Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-09-24
The Duty of our Young Men,

Now that the smoke Of the election has
passed away, the excitement allayed and
everything restored to its nominal condi-
ton, it is meet that the young men should
inform themselves regarding their duty to
themselves and to their country.
Soon the excitement and turmoil Of an
other Presidential campaign will be upon
US. Are the young men prepared TO take
part in it, with that knowledge which they
should have in order to vote understand
ingly2 Judging from the present aspect
the campaign Of 1880 will be the hottest,
sharpest, and most strongly contested po-
liticsl campaign that ever graced (0 the
pages Of American history. The issue
will, in all PROBABILITY, be substantially Che
same as the people Of Maine struggled
with at our late campaign, the result of
which was a complete surprise to the con-
teStants.
The destiny and future prosperity of
our country are in the hands of the young
men. Our forefathers bequeathed to US
q priceless legacy, which they obtained by
years of toll, years of privation, and even
by death itself. We in turn pass it over
to our children. May they in turn be-
aueath it to them who shall come after
them. Thus it will be seen that upon
the young men a fearful responsibility
rests, and in order to assume that respon-
sibility it is of paramount Importance
that they should acquire education. 1t is
as essential aud imperative that they
should have q full knowledge of the po-
litical history as well as the geographical
bounds of our country. Ii is true that
our young men, yes, boys in their teens,
will talk glibly of the Republican or of
the Democratic party, or of the Green
hackers. One will tell you that Yancey,
De Jarnette, and other southern Sire
eaters" urged Disunion and Secession.
Another will retort with a reference to
the Disunion resolutions of WIN. Lloyd
Garrison, adopted at the Convention at
Albany, n. Y, Feb. ID, 1859. But how
few, how very few, comparatively, under
stand the principles ofthe political parties.
They acquire few glib speeches from
the loud-mOuthed stump-speaker, who is
endeavoring to make the people believe
that two and two are FIVE, but as for a
true knowledge Of politics, the young
men are, in too many cases, woefully de-
6cient. If they happen to be Republicans
they will vote that ticket every time.
The same is equally true of the Demo-
Gratis. This is all wrong, aud if this
tendency to let few control the many is
not checked and reversed, the future Of
our country is dark, dark indeed.
Let the young men educate themselves.
Let them study out all the tissues" and
"isms," and when they have themselves
solved the problems, SO that they can IN
derstandingly vote upon the questions OF
the day, then let them cast their ballot,
not for party, but for right. Then, and
not until then, will the political campaigns
be lifted from an exhibition OF slurs, In
uendoes, blackguardisms and falsehoods,
to calm, cool and dispassionate discuss
ion of the questions at issue. Then, and
not until then, shall We see the dawn of a
brighter and better day in American
politics Then, and not until then, will
the integrity and safety of the American
Republic be assured.-Independent.