The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-12-08
THE COLUMBIAN AND DEMOCRAT BLOOMSBURC, COLUMBIA
CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY.


After giving the usual instructions to the
Grand Jury, Judge Elwell said
The constables in their returns in every
instance state that there was no disturbance
at the late election. The privilege of cast
ing his ballot for his choice of rulers, and
having it fairly counted is the highest which
freeman can enjoy 1t is treditable to cti-
zcns every where who in time of high polti-
cal excitement recognise the full value Of this
privilege, and who demand and require that
there shall be obedience to the law in con-
ductng their elections This is what citizens
of all parties should demand and require, and
what they should willingly submit to and
abide by.
AT this time when there is the greatest
strain upon our elective form of government
that it was ever subjected to,a stronger test of
the strength of our constitution and laws than
ever before, it behoovcs every man quietly to
resolve in his own mind not to allow himself to
become excited in such manner as to blind his
Judgment in discerning the right-but TO
intelligently ascertain what is the right, and
quietly submit to it whether the result ac-
cords with his wishes or not In no other
way can good order and law be maintained
Party considerations should have no place
in settling the questions now agitatng the
country. No matter what party man may
belong tohe is interested in having right pre-
vail whether it operates for or against his par
ty. The President of the United States spoke
words of wisdom when he said lately, that
fraud in elections should be detected and de-
nounced. No man who regards the welfare
of the country will in any manner uphold or
countenance fraud and wrong against the
rights of the people.
II is to be hoped that the crisis which now
exists will at once be passed and that right
and justice will prevail-that citizens every
where, as well those in authority as those not
in authority, will submit to the will of the
: people as fairly expressed according to law
! and the constitution, no matter VIII o, or what
} party, may be benefited thereby and quiet
harmony and order will prevail But if any
where in the country it is determined that q
particular result shall be produced without re-
, gard to right, and that determination is par
ticipated in by the authorities, the tendency
; will inevitably be to anarchy, discord and dis,
order like that which prevails in the torn,
distracted and military governed States Of
Mexico
The only safety for our free institutions
rests with the people themselves. If they de-
termine that law and right shall prevail, and
; submit to the decision of the tribunals of tn {
country constituted for the purpose of decid'
ing legal and constitutional questions we shall
still continue to be the same happy and pros
porous people which we have been hitherto.
have said this much not because any re-
port is expected from you.on the subject, bu
with the view Of impressing upon citizens the
importance Of avoiding rash discussions ant
y Incorporate language-as well as of fully in
forming themselves so as to pass intelligen
$ and impartial Judgment upon their own right
as well as upon the rights of others.
d In conclusion may be allowed to add tha
f the present unfortunate state Of affairs warn
n us of the necessity of change in the mode O
: choosing our national executive. IF som,
d plan be adopted by which the states, as such
:, can be protected, and yet the people cas-
e their votes direct for the man Of their choice
and votes of state be given to each candi
6 date in proportion to the entire vote of tn
state, a struggle like the present could no
>: arise, and a strong motive to fraud would
\ taken away. The subject demands the eal
II nest consideration of the whole people of tn
,s United States.