The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1878-09-19

EpIToR INTnLLIGEHCnR: Tho following
extract of o letter from Lord Macaulay-
Mr. Macsulay when writton-will bear re-
publishing. The whole letter is good, and
will repay perusal; but this particular por-
ton on the mutual relations OF the candi-
date and voter will perhaps be found whole
somo reading all over the State, just now.
The Democratic party has borne this year
plentiful crop of candidates, and where SO
many representing the came general prin-
ciples aspire 10 the same Office, the contest
before the primaries becomes almost wholly
q personal one, is conducted with much
asBiduity and zeal, and ia perhaps too often
attended with pretty free begging of votes.
Mr.. Macaulay had been invited to stand
for Leeds as candidate for the Houue of
Commons. His letter IL addressed to o
friend, and through him to the electors Of
Leeds. 1t is so manly and independent in
tone, 20 faithful to principle, and withal 30
apposite to canvassing a. not nnfrequontly
conducted in this country, that it loses none
Of its interest to the American or eouth
Carolina reader. The practice condemned
10 certainly one moro honored in the
breach than in the observance, though
lightly regarded by not few; and IL this
letter from one SO eminent In literature and
politics, himself the exponent Of an en-
larged representation in Great Britain. shall
arrest the attention of the reading public
and cause them to think moro seriously of
q practice unbecoming, il not pornicious
then its republication will have done some
good. VOTER.
LoNDoH. August Sd. 1882.
BY Dear Sir: am truly happy to fnd
that the opinion of my friends at Leeds on
the subject Of canvaasing agreey with that
which l have long entertained. The prac-
tice of begging for votes is, rs it seems to
me, absurd, pernicious and altogether at
variance with the true principles of repre-
elector ought not to be asked, or to bo given
as personal favor. 1t 10 as much for the
interest OF constituents to choose well as It
can be for the interest OF Q candidate to be
chosen. To request an honest man to vote
according to his conscience 10 superfluous.
Toreqnest him to vote against his conscience
is an insult. The practice of canvassing
would BE- quite reasonable under l. system
in which men are sent to Parliament 10
serve themselves. 1t II the height of ab-
surdity under a system under which men
&c e.:;t *: Parliament 70 ssl 10 Tie public
While we had only mock representation,
1t was natural enough that this practice
ehould be carried TO great extent trust
1t will soon parish with the abuses from
which it sprung. I trust that the great and
intelligent body of the people who have
obtained the elective franchise will eco that
seats in the House OF Commons ought not
to be given, like rooms in an aim house., to
urgency OF solicitation; and that man who
eurronders his vote to careRses and supplica-
tions forgets his duty aB much as IL he sold
his vote for bank note. hope to SEQ tho
Gay whom an EEgliahman will think It 40
great an atIfont to be courted and fawned
upon in his capacity of elector, as in his
capacity ofjuryman. He would be shocked
at the thought OF finding an unjust verdict
because the plaintiff Or defendant had been
yexy civil and pressing; and, II he would
reflect, ho would, think, DO equally
shocked at tho thought OF voting for & can
didate, for whose public character he felt no
esteem, merely becAuBe that candidate he'd
called upon him, and begged very hard, and
| had shaken his hand very warmly. My
c-.Eaa.aes l. here The eis=.e:- 60 L->.S.s. L->.S.s
Ny opinions hhhll oa al oecaaions be ssassi
to them with perfect frankneHs. II they
| approve that conduct, IL they concur IN
those opinions. they ought, not for my
/ sake, but for their own, to choose me as
| their member To be 60 chosen sfionld
consider as high nnd enviablS honor; but
should think it no honor to be returned
| to Parliament by persons who, thioking
Ine deatitute OF tho reQuiRite qualifications,
| had yet been wrought upon By cnjolsry And
imnoFslInits Ia nnll Gnr ma IN dcspito OF
their better Judgment. 20 . .
Believe ms ever, my dear cir, your most
T.B. MAcApLAy.