The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1876-07-01
Public Sentiment and Intelligent
Voting.


great many steps yet to take before it
shall even approximate to perfection,
when it is true that one man, like ST.
mon Cameron for instance, is able to
dictate the POLITICAL course of one of
the two great parties OF his State; or is
in the possession of power to dictate
terms to any considerable number of
his political colleagues. The people
are said to be sovereigns lin theory at
least and capable of making their own
laws and executing them or rather say
ing who shall make and execute them.
The people have taken into their own
hands the affairs of government. This
is not exactly true, for it was the people
of one hundred years ago who assumed
those functions, the people now, upon
the busy stage of American politics re-
ccivcd the trust by Inheritance, and it
is still questioned whether they rccciv
ed also by inheritance those characteris-
tics which are requisite to enable them
to handle that trust to their honor and
well being. The question is proceed
ing in its solution each year. Every
day during these times of fast travel
and instant communication, reveals an
item of latent weakness III the body
polite. 1t is cheering however to note
that corrective measures are generally
forthcoming to meet the eXegcncics of
the hour. In this is the hope OF the
Republic. Public sentiment is the
great mirror wherein the leading men
Of the country may see the reflection of
their official conduct, is the record
where they may read the judgement of
their constituents for or against them.
Politicians should base their actions
upon public sentiment, and if they are
honest and mean to faithfully do the
duties assigned them by the people
they will constantly bear in mind the
public sentiment. If there il a high or
der of intelligence among the people,
this sentiment will be radical and pro-
nounccd, will be swift in its judgments
and will constitute an invariablc guide
for the POLITICAL cxponcnts Of the
masses. Public sentiment is the great
crucible wherein men and measures
should be tried as by fire. How impor-
tant then is it that all possible means
should be taken to keep the foundation
well laid, that is, keep the people cnlight-
ened and virtious that this great source OF
corrective measures shall so unpollutcd.
If honest and public spirited men OF
the rank and file do not want political
like Cameron, Hill, Butler,
Bclknap, Pendlcton and Others Of that
ik to run the political machine, let
them look to it that the standard Of
suffrage is year by year gradually elc
vatcd to position that shall be incom-
patablc with the raising Of such men
to power. Another point. Don't
charge the blame of fraud and misman-
agcment entirely to the leaders or the
in power, for the chief
fault, or failing whichever it is, lies
with the people. The man who has
not sufficient public spirit to take Il live
ly and active interest in politics (whcn
politics is peculiarly the concern Of the
people, has no right to proclaim against
in Office or :hc corruption
OF the times, unless he will first pub
lcly admit that he has neglected his
highest duty and is not therefore II
good citizen. Provide intelligent vot-
ers, men Vthu women 100 uiiucr lhc bcl-
ter regimen) who have public spirit
and an earnest desire to see truth and
Justice prevail and, what is sometimes
called the filthy pool of politics will
become the cay st.d fountain Of flc' d III
from which shall spring nation honor
nj prosperity.