Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1867-09-25
tFfom the Baltimore Sun of Thursday.l
Result OF the Constitutional EIec.
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Result OF the Constitutional EIec.
fr' tiOn.
The election yesterday on the question
of the adoption of the new Constitution
was marked by the quiet and order which
have characterized all elections in this city
since the minority has ceased to rule, and
which presents, in the freedom and ease of
access to the ballot-box, such a striking
( eXemplitication OF the happy effects OF eff
facing those lines which an intolerant pro-
scription had established between the en-
franchised and the dlsfranchised, with its
and extraordinary means to paralyZe the
exercise of the popular will. Under
the happy change which has been
effected our elections have become
models of decorum and good order, and
of a general good spirit. The vote on yes
terday was not so full as it should have
been, consequent upon that apathy, always
culpable, which is produced by conscious
ness of superior strength and an undoubt-
ing assurance of success. 1t seems as If
only the great excitement of q high party
and individual contest could bring OFT
full vote, and that when men have been
deprived of the exercise of their political
rights. instead of resuming them with ca
gerness, spirit of indifference is produced
by their subsection which is hard to over
come, and in some Instances a resentment
is entertained for the wrongs they have
suffered, which, instead of showing itself
by a vindication of their liberty at the
polls, takes sullen satisfaction in treat
ing as not worth having the privileges OF
which it was once forcibly dispossessed.
The new constitution, however, notwith-
standing the inaction of those who felt too
certain of success to take the trouble to
vote, has been adopted by handsome ma
jority, and we heartily congratulate the
people of Maryland that monstrous usur-
patton of the popular rights has been swept
away, and that on the 5th of October, when
the new constitution goes into operation,
they will be once more living under gov
ernment founded upon the great principles
of plitical liberty, which had always, up
to the time of military usurpatiOn
and the constitution of 1864, been
the undisputed heritage of a free
people. In addition to the benefits which
will accrue to the people of the State in
general from the revivification of all its
Interests by the adoption of the new Con-
stitution, the people of Baltimore will have
an opportunity tor the reform of their city
government, which, in order to be. effec-
ltual, will require their vigilant and ener-
getic efforts In the selection of those agents
upon whose capacity and integrity it will
depend whether those abuses which have
injured the credit of the city and
imismanaged and wasted its resources
shall cease to exist. Under the Con-
stitution the election of Mayor and
city council takes place in this city on the
4th Wednesday OF October, and now that
the Constitution has been adopted. any ap-
athy and listlesslness in that connection
will become criminal and suicidal. 1t will
neutraliZe most of the advantages which
the city may gain by change of govern
lment. if their influence prevents the COM
munity from exercising the greatest cau-
tion and activity in preliminary measures
for placing public trusts in the hands of
.cOmDeteQt and faithful men,
( To this end, as we have before suggested,
all who have a stake in the community
should faithfully attend primary meetings
and should be careful to appoint only intel
ligent and honorable men as delegates to
nominating conventions. The prosperity
of Baltimore, her credit and good name are
all dependent upon making capacity and
character Indispensable qualifications to
public trusts. If candidates are nomi-
mated solely on account of their acknowl-
edged fitness, gentlemen acceptable to the
community at large, our municipal affairs
will be rescued from the condition to which
they have been reduced by protiigate and
reckless mismanagt ment, and. under the
new constitution. the city will receive an
/ impetus which will accelerate her progress
in all the elements of prosperity, influence
and greatness.
! simultaneously with the municipal cleo
tion the people of Baltimore are also to
choose Judges for the Supreme Court of
Baltimore city. and one judge of the Court
of Appeals. OF the transcendant impor
tance of securing for judicial positions
men of the highest character and becom-
ing abilities we need not now speak. The
influences which should govern in the
nominations to be made therefore should
be as far removed from party considera-
tions as possible, aud we hope to see such
agencies brought to bear in that connec-
(, tionsas will ensure elevation and impart
/ general satisfaction and confidence.
p The majority in the city for the constitu-
tion is 1864, the vote for it being 16 240,
and against it 5,675. We have more or less
returns from the counties, and the indica-
tions' are that very large vote has not
been polled, but the majority in the State
forthe constitution will probably approach
10000