The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1878-05-03
A WORD TO CANDIDATES.

1t is seldom in the history of our County |
when there were so many offices to be filled
the same year, and never. before we believe
we're there so many aspirants willing to fill
them. All this portends a campaign of un-
usual activity. and probably of extraordinary
yirulence. In fact some candidates have
been laying ropes for years for nomination
in 1878, aud names have been announced at
an unusually early date.
We have always opposed the practice OF
travelling the county to solicit votes, on the
ground that it is the duty of citizens to as
certain for themselves from independent sources
the qualifications of candidate. Such
paH would save expense to the candidate,
and put poor man on an equality with
rich one. But such plan is almost imprac-
ticable, because no rule could restrain man
from leaving his home,-on the pretext OF
business perhaps-and the only remedy rests
in the common sense of the people. The
trouble is that through years of bad teaching
many Of our people feel sighted if each and
every candidate does not call upon them to
press his claims and receive the customary
promise, though many others would prefer
not to be interrupted in their work, nor to
listen to the abuse of opponents and self praise
of the anxious seeker.
Another evil of electioneering is that every
hotel and saloon, irrespective Of party is made
rallying point for thirsty freemen, who
drink impartially with each man who comes
along, and promise all. In fact, at one point,
the lar dlord has a man on look out, who,
when he sees n candidate coming, blows a
horn to rally the thirsty. The unfortunate
candidate dare not pass; and after treating
around is not sure of one vote.
This travelling around also begets the hab.
it of spending money among supposed infu-
ential men to bring out votes, to treat on the
day of election or to come out as delegates.
This is wrong in both candidate and recip-
ent in the first, because it shows he is un-
fit for the Office, and if elected would make
up his expenses by extortionae fees from the
people; in the latter because he is bought
with a price-and in many instances takes
bribes from all comers-and each succeeding
year goes for the man with the largest pile
True, to prevent this our Rules provide
that
. Rule XVILI. 1t shall be a good cause of
challenge against any person offering to vote
at any delegate election that he has taken or
agreed to take money or other valuable thing
tquery, is whisky available thing?") or any
pecuniary advantage, as consideration for
bis vote at such delegate election, or corrupt
ing or attempting to corrupt any voter Of the
district with reference to the same.
Rule HII. il it shall be made to appear
10 the satisfaction of majority of Conven-
tion that any candidate before it for nomina-
lion to any office shall have offered or paid
any money or valuable thing, or made any
promise Of money Or valuable thing, to take
effect in future, as an inducement to any del
cgatc 10 fOtt lOT MN OF 10 any OtNef per-
ron with the view Of inducing or securing the
votes OF delegates; or it the same shall be
done by any other person with the knowledge
and appreciation Of such candidate the name
Of such candidate shall be Immediately struck
from the list Of candidates; or if such fact he
ascertained after his nomination to any Office
and before the final adjournment, the nomi-
nation shall be struck from the ticket and the
vacahcy supplied by a new nomination, aud
in either case such person shall be ineligible
10 any nomination by Convention or to elec-
tion as a delegate for period Of two years.
n Another thought and We close No per-
sou should be a candidate who is not an hon
orable, upright person. No man who spreads
ISLANDERS, Or exaggerates the faults of his op-
ponents is such, 1t is a covert, dirty, sneak
ing way of injuring the reputation of an absent
man who cannot defend himself. 1t leads to
bad blood and dissension, and should be
frowned down by every good citizen. If nee
essary let every man plead his own cause,
but he should not blacken the character of
his opponent. We trust our candidates in
all parties will heed these admonitons.
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