Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-03-16

1t seems to us that there II force IN
these views. We see 10 objection, however,
| to an extension of the term to six years J,
and that, it strikes Us, would be a good limit
at which to place it.
The Duty OF the Voter.
This is subject which may be probably
considered, after election as well as before.
During an active local canvass, personal
| questions are almost always involved, ard
often overbear general principles IN the
voters mind. After the immediate strife is
over, abstract questions and general priEci
pies can be more fairly discussed. Here is
the standing question-iIow far, if at all,
| may the voter allow his action to be otter
| mined by considerations of expediency?
| The voter must ask himself, what is right
| May he also ask, what is eIpedient? Is it
right to discard questions of policy? How
is it. for instance, on this ever present, all
important temperance question? There
were voters, in our late city election. men
of standing, principle and character. deeply
interested in the welfare of the community
and in the prosperity of our city, Tho re-
fused to vote at all, because they were not
suited with either of the nominees for Al
derman in their Ward. az temperance men.
They could not deny that there was choice
between them, even on that question but
neither was up to their standard, and they
would vote for neither, nor for anybody
else. They did nothing, consequently, to
prevent the success Of party which,
whe never il has got control II our city, has
put corrupt. slack, and dishonest men into
city Offices; has greatly increased city expens-
es and taxation has, as party. always been
on the side of free run, ard which in this
very election put forward three notorious
trafhckers in liquor, among Its candidates.
If that party did not carry the day, 1t is no
thanks to these good men. They believe that
they did their duty. They acted on conscieu-
tious grounds. and, having the approval OF
their consciences, they care little about the
conse quences, or the comments OF Others on
their action. We must respect their devo-
ton to principle. though We may not be
able to agree with them as to the practical
wisdom If ;her course.
There is another class among our citizens.
sincere and earnest temperance men, who
realize deeply whata scourge strong drink
is to any comnurity-who see what dread
81 ., han
welfare of men for time ard for eternity
how it clouds happy homes with shadow
blacker than death how it destroys
character how it fills our jails and
poor houses how it injuries business.
and piles up taxes, and curses bad ard good
together. Who see. also, two parties, one of
which comprises the great mass Of men OF
temperance principles ard practice;
which has given TIC the State every law de-
signed to restrict the sale ard use of rum.
and every Offcer WHO could be relied upon
to execute them-whilc the other party has
everywhere and always, in the State, and
in our city, been the open ally of the liquor
interest. They cannot doubt that between
the two and 20 far as this question is con-
cerned, their support is due to the Republic
can party. Belonging also to that party,
on political issues, they cannot see that it
is part of their duty to help to divide
and demoralize it as an organization.
Their plan and purpose is to work within
that party, and make it as much better and
purer than it il. as they can. They attend
its nominating conventions. and do their
best to secure the selection of men Of high
personal character for temperance, purity
and honesty, as its nominees. Where It's
nom nations are fairly made. they support
them, provided always that the nominee is
not q personally dishonest ard disreputable
man-for they recognize no rule which re-
quires any man to vote for scoundrel.
They consider it their duty as American
citizens not to withhold or 20 waste their
votes. Realizing that some concessions are |
il men are to act together; that |
absolutely perfect men are very scarce, even |
in Vermont; that every man cannot always |
have his own exact choice; ard that organ
izations of good. fair and decent men are |
il society is not 10 be delivered |
over to organized ignorance. Jolly and |
propose to act with tine best OF
the two parties and to vote for the best
man. all things considered. as between the |
candidates presented. They are as con-
scieptious in this course as the class We
first described.
The man Of the first class is honest in his
faith. And he believes that all that is
necessary is for more men to take his
ground, in order greatly to elevate the
character of the party Nominations. The
man of the latter class does not believe that
The masses can BIO suddenly brought up to
any such ground. lie believes that in the
long rur, steady upward Influence accom-
pl:shes more than violent, spaSmOdIc efforts.
lie works tor the best permanent result, in
the long run. taking men as they are.
And we DO not hesitate 10 say that We owe
il to the latter class that our city has not
long since been hupelessly handed over to
nc control OF II Democratic Mayor, Demo-
cratic. wblskey- loving and whiskey control
led Board of Aldermen, and Democratic,
soctarian school board