Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1853-02-11
PIE ELECTIVE FRANCHISE,

our American liberty. 1t was for the OBJ
tainment of this inestmable right, that our
forefathers manfully contended in the fearful
strife Of the Revolution. After long and
fearful contest, the elective franchise was a.
chleved, and during many years it was sa-
credly regarded as a trust not to be abused.
But whoever has noted the tendencies of the
agc, can but have observed that the ballot
box IN latter times, is every year becoming
more abused and perverted to the basest of
purposes. There is not an intelligent and
thoughtful man in this or any other state in
the Union, who has not been forcibly remin-
ded of the deterioration of our elections, and
the misuses of the franchise privilege. Cor
ruptlng influences are brought to bear upon
the political canvass, such as would have been
regarded with utter dctestation and disgust
twenty-five years ago. The free choice of
the people is thwarted by appeals to the sor-
did interest and baser passions of mans ma
turc.
Once the qualification of a candidate for
office was honesty, and capiability these now
are but secondary qualifications, and the en-
quiry is, has he money! Has he the pecu-
mary ability and willingness to contribute
money freely to swell the corruption fund"
buy votes, and use those appliances which
turn mems brains, and degrade their citizen
ship. Once, man, however poor, if he pos
sessed but character, and good name, was
as likely to succeed in warmly contested
election rs rich man. But now, poor man,
however honest, capable and worthy, enters
the canvass with fearful odds, if he has
rich competitor. Especially is this true in
regard to such Offices, rs promise to be lucra-
tive, and are held in high estimation by the
popular mind.
This is no exaggerated or over-wrought pic
ture of the actual condition Of things. Let
this congressional district be instanced: how
much money has been spent during each
election campaign mot to qualify electors
for an intelligent and enlightened exercise of
the franchise privilege, but to sway the minds
Of the people by unjustifiable and mercenarv
motivesl From the lowest GROCERY up to
the more genteel saloon, voters have been
schooled, graduated, and sent by dozens to
the ballot box, to decide the destiny of an
election. Nor is this state Of things pcculi-
ar to this locality, or congressional district
The sam" appliances and corrupting infuen-
co' peryade every part of the State and the
Union, and in many place, abroad, far more
dangerously than here
1t is true nevertheless that with all this
degeneracy, many good and worthy men are
elevated to places of public trust by the suf-
trages of the people, but on the other hand,
il cannot denied that promotions to office are
in these times, not unfrequently, of the most
unworthy kind. If some unprincipled guo-
ramus happens to have plenty Of money at
his command, and wants a popular endorse
meat to serve as plaster tor an liberated rep
utaton, his first business is to furnish a plen-
" Of means to a few political undertakes,
VIII" are always on hand to pack caucuses and
conventions and secure HIM nomination for
the post he desires This accomplished, his
next business Is, to furnish larger corup-
ton fund than his opponent bow, smile, shake
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