The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1868-10-30
The Presidential Election.

The Presidential Election.
DISTINGUISHED ourself tor an honest
and sincere expression of sentiment. it
Is hardly possible that any thing we
might say would have the effect to
arouse those of our political friends who
still enjoy the right of suffrage to the
Importance of voing next Tuesday. We
know there is seeming Indifference on
the subject, growing ont of the almost
universal belief that lit will do no
good-that Tennessee is bound to vote
the Radical ticket in despite Of any eff
forts that may be put forth" Admit
ting the result to be forcgonc conclu-
sion-which there is no necessity for
this is not the right way to look at the
matter. We hold that it is the duty of
every one to vote though the probabili-
ties of defeat were ten times greater
than they really are. We hold it TO be
4 duty which no one can conscientious
" avoid, if sincere in his political pro-
fessions. We take it that every intelli-
gent man is apprised of the condition
of our State-of the high and oppres-
sive system of taxation, which is eating
out the substance of the industrial and
the producing classes-of the wasteful
and reckless policy Of the party in pow
err, and of the necessity of driving it
out before the State is dragged or push
ed into irretrievable bankruptcy and
ruin. We suppose every one knows,
sees and feels these things. But says
some doubling Thomas. or wilkins Mi
cawber, "what good will it do: We're
in hopeless minority. and can do moth
ing We repeat. that's not the way to
talk it. lii 1864, the Republican maori-
ty in Ohio was $4,000; at the election
on the 18th, it was less than 5000, Off
cial count. In Indiana, in 1866, the Re-
publicans carried it, by majority of
1900; Oh the 18th, their majority was
less than 1000. How were these i'm
mense gains made: Surely, not by de-
CRYING Radicalism through the long
summer months, and then staying away
from the polls on voting day. Every
man ought to vote next Tuesday who
can. Make beginning-make show
ing on all occasions. Let your friends
in other States see by your action-ac-
ton which is earnest and tangible-that
rnu poap romotbinn II uon't 40 80
fold your hands in apathetic inditier-
snce, and wait for the outside pressure
TO relieve you. 1t is said Providence
most helps those who manifest a dis
position to help themselves. 1t is pos
sible-yea, we will be candid enough to
say probabe--that the State, manipu-
lated Us it is, will cast its vote for Grant
and Colfax. But the faithful physician
never gives up the patient as long as
any signs of vitality are perceptible.
Tennessee is badly diseased; but while
there is life there is hope. We are talk
ing business now. Place yourselves on
record at the ballot-box, and thus get
into line for the State canvass of the
ensuing year. We know the Radicals
are confident Of Tennessee; but they
are not so strong by long odds as they
were twelve months ago. Many who
nave been acting with the party, some
from one motive and some from another
are growing tired of it. They see and
feel there is something wrong, and de-
sire to quit, but want to learn the ten
dency of the current before they cut
loose. Make a respectable showing OF
strength next Tuesday, and thousands
who have been acting with the Radical
party will hasten to your relief in the
ensuing State campaign.
Werepeat, for the thirdtime, in all the
carncstness and sincerity of which our
nature is capable; that it is the duty of
every man who has the privilege ofvot-
Ing, and who believes that the welfare
and prosperity of the State of Tonnes
see demands the speedy overthrow of
the party which now has control of it,
should go to the polls on the Sd and
cast his suffrage for SEYMOUR and
BLAIR. 1t is duty as sacred and OBJ
ligatory as any which you owe below
the stars of Heaven-a duty you cannot
avoid, neglect or shirk without doing
injustice to your own immediate inter-
ests, without proving faithless, to your
political protestations, and wanting in
regard for your common country and
respect for your race.
This is the plain, straightforward ham
guagc of truth and soberness demanded
by the occasion, and we hope it will be
accepted in the spirit which dictates ii.
No. See Column of Elactoral TicEats