The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1876-01-06
RELIABLE BUSINESS MEN IN
POLITICS.

One of the greatest evils into which
our State and country is falling, is the
neglect or indifference shown by reliable
business men in every community, to the
political issues that ought to receive the
careful attention of every citizen. The
prompt, honorable, incorruptible, far
seeing men, who stand in business cir
cles as landmarks for the rising genera
ton. have duty to perform too long left
undone; and it is with regret that the
patriotic witness their passiveness. II
they could be made to feel how import
ant it is that they take an active and
prominent part in caucusses and conven-
tions, the plottersand corruptionists that
now control all primary and nominating
bodies, would soon withdraw their infiu-
ence, and higher standard of morals
would pervade our legislative bodies in
every department-municipal, county,
State and nation.
Business men are men Of character
more especially if by mind and educa-
ton their talents are exercised to secure
the esteem of their friends, and the good
will ofthose with whom they have daily
transactions in commercial life. Such
men have power for good, if directed
Alright which widens and reaches out
until its bounds are limited only by the
extent or degree of zeal in their under
takings. 1t is too often the case, how
ever, that such men drift along easily
with the current that is passing, unCon-
scious of their rights or duties, and allow
ing every opportunity of action to pass
unheeded. We care not to what party a
man may give his passive preference, he
commits a wrong against himself his
community and his country, by not ac-
lively working for the principles he
espouses.
In this country men are not recognized
as beasts; neither are they to be lead to
the polls by landed aristoCrats and com
manded to deposit their ballots in favor
of this or that candidate, as is too often
the case in England but they have an
inalienable right to WELD an unpreju-
diced will in all matters pertaining to an
election, and he who stands the highest
in public estimation will receive free
mans suffrage. 1t is true. notwithstand-
ing, that the mass of voters require lead
ers in whom confidence can be placed;
who can give direction to their thoughts;
who can organize their strength, and who
can lead them forward victoriously. To
such men almost unbounded power and
influence is possible; and how neces-
sary it is that such men should be gov
erned by high-minded patriotism and
strict personal integrity. Unless they
are so guarded, demagogueism will surely
creep in, and the power obtained be
used only for selfish and unprincipled
aggrandlsement.
The thoughtful man who keeps step
with the political transactions of the
party at the head of the National Gov
ernment cannot but see that great re-
form is necessary, and that the people |
throughout the country are frowning
ominously at corruptions that are grow
ing bolder as time passes. A change is
demanded by the body polite, and this
change must come from the root Of all
people. Who will inaugurate
this reform? Shall it proceed from the
small politician ?-the ringer-in of eau
cuses ?-the "slate.maker" who has
everything "cut and dried" from the
chairman down to scribe e?-the picked
delegate who has his vote prepared tor
him at convention? or shall it come
from the honest, intelligent, incorrupti-
BILE men whose standing in community
entitle them to a voice in public affairs,
and who can rally around their banners
the best men Of the party with an en-
thusiasm strong, sweeping and invinci-
BILE?