The Arizona sentinel., 1878-10-19
ARIZONA SENTINEL.
Political Worth End Personal
Qualities the test OF CandI.
dates--A. Il. Davis the
Coming Man.
MoHAvE COUNTY, A. T Sept. %.

MoHAvE COUNTY, A. T Sept %.
EDITOR SENTINEL:-The ola podrida OF
politics seems to be the favorite public
dish at present. Judge Davis has gone
forth to meet the foe, and engage in the
stern, old art of stump oratory. Woolsey
is speaking Spanish and English lessons
of wisdom to the electors of Arizona
Campbell and Stevens are said to be utter
ing their low, metallic tones, each in his
way, teaching the people how they may
worthily perform that sacred duty to
which, by virtue of their freedom and
American citizenship, they are called.
We also feel stimulated to offer few
remarks by way of stirring up the indif-
ferent TO a sense of duty, and suggesting
some plain, everyday rules for the selec-
ton of our Delegate to Congress.
In his letter published in the Enterprise
of Sept. II, "Ishmael says: "Men will
vote for love- for fun, for money and for
revenge" 1t IS a pretty sharp blow at our
boosted enlightened public opinion, but it
is q just satire. UndcYelopcd men are
ever controlled by low and selfish motives
ignorant citizens are fit tools for artful
and designing politlcians-popular cleo
tons are perverted by every method of
corruption. Eminent thinkers have de-
elared, in substance, that the mass of
mankind is hopelessly foolish; and its
greatest political bliss to be found in alb
solute despotism. There are grave
evils incident to the ballot and, perhaps,
mseparable from it. Still, we believe pop
ular election the best plan yet devised
to get the right man in the right place.
We have an abiding faith in the integrity
and wisdom of that large class which has
ever made up the bulk of mankind. What
is needed is intelligence and truth to bind
them together in thought and purpose, a
clear understanding of their duty as cleo
tors, and practical hints how to select
from among those who may be presented
for their suffrages.
The practical question for electors is,
"who is the most worthy and best qualified
III the coming Congress? Which of the
candidates can secure the greater good, in
that position, to the people of Arizona?"
1t is an honorable position, and the man
that occupies it should be an honorable
man, of moral worth and integrity. He
should be a man who, in the lower walks
of life, has discharged faithfully all the du-
| ties, man true to himself, to all that is
best in his nature, and true to his country
He should be more than this; he should
be man raised by the force of his own
character, and nobler faculties, above the
necessities, trifilng pleasure and selfish
instincts of ordinary men. A man who,
with a gaze analogous to his maker, can
! look out with a loving eye upon his less
gifted fellow men, with disposition and
ability to help them. His intelligence and
personal qualities should tit him 10 asso-
ciate with superior minds. He should
| possess a good address; be skilled in the
exact use of language and, above every
| thing else, should possess moral courage,
unf1inching fidelity for the right, and es-
pecially for the rights of his constituency.
| If We have any right conception of the
philosophy of popular election it is to
give a fair, equal chance, for elevated po-
sition, to men of all classes, subiecting
them to the judgment of majority of their
| fellow men as to worth and personal fit
ness. The question to be asked by the
voter then is not what are the candidates
possessions, blood, politics or religion, or
whether he be friend or foe. Every elector
has an act to perform for the right per-
by his race. The question in regard to
| a candidate should be, Is he true man
Has he ability, integrity, patriotism, valor?
| Is he most worthy to be an American law
giyer?" Concentrate upon this. Pool
your issues is the grain Of gold in the
sand lot orators orations. Honor the man
best fitted for the place and you perform
your duties in accordance with great
natural law, and the elected one performs
his duty naturally, and in obedience to
the same great law.
Be firm and resolute here. As the come
ly candidate approaches, is introduced,
and with smiles invites your attention to
his merits, apply the test OF reason and
common sense. Take time if you are not
informed. Ascertain his record in those
spheres he has occupied. Examine him
sternly as Rhadamanthus the departed
spirits. Every candidate by the fact of his
candidacy invites this scrutiny. To be
timid or confding here is cowardice and
treason. Do not be imposed upon by any
bOdy's empty talk. Pass your own judg-
ment and settle your own decision. Give il
to your neighbor and let him disprove its
soundnesS if he can.
Judged by the standard herein indicated,
or by any other intelligent standard, we
confidently assert that Hon. A. E. Davis
is the man entitled to the popular vote of
this Territory, that the interests of the
people will be best secured by his cleo
ton.
This seems so certain that the mere
statement to those who know the man