Martinsburg weekly independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1873-1875, 1874-09-26

Dttn uIdiil puidteu W iucH- WuOu
the community knew were trick
sters and demagogues-has been a
burlesque upon the intelligence of
the men of this country, who are
quick enough to see when their
privileges are infringed upon in
anything else, but they seem TO
permit politicians to throw
glamour over their minds, and to
follow the bark of the lead dogs Of
the pack whether the game is
worthy or not. Now we wish to
know whether this is common
sense. Had we better not ask our
selves when a candidate presents
himself before the public, whether
he is honest and firm, and got sui-
fficient intelligence to advocate any
subject that he thinks would be
for the benefit Of the country in
a clear, concise and fOrcible man
ner, so RS To make himself heard
and understood, and not to act as
a stool-pigeon TO be used by tbs
unscrupulous politicians of our
legislatures.
Because a man is honest and a
good JeUoaU, is 40 reason why we
should vote for him. We want
and intelligence,
combined with honesty and good
ness, is what we should demand.
Aid when we see a man so Wrapt
up in his party az to see no good
ia any other, that man is unfit to
represent the people, for when a
man is elected 10 Office he is not
elected to leg.slate for the benefit
of his party or clique, but for The
acholc people, and it is his impera-
tive duty to SO legislate, even if he
has to inf1ict an injury upon the
party he has affiliated with. But
how many party men will do this.
Alas !! "they are like angels visits,
few and far between"
But, says some old wizened pol
itician, by such course you will
break down all parties" So we
shall sir, and instead of men APP
pealing to the prejudice and the
animosities engendered by par
ties, they shall appeal to the
Judgment and good sense Of the
people "Then we should have no
platform or principles by
which to go by" Do you admit
that you have not sufficient intel
ligence to know what you want to
vote for? If you do, you are not
capable of exercising the elective
franchise, and should have guar
dian exercise it for you. And,
my dcai sir, / am sorry to say that
there is entirely too many men at
the present day who permit Others
to act and think for them. How
infantilish this is but nevertheless
it is true. You can see them before
an election going to their political
instructor, like children to their
parent, to know who they shall
vots for. What a caricature Of
manhood What an enslaving of
the mind. And every man should
rejoice at the uprising fthe people
to throw off the francis, that has
bound them too long, and shout
independent" until the echoes
shall ring through every vale of
our land, and be prolonged till
generations yet unborn shall catch
the glad anthem, and feel the thrill
of its mighty power.
Let US examine some Of the
phrases and words used by parties
such rs party leaders," "the
straight ticket" and "bolters. -
These phrases and words mean
more than they imply. " Party
leaders" Why not write it party
master, and we can catch the
significance better. Do not these
demagogues rule their parties with
almost absolute power? Go into a
political convention and watch the
juggling, wire pulling, &c. And
what is tie consequence I'll
greatest and most INSCRIPTIONS
scamp is generally nominated and
both lhe eal.ytniion ana people
wonder hoH i, WAS done. Alter the
nrnlinaiio isir par ) machinery
works slnuoii,iy, ior in almost
every iiil.e Village there is a
small politician, who is notified
Of what is expected of him, II he
wishes to get few of the crumbs
that fall from the public table, and
he goes 10 work for his party,
while he may at the same time
despise the nominee. "Bolters "
are those who have entered into a
disgraceful transaction, and be-
cause they were beat at their own
game, have drawn off and made a
side issue of their own. A straight
ticket I" signifies that the voter has
quietly submitted to the party
yoke, and has done the bidding oil
his masters. Let us hope for a
better order of things in the future
when men will voie for men, and
mt ft,r Marty ltI.nEZA