Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1880-04-20
For the SPECTATOR.
Not VOting-.A Criminal Negligence.

The callous indifference displayed by
many of the best men of this State in
regard to voting is lamentable to lovers
of popular government. To even the
most casual observer of recent political
contests, it is obvious that many of the
most influential and conservative OF our
citizens, absent themselves from the
polls under the pleasing delusion, that
all will be well. II is of this criminal
disregard of duty that [ wish to speak.
The wise administration of public at
fairs depends upon the capability of the
peoples representatives.
II is, therefore, incumbent upon every
qualified voter that he express his choice
of men at the polls. 1t is a duty which
he owes not less to the public than HIM
self, and by neglecting to perform it be
rashiy imperils the common welfare.
The last general election in this State
furnished a striking example of the
negligence to which [ refer. On that
occasion the people were called upon to
decide question affecting vitally the
welfare or the Old Dominion, and yet,
notwithstanding the fact that every ap-
n9al which should arouse sentiments of
Nor, or fan the fires Of patriotism,
was used, comparatively tight trote'
was cast. In vain, the papers entreat
ed. In vain the oratorical talent of the
State, from the stump, besought the peo
pie to be true to themselves and to their
memories. In the face of such appeals;
while fully recognising the gravity of
ed to record their votes. They did not
seem to appreciate the fact that such
conduct was not only miserably selfish,
but was suicidal of their estinterests.-
They had not time, they said, to attend
the polls!
In order to supervise insignificant de
tails of business, they did not hesitate to
place in jeopardy great questions of
state policy!
That they might crafty a disinclina-
ton for personal exertion, they refrain
ed from exercising the right of suffrage,
and thereby brought humiliation upon
the State.
These are the men who are loudest in
their eulogies of popular franchise and
who perhaps speak beautiful theories of
this bulwark of our freedom. / have
heard gentlemen, against whom it
would be infamous to whisper evil,
openly boast that they take no interest
in elections.
That they consider politics a dirty
business, and politicians a low Glass;
These men are, in their business inter
course, excellent citizens and would
doubtless feel much agrieved were they
accused Of neglect of private duty. But
there are public as well as private de-
mands upon the time and services of
such men, and they are false to them
selves and their country when they fail
TO obey them. They are responsible for
the present condition of political affairs
in Virginia. Were every man to attend
the polls at each election, the best ele-
ment of our society could readily hold
uown tie evil, and enlightened private
opinion would control the public admin
istration.
Ia this country all qualified citizens
occupy the position of partners, and our
common property is good government.
He who actively or passively Injuries
our common heritage deserves severest
censure from us all. The lower element
of our population is too frequently led,
by the excitement of a contest, to the
polls, and constitutes a dangerous Weap-
on in the hands OF designing demagogGes.
Necessity requires that the thoughtful,
educated men of the community should
be Oh hand TO offset this evil and and to
assert the supremacy of intelligence
Voting is the necessary requisite of good
citizenship, and public opinion should
denounee as criminal the man who fails
TO render this service for the common
benefit. =. &. :,