The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-12-24
Presumption.

The press and politicians of Maryland
are indulging in much advice to the legls-
lature about to convene on matters OF leg
islation. Not all of the press, however, nor
all of the politicians, but few of the wise,
who know, in their own cOnceit, what IS
needed and what public opinion demands
1t has been amusing to read these opinions,
Given with self-satisfaction, and the ASST
rance with which the desires Of the people
are set forth.
One little column weekly, published
in western county, seems to be wise above
all Others. 1t knows exactly what public
sentiment is. and each week publishes to its
readers. and to the mcmbers-elect Of the
legislature to whom it is sent gratultously,
what reforms are needed and what the peo-
pie expect. 1t never suggests, but endeav-
ors to drive. 1t never surmises, but Is al
ways positive. 1t never argues, but speaks
as infallible. Its reforms consist in turning
certain men out of office, though neither
incompetency nor corruption is alleged
against them. 1t would abolish several
offices. because its incumbents are supposed
to be hostile to the absolute sway Of its en-
hodiment Of all reform. 1t is a wonderful
little journal, indeed, and knows it all.
From perusing it, one would suppose that
it had direct communication with every
Democrat in the state, and knew the exact
opinion of every one Of them.
Several Baltimore politicians, of aspiring
natures, are weekly giving to the public
through the Sunday edition of a Republi-
can paper, their views upon the politics Of
the state and the necessities of the times.
They know public sentiment accurately, and
speak with much positiveness about mat
tiers of legislation, reform, &c
All these opinions are amusing. The
little western county weekly and the aspir
ING politicians mistake their own notions
for public opinion. They conceive certain
things should be done and imagine all the
people demand it.
State affairs have been freely and fully
discussed for the past two years. The press
has teemed with views pro and con on every
subject of reform and orators have dwelt
largely upon them in every quarter of the
state. The people everywhere are familiar
with these suggested reforms. With a full
understanding of them they have recently
selected representatives of the Legislature.
1t is supposable that these representatives
known right accurately the sentiment of
their constituents and will faithfully adhere
to and promote their wishes. How useless,
then, for individuals to be continually adj
vising and putting forth statements of what
the people want Do they presume to
know more than the newly elected imme-
date representatives of the people? Does
any one man suppose that he knows more
of public sentiment than the three to seven
members of the Senate and House from
each legislative district or county? Such
an assumption is presumption: They know,
probably, what the coterie around them de-
sire, but beyond that nothing; and they
neither read the papers of the state nor
listen to opposing opinions.
As before noted, the next legislature will
be direct from the people, and chosen after
a full and free discussion of all the chief
questions of reform and change. Upon
these they will act in accordance with the
known wishes of their constituents, har-
monizing differences and coming to general
conclusions IN caucus The result OF their
deliberations and actions upon such matters
must be accepted as the popular verdict, no
matter how they come in conflict with
the designs of aspiring leaders, ofiicezseek-
ers, or those who have personal grievances
to resent. When they act public opinion
will be accurately known. They are pledged
in advance to certain measures, and these
thew will endeavor to carry out. A por-
ton of them are pledged in plain terms to
use their best efforts to accomplish what
the Democratic platform of 1879 called
for-the equalization Of taxation To that
end they are pledged to secure the taxation
of mortgages, The press, which usually
reflects the public sentiment of their sec
t;ons Is almost unanimously in favor OF
such measure, and public opinion Of the
state may be fairly said to demand bill of
that kind,
Hon Timothy o. Howe, of Wisconsin,