Brenham weekly banner. [volume] (Brenham, Tex.) 1877-1907, 1878-07-26
WASHINGTON COUNTY. July =,


As the time approaches for The nornina-
ton Of county officers, it may be well 10
say word in regard 10 the selection u
men. Heretofore cliques and rings have
selected candidates, and by secret machi-
nations and "wire-pulling." have rashed
them through conventions regardless alike
as to their qualifications and the wishes Of
the best part Of our citizens. This should
no; be; and it is the duty OF every man true
to the interests of good governments, to raise
his voice and influence in opposing it.
Power seems by its own weight TO gravitatc,
and it will settle in the hands of few if the
masses are not alive TO the issues Of the
day. and strict in the performances Of po-
h,ieal duty. Il ausers well for the future
OF this country that desire, yea, deter
minahon upon the part ofthc people is man
itest to break away from the rule of rings
and think for themselves. This spirit
should be encouraged and fostered; it is the
system is the best and cheapest means we
have at hand for getting at the choice ofthe
people, and should not be thrown away
until better plan is offered. 1, is the
abuse Of this system tina; renders i, odious
in the eyes Of some, and must not be con-
dcrnnei on that account The masses
must be schoolcd to think for themselves,
and proper appreciation Of their respecti-
bility as citizens OF republic will beget
within them desire to sec the government
administered economically and well.
In order to select good men-men quail
fed to fill the various ofices-,ime should
be given for casting about. Able and sue
cessful men arc not found in llcness seek
ing COR oificc-and men who have achieved
4 n.easurs Of success in the management of
their oNa aii.irs only should take charge Of
public businsss.-They viii be found busy
at home or in ,,,,ir offices, and will feel
surprised when their n"mcs are mentioned
in connection with ofis>s. Genius is
modest" as is true merit the world over.
\ man Of honest worth feels within himself
4 consciousness Of ultimate success and
recognition among his kind, and seeks not
to urge his claims or force himself unasked
upon the people. 1t is the duty OF nomi-
nee to speak upon the issues of the day and
explain them, as well as the policy of his
party; but, at to promises, he need make
none. His integrity and ability to dis
charge the duties of his official station
should be condition of his nomination.
Whe want no man in Office who will entrust
the intricate, important and hard labor en-
tirely to deputies while he seeks pleasure
and the perpc,ua;ion of his power in con-
vivial parties composed of his pimps and
..wire-pullers." 'Tis a sad commentary
upon our progress and ''boasted civilizs-
ton to acknowledge virtually before the
world that the county affairs of the old,
rich and refined county OF Washington are
under the control OF a majority Of degrad-
ed, immoral tipplers. Must we, sons of |
county, permit this again to
go on, as the true condition of our long |
loved county? Or, shall we, by earnest, /!
work among our people, arouse
them to a seuae Of the dignity and respon-
sibiliy of an American citizen! This is no |
bombastic- nonsense, as
some may think, but matter affecting US |
matter of dollars and cents.
All of us admit tina, emigranss, who pur-
chase land and settle among us, benefit the |
county. Hence that emigration is beneh- |
cial in developing the resources and build |
inc up the solid wealth Of the county. A |
colony of emigrants wishing to fad the best /
location, generally selects one or more CT !
their most experienced members to go and |
examine the country, look at the land and !
the state Of society, Of finances,
SC. of the different sections And, coming
often from old States and staid old coun-
hes, they naturally place much importance |
upon such affairs IS county governments, |
who or what set of men shall determine |
how much ,aoney they must pay out an |
nually as taxes, road working, &c. Thy |
aegiec, those counties whose officers 90 |
not rcpresen, the learning morality and in
esrity of their people, and select others, /
ess rica naturally, it may be, though pre-
Icrablc on account of their political condi-
ion. Therefore, it seems to me an object
Of grea, moment 10 the propsry-holdefs, /
he merchants, and 10 every one interested
n the prosperity of the county, to sec who
gets the nominations at the hands Of the
Democrats. To this end let Us all unite in
,ns mighty effort to arouse the people and
'srthey the cause Of the grand old Dcmoe-
.acy.
This effort of few dissatisfied persons,
lerded by handful ofdisappointcd Office
seekers under the name of "Grccnbaekcrs,
o draw voters from both parties, amounts
o the verics. folly when viewed in the light
IF common sense. AL that IS needed to
o wait this ghost of the rag-ba5y back to
Is misty haunts in the North is to upen up
. healthful breeze of popular intelligence as
egards our national finances. y free in
exchange of opinion, general awakening
# the masses to the irnpo. lance of politics,
nearer approach to frs, principles will re