The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-08-19
INFLUENCE IN POLITICS AND
ELECTIONS.

1t is popularity of the human mind that
every person in some way or in some man.
ner exerts an influence over others. At
times, this influence is openly exerted, the
person having an object to accomplish
making no secret of his purpose, the per-
sons influenced feeling and knowing that
they are being so influenced, and the whole
public looking on. At other times, the in
fluence is exerted in such way that no
one sees what is taking place, and indi-
viduals are brought into accord with the
views Of others without knowing that any
attempt has been made to mould their
thoughts into harmony with those of others
seeking certain ends, while the general
public are unconscious that these ends are in
view until their accomplishments secured.
Then again unconsciously to ourselves we
are constantly exorting an influence upon
those around us.-some for the better and
some for the worse. Moreover, whole
communities are controlled and influenced
by the acts of others. This is particularly
so in politics and elections 1t has been
said that General Jackson was the first
President of the United States ever elected
by.th people, the idea being that he was
selected by an uninfluenced people and that
in all former cases nominations had been
made by congressional caucuses, in which
the people had no part. But, in fact,
he was no more elected by the people
than were any OF his predecessors
or SUCCESSORS. We think that, in a certain
sense, it may be said that George Washing
ton was the only President thus elected,
and it was to draw attention to this fact,
as, also, to a question which may possibly
come before our next state legislature, that
we have thus spoken in reference to in
fluence. 1t is, probably, unquestioned and
- unquestionable, that the first and second
electoral colleges in giving an unanimou.
vote to general Washington acted wholly
in response to the popular will. 1t wa.
unnecessary that any influences should be
brought to bear in order to secure his nom
ination or election. All men thought ant
acted alike in reference to him. If an,
influence was exertcd to make bis selection
unanimous, it was of that unconsciou,
kind both to the persons influencing ant
influenced.
With the retirement OF General Washing
ton and the accession Of John Adams I,
the presidency came change. Then, 70
the first time political parties We're known
In this country, and henceforth our cleo
tons were to be controlled 10y innuenc
alone, and, sometimes, most direful in
fiucnce has 1t been too. We do not mea
by this that any dangers are to be feare
by the existence of political parties in thi
country. Far from it. We believe tina
its safety would be ensured by the exist
ence OF two strong political parties, eac
having the good of the country at heart
and each sufficiently strong in every stat
to make it a matter Of doubt which woul
succeed in state and national election,
With the country SO divided we shoul
have purer and stronger government
fewer mistakes in legislation and appoint
ments to office, defacations and fraud
would be almost unknown, and a better il
fluence would be exerted by statesmen an
politicians. With the coming in of parti,
northumberland If nominations, the