Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-09-01
For the Spirit of the Age.
Responsibility.

Mr.. ED1roR Under the above caption,
propose writing short article for the
Spirit of the Age, hoping that some per {
sons may chance to read it, who think but
little about their responsibilities. If we
were to Judge from the conduct of men
generally, we would conclude that thou
sands neither think, or care, what the con-
sequences of their conduct will be. This
remark will apply to the conduct Of men
generally, and it may truly be said, that
no man realises his responsibilities, at all
times, as he should. Ny attention has
been turned to this subject recently, in
consequence of the low, degrading and
shameful practice of candidates treating
before and at our late election, for MEM
bers to the Assembly. This practice had
gone downin great measure in this coun-
| ty, and the friends Of Temperance, Reli-
gion and good order, were fattering them
selves that snch was the change in public
sentiment in favor of Temperance and so
briefly, that the practice of treating would
never be resorted to again. But, alas,
alas! our hopes, it would seem, were built
upon sandy foundation. 1t is humilia-
ting to think that any people. and more
especially thepeople of cur good old eoun-
ty, would submit to such degradation, just
to crafty a set of demagogues men who
care but little for the welfare of their con-
stituents, provided their ends arc accom-
plished. And l would here ask the ques-
tion-would high minded, honorable men,
resort to such means to procure their cleo
ton? | would again ask, is this not bri-
berry and corruption, to all intents and pur-
poses as much as if they were to offer
money or any thing else to influence the
election? And can men feel honored by
being elected by such means or is their
election legal? or can they conscientious
ly take the oath prescribed by the Consti-
tuition before they take their seats in the
Legislature? | ask these questions for in
, formation; tor if they ought all to be an
swered in the negative, can we expect the
: blessing Of God forest upon usa people
or upon those who stoop so loaU to obtain
our votes? Again ask, what will become
! of our rights and liberties, purchased at SC
: dear rate, if this degrading, corrupting
demoralizing practice is continued? May
not the most unprincipled men among u
be elected to fill the most responsible sta
, tions and offices within our gift! Whcr,
is the man who has correct views and feel
ings on this subject, who would not fee
that his dignity was insulted, were can
didate to offer him sixpence for his vote
and what, | ask, is the difference betweel
dram and sixpence? Shame on sucl
conduct It IS low, too debasing 70
/ freemen to submit to. May We not hop
that there are thousands of men who sub
J. mitted to such insult, (now the election i
It over, and the excitement attending it ha
i subsideD that feel perfectly ashamed tha
l. they suffered themselves to be caught j
e such gul-trap, or allowed their dignit
It to be insulted, by offering them dra,
= for their vote. In conclusion, l would say
At let US all be on our guard, lest we barte
s. our dearest rights for less than mess {
,e pottage." R.