The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1875-09-09
For the EAGLE.
An Open Letter to the People.


ED. EEaLE: am told, frequently,
that if / desire the nomilsation as rep
resentative, l must work for it; yes,
work like the devil. What more could
say to any man than to tell him that
am candidate, and probably say, in
addition, that have been living in this
county for the last four years, the
most of the time on my farm, on the
Minnesota? l can as effectively say
tie same through the papers. Is it ex-
pected, nay demanded, by tho voters
of the county that a candidate must
travel the county over, interview eve
nv man of note in the township, log
roll, promise, trade, bargain and sell,
in order to secure the return of dele
gates pledged to his support? Every
one knows that this is the ordinary
mode of working the political machine
all over the land, yet the practice is
wholly condemned by every worthy.
patriotic citizen, while submitting to
tho evil because it is the custom. 1t
is this same practice that goes very far
towards making the profession of pol
tiles disreputable and dishonorable,
and the sooner the people demand of
the Office seeker higher tone of char
acter, the better tor the country. If
the people desire honest reform they
must commence the work at home.
They must refuse to be used as the
mere tools of selfish, designing and
often corrupt, men. The primary
meeting is the very bedrock of our
political system. From it flows all the
results of political good or i'll that
bless or curse the people, and no prac-
teal or permanent reformation can he
looked for until every voter exercises
the high prerogatives of citizenship,
conscientiously, and intelIi-
gently. The needs of the hour demand
the honest, manly, unsought, unbought
action of every man in each township
in the careful choice Of delegates who
will represent the interests Of the peo-
pie, regardless of personal considera-
lions Of any character. 1t is of small
moment to the public whether or an
other individual am elected to posi-
lions Of trust and responsibility, but
it is of the greatest Importance that
they should be filled by men Of high
pure lives, and an ability ill
keeping with the legitimate require
ments of the office. 1t should be a
question alone of integrity and capac-
ity, and these qualifications should be
sought, regardless Of personal consid-
erations and in spite of any influence,
except the highest public good.
If a candidate is not willing to leave
the people to their cool, sober, uatram-
elled judgment, but feels that he must
labor with them as the exhorter does
with the sinner at the mourner's bench,
he surely must think that they are net
capable of making proper choice, and
need his instruction.
In conclusion, beg leave to say that
cannot visit a township or devote a
day to the working up of influence or
securing delegates pledged to my sup
port. have strongly condemned such
procedure when not expecting an Of
flee, and now, that | have joined the
''noble army of martyrs" see no rea-
son TO change my views. | shall leave
the matter TO the good and honest
judgment of the people and their cho-
sen representatives in the convention.
If am honored with the nomination,
shall deem it my duty to labor for
the success of the whole ticket.
make this communication in order that
my position may be understood, and
that no suspicion of indifference to
honest success may be entertained.
w. s. WHITE.
Ninnescah Township, Sept. 6, 1875.