Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-08-05
THE BALLOT.

The privilege OF voung1s the iheano W
which we may ascertain the WILL wishes
or preference for any measure proposed
or in the election of man to ONCE oy
the majority of those who are entitled 10
exercise the legal right. 1t is not q ma
,iopal right, as has been held BY some'
but power conferred by legislative en-
actmeut. The natural rights ere found
70 he few when we carefully examine the
list. The Declaration of Independence
anumesates three only, which are liie'
liberty and the pursuit of happiness
If the right TO vote was natural right,
then children and fanatics, together win
che entire class of disqualified and IN
competent persons should net be de-
prived of blessed boon conferred BY eas
great Creator. If we should go back to
the very origin of government the con-
ciasion reached would be that the right
TO vote was not exercised or rasorted
to by our primitive fathers, but every reg
uIation proceeded directly from the pas
toral head who was the Emperor or
King of his numerous family and
focks. The right to vote was not
thought Of until the human family
became numerous and men grew am
bilious to be heard in the halls OF
legislation. 1t is true government is
instituted for the benefit of the people
who compose society, but it does not by
any means conclude that every one IS
competent to control the interest OF gov
eminent. The science of government
has never been perfected by the most
learned Statesmen of the world, and if
such men cannot srrive at the correct
means of governing we'll, how then can
the ignorant masses, under the influence
of corrupt and vile demsgogues, work cut
the problem Of self-government2 The
thing is an absurdiiy, and has proven
such whenever the test has been applied.
Our Nashville neighbor, the Union and
American, in speaking of imperialism,
says:
II is to the ignorant that the Impert-
alist appeals. 1t harps upon the mfr
MATES of human nature and the excuses
of Radicalism, and charges them upon
popular government. But thinking
men know that il ia as we depart from
true popular government that we lose
the guiding spirit Of the general common
sense Of the people-more reliable than
the bossted sstuteness of the most sue
csssful despot.
We would like to be further informed
about the common sense of the people,
lauded by this blinded old Democrat,
who is so steaped in prejudice that he
sees the reverse OF what is true right in
our own midst
The people, instead Of being controlled
by what this editor denominstes COM
mon sense, they, in q few instances,
apply to reason as a guide TO direct
their acts, aud are swayed generally by
the prejudices aud feelings Of the hour,
which in the end may prove destructive
to all good society. With the tails
manic cry Of a party catch-word or
the stirring notes Of a revolutionary
song the excited masses may, in a day,
be driven to overturn the best govern
ment ever instituted on earth. The
whims and notions Of a governing de-
mocracy are as variable as the wind, who
to-day would shout hosannas to the man
that would fatter them, and tomorrow
would cruelty him for the reason, for
sooth, that public opinion had veered in
q contrary direction. 1t is for the want
of this commodity our Nashville friend
speaks of that the intelligent portion Of
the country now demand some form Of
government that shall not be subject to
popular passion and caprice. Instead Of
farther extending the right of franchise,
let it be enrtAilei and only placed in the
hands Of thnse competent to exercise it.
The popular opinion Of the United States
Government, that this privilege shcald
be extended 10 every individual
Of the government, regardless Of
sex, color or previous condition, can
only result in Wild csmmotion and an.
archy. II one class Of Incompetent per.
sens are allowed &c exercise the right to
vote, then there should be no restraint
~ mo, any INT every one. even 10 the