The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-10-12
ssNOthing to do with Politics."

From the ~ Y. Independent
There are many voters in this country, in
the aggregate amounting to several thousands
some OF them preachers Of the Gospel, some
of them editors of religious newspapers, some
of them Christians disgusted with the corrup-
tions of party politics, some of them visionary
and impracticable theorizers, and others
stupidity Indifferent to the interests involved
who, in the pending canvass and coming
election, think they see some special charm in
political standardization. Their motto is,
''Have nothing to do with politics."
To all such persons we respectfully submit
the general question, Whether this position at
any time is consistent with the duties and OBJ
legations of an American citizen? We believe
in the duty as we'll as the right of voting.
Every man ought to read and think enough
to have opinions upon the various questions
that come before the people for their decision;
and then he ought to express these opinions
by using his influence and casting his vote in
accordance Herewith. This we regard as
solemn duty which he owes to the Gov
eminent and the country. He has no right
to annlhilate himself by declining to
share with others in the responsibility Of
choosing good rulers. Ii one may lawfully
take this ground, all may do SO. What then
would become of popular government Who
would be the choosers OF suitable officers to
make and execute the laws? The man who
has 'nothing to do with politics." especially
in government of the people, really deserves
to live under most grinding despotism. He
is sinner against the State; and his con-
science, if it were correct, would bring in a
verdict of guilty against him. Enact a law
that forces him into this position, and his
protest would be loud and long.
These gentlemen would do well to remem-
ber that "politics" will have something to do
with them, whether they have anything to do
with it or not 1t will not let them alone be-
cause they have the folly to let it alone. AS
subjects of law they must live under gov
| eminent of law conducted by civil officers.
There is not man of the whole number who
is not interested directly and personally in
the principles which decide tho general policy
of government. This policy affects every man,
and in this way affects the whole community.
Good government is blessing to each and to
| ALL and bad government is the common curse
| of each and all. Think of this fact, ye dis
oiples of political indifferentism, and let your
own intere SITS suggest wiser creed.
1t is worthy OF note, also, that the Devil, in
carpa ed in the depravity of some and work
| ing though the ignorance of others, will by
| no means follow the example OF these respecta-
BILE men who propose to have 'nothing to do
with politics." He will not, in this respect,
initiate the Gospel minister or the private
| Christian. He Is an active canvasser, and is
always sure to vote, whether 1t rains or shines,
never failing to bring his hosts with him. To
let i'politics" alone on account OF the
moral pellutions thereunto attached is just
the way to increase these pollutions Bad
men are never better pleased than when
good men take this course. Then they
have things in their own way. Then sin aud
ignorance fill the Offices of the land, and make
and execute the laws for the people. The
remedy, and in popular government the
only remedy, for these evils is to enlist the