officers elected under
the new constitution, by the people,
makes the counting of the ballots and
writing of the certificates very labori
Gus business on the Judges and clerks,
and If the practice followed by Pennsyl-
vania, in using printed certificates and
tally lists, made out in due form, save
the filling up which would take but a
few minutes after the ballots were count
ed out, it would be great saving of
IT. Al al. :,