Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-11-09
ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9.
Whittier are we Drifting?

Whittier are we Drifting?
In that memorable burst of eloquence which
hasrendered bis name immortal, the Demosthe-
mes of Virginia tells us that be had but one lamp
by which his feet were guided, and that Was the
lamp of experience. In times of danger and
trial, like those through which We are now pass
ing, the example of that illustrious orator aud
statesman should not be lost upon US. We
should 90 back to the records of the past, and
learn from them how We may avoid the perils
which threaten US. Historians tell US that at
the time when the proud Roman people lost
their boosted liberties, and basely bowed their
neeks to the yoke Of Caesar, they had been
corrupted by the wealth which had flowed
in from conquered nations, and that the ranks
OF the citizens being mostly recruited from
those of the emancipated slaves, all that was
needed for the success of candidate for Office
was the Unlimited use Of money with which to
crafty the appetite of the people for public
spectacles, and their craving for maintenance
without labor. Ces gave feast in which
twenty-five hundred tables were needed to &C.
commodate the guests, and the games Of the
circus daily, with a tree distribution OF corn,
suf6ced with the freedmen, to render him who
provided them fit for the most exalted dignity.
Who that looks abroad in our own land, can
fail to see something like this repeated after
the lapse of nearly twenty centuries. In former
days candidate for public favor in Virginia
needed no money to secure his election. He
came before the voters on the hustipgs per
haps he visited them at their homes it might
even be that he fattered their wives and Ca
ressed their children but to have offered
money to voter would hay, insured political
damnation. How is it now =? Not only must
meo be paid for distributing tickets at the polls,
aud bringing up laggards to exercise their right
OF suffrage, which may, perhaps, be accounted
legitimate but, if report speaks truly, few
elections PASS without the free use of money
among certain class of voters. Is there not
great occasion for alarm in this? Will it not
end 10 the occupation Of all places Of trust and
honor BY those able to pay for them Were
any man able to throw open the circus tent to
the multitude, aud give them daily rations from
the soup house, could he not, however limited
bis qualifications, aspire to whatever place his
unworthy ambition might covet The great
extent OF our country secures US, it is true,
from the use ofjust that means of securing SUI
preme authority; but may not government
patronage, with its million Offices, and iufation
or contraction at the pleasure of few indi-
vlduals accomplish the same result 10 the high
or places, while petty bribery makes the &C.
quirement OF the lover easy? II man is
compelled to spend several thousand dollars to
attain position, is he not strongly tempted to
make "a good thing" out of that position by
accepting in his turn remuneration for bis vote
Let us be warned 10 time. History epeats
ITSELF Let our. legislative bodies require each
member elect to swear that he has used no
money directly or Indirectly 10 securing bis cleo
ton, and let the use of money be disqualif
cation for office Then, with Constitutional
provision requiring all who become voters after
a certain date to be able to read and write, we
may yet hope to escape the political evils which
menace US; We may be able to impress upon
the mind Of each individual voter, the senti-
ment:
NY vote, It'll not niue, to do with as will,
To cast, like pearls, to swioe
But It's my couutry's,'
and to induce him to act 10 accordance with
that sentiment, voting for principles and for
men who will faithfully carry out those prin-
ciples