The Russellville Democrat., 1882-03-16

l Sbdlc GcpubablUH aDTOdu. DiHGb 1b is to the legislator that we must look for supply, regulation and correction of needed laws, how important that he should understand the true na. ture of our wants, and should know wherein tho defects of our govern ment consists. Good moral isal!sSss should be estee!GoI . primary and Indispensable qualification. We do not call an obscure and dIssipated man to the pulpit: the inconsistency of sending such character to the legislature is obvious. Such a course IS in effect, the election of vice, to defend the cause of virtue; the elec- tion of drunkenness to plead the cause of temperance. The man who does not esteem morality, enough to practice it, IS not likely to prove very efficient advocate of this vir- tue Tn the state legislature. And again. is it not obvious that a sober and thoroughly disciplined mind, a clear head, and unclouded facilities. must be public necessity in our law makers, If in any public capaci- ty? What kind of laws are we to expect from the legislator whom al coholic eXcesses have welded to the interests of dissipation and debauch- cry? Let us never complain, more, of unjust and harmful laws, while we continue to send immoral and incom- petent men to the legislature. And, again, what must be the estimation in which strangers will hold that county which has chosen a drunkard to form it's laws? May our caution, Tn tue future, make this source of disgrace to our states reputation, a thing of the past.
 In our Treasurers, Secretaries. Sheriffs, and Auditor, let us insist upon the most undoubted and estab- lished reputation for honesty, fidelity and capacity. Our people have sui fered much, both iu reputation and finance, from dishonesty and incom- potency in the above remarkable DO sitons; but let us hope that the i'm portant lesson--Caution-has been learned. and that, III the future, we may not prove an exception to the rule, "burnt children dread the fire"
 It may be urged. however, that we cannot always obtain reliable infor- nation concerning the candidates character and qualifications. We would reply, "don't vote at all. unless prepared to vote intelligently." Bet ter that the right of suffrage did not exist, than that it be used incau- tiously. Better that important DO litical issues be decided by an ad viscd and cautious few, than by . great multitude of needless guessers. It is the duty of every one to vote who can vote intelligently; otherwise, it is no ones duty, but, rathera priv ilege which is fraught with the most imminent peril to tue very founda tion of our commonwc wealth. II our candidate is not sufficiently known to us personally, let us inquire of those who are informed, and who are known to be disintercsted and reli- able.
 l. the best of men are not elected to the offices of honor, trust and profit, in our state, it cannot be be cause they are not here. Such an unhappy fate can beGall us, only through hasty and lncautlous use of what should be esteemed our highest privilege and greatest bless ing-the elective franchise.
 Democracy, Amendment, honesty. morality, ability, be the steps that lead to promotion.
 PHIL ANTHROPOS.
 Dover, March, 13, 1882.