The New York herald., 1876-11-06

nous. dwelt upon the 'eye evidence Of
God" giving another view of faith in His
goodness. Mr.. Frothingham's ideal of re-
iigion, which may be characterized as the
morally utilitarian rule for perfect life"
tthe title of his sermon), was listened
to by o crowded audience. AS he is
earnest and lucid he is always inter
esting. Those who have read or who
have heard his sermons cannot fail
TO be impressed with the presence of two
qualities in his mind which would seem
TO lead in opposite directions. and which
only his earnestness and skill contrive to
Keep In something approaching united force.
We refer to the iconoclasm which leads him
to grid at all creeds often the bad and good
of them alike, and the real veneration for
the good in religious beliefs of all kinds
which is constantly qualifying his sweeping
condemnations. Professor Adler's thought
full sermon at Standard Hall and the service
of song at Chickering Hall were, with other
services reported elsewhere, presented to
the religious world of the sister cities, and
doubtless will not fail Of benefcent effect.
The Cost OF Making . President.
1.-THE American people" said an English
writer on our politics, ''is perpetually voting
for some election or other" Somebody, it
might be added, has to bear the expense of
these perpetual elections. Just what the
expense is, in a general canvass like that
which is now drawing to close, it is diff
ticult to estimate with any approach to ac-
curacy; for there are no statistics extant
upon the subject and the politicians who
plan and conduct campaigns are naturally
reticent upon such matters. 1t is plain,
however, that there must be heavy outlay
of money. The printing and distribution
of campaign documents, the rental of public
halls, the pay of stump speakers, the pur-
chase Of banners, torches, uniforms and
other paraphernalia the expense of postage
and telegraphing- these are necessary out
lays, and when the extent to which they are
carried throughout the country is borne
in mind it becomes very apparent that the
aggregate must be enormous. A para
graph has lately been gong the rounds
Of the press, to the effect that the
strenuous campaign in Indiana prepara-
tory to the recent State election con-
sumed ten million dollars. This is, Of
course, wild exaggeration, based upon mere
random guess An estimate that seems to
us not far from the truth places the average
cost of Presidential election at about one
million five hundred thousand dollars for
each Of the great opposing parties, or total
of three million dollars. Accepting this as
within the bounds of probability it would
seem that the expense Of putting Mr.. Tilden
or Mr.. Hayes into the White House is fifteen
times greater than the whols amount Of sal
ary paid to the incumbent during his term
Of four years. Calling the population Of the
country about forty millions this would be
equivalent to a tax of seven and one-half
cents head for every man, woman and
child in the United States. The mainte-
nance Of the court of France for the first
cents per head Of the population. 1t ap-
pears that the cost of making q President
may be greater than that of keeping prince
The expenses of our elections, however,
are borne mainly by voluntary contribution.
The burden falls chiefly on wealthy parti-
sans who expect to share in some way the
benefits ensuing from the election of their
candidate It takes the form of tax only
in the case of office-holders, who are assessed
for election expenses by the party in power,
custom that often falls heavily upon de-
partment clerks and minor officials. The
burden touches the people remotely and in
directly, if at all, while in reality they de-
rive an actual and immediate benefit. The
various devices by which their sympathy and
support are solicited serve to awaken more
active interest in public affairs, and the
masses thereby acquire the rudiments of
political education, instead Of remaining in
apathy and ignorance of the condition of the
country and the administration of the gov
ernment Great as the costs of our elections
may be, they cannot be lamented as an un-
mitigated burden upon the people.
Joint Discussions In the south.
The Joint discussions between Judge Settle
- 4 Covorrov Vopca fbo rival con 1i1okou for