Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1880-09-30
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"They All Do It. "


This is the expression used of late by sew
eral voters when speaking of the crooked
methods now 80 common in the election of our
public officers and legislators Bribery is
truly the bane of our political system 1t is
a veritable dry rot, so to speak, and the fact
that the party of all others the wisest, the
strongest, and heretofore by far the most viz
tuous should lately have begun to slide down
the slippery path, bidding fair ere long to
overtake its great antagonist, is to say the
least deplorable, disheartening.
How ia it that any man who would be
righteously indignant at the charge of dis
honesty in other matters can, as soon as he is
promised seat in the Legislature, or per-
haps tho more exalted throne of Congressman.
overcome his scruples and use corrupt means
to gain the coveted honor? How can 90 many
seemingly upright, respectable men, wink at
the iniquity practiced, and allow it to 60 on
without remonstrance or protest What num-
Der of notninally respectable politicians and
candidates for Office at the approaching cleo
tons will not influence votes pecuniarly, or
countenance underhanded, dishonorable
means The probability seems strong that
such men will be in small minority.
Unless candidate is willing to edo the
fair thing" and kindly but quietly make erms
with tickle constituents, either personally or
through an agent, he is tolerably sure to be
overthrown at the polls. Hence the necessity
which compells them all to do it. 1t is not
surprising that knaves in previous callings re-
main knaves when in the political arena
1t is unaccountable, however, the way many
are converted, or reconciled rather, to the
popular method when. for the first time, a
public Office lies within their willing grasp
Oue thing seems to me certain about this sub
iect: The general tone of society and public
sentiment ia in an exceedingly unhealthy con-
dition else why do we not ind some effort
STRANGE against it?
Unpurcnaseable voters are as rule alto
gether too indifferent or cowardly. Some.
times. indeed. an individual will be found
who squarely denounces corruption at cleo
| tons, no matter by what party or clique, but
| it is seldom that such q man is promoted to
office. Then, with hardly an exception, the
subject of bribery Is treated In too high q
manner. One would suppose it no great of.
fence to receive or give bride from the jokes
and repartees about buying up votes and the
use of money we hear on election day and now
| and then at other times. 1t is noticeable,
however, that the real jokers do their joking
mostly in whispers.
The section Of the present state election
laws touching bribery could be improved, ]
think. by amending it so that there would be
an inducement to weak voter to expose auy
one who might try to corrupt him. The law
could perhaps be improved in other particu.
lars, thus making it more effective. But lie,
US see the law put in execution, aaoso. Why
should honest men of all, parties be obliged "a
have their votes offset by the proriss?
"Proxies" 10 the true name to give to pur-
chased votes Ballots deposited by corrupt
tools are not the votes of the individuals
casting them. They are really the votes Of