Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-11-24
THE PERSONAL DUTY OF THE CITIZEN
TIE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RULER.

We may not say that the citizen of to-
day does not know his duty. But we can
say with truth that he very often neglects
it. In fact, the neglect is greater than the
observance. On the assumption that to
vote-which is the final exercise of peace
full sovereignty-is a duty, and it cannot
be established that it is not, it is clear that
citizens violate an obligation of citizenship
when they neglect it. In Chicago the
recent vote fell short more than one-third
the total vote according to the register. In
New York city from 30, 600 to $1,000 citi.
zsns fail 10 ote who might easily exercise
the duty. These non-voters constitute the
very class which, if it voted, would be
most likely TO cast the ballot on the side of
cleanliness in all things.
There are two principal reasons for the
neglect complained of-disgust with the
methods of machine politics and an apathy
that comes of the disposition to make the
duty of citizenship subordinate to the
selhsh duties of business. There is, how
ever, another cause related to the former,
and is found in the selfish and dangerous
pride Of some men who hold that they can
not bemean themselves by descent to the
contests that preface the choice of the
agents OF the people. This class is really
the most dangerous. The others may be
reused by appeals patriotic impulses will
inspire chem at times, but the selhshly
proud class is to be driven out of its
stronghold only when the very existence
of the Government is menaoed and their
own peace and possessions endangered.
But the mere act of voting is not the only
duty of the citizen who desires the perpe-
tuity of republican institutions Prece-
dent to that IS the necessity for his engaging
IN the methods of preparing for the exer.
else Of the right of suffrage.
DR. Cooley, in his recent consideration OF
a cogua.e subject, treats this question go
forcibly that we cannot do better than to
adhere 70 the line of reasoning he has
adopted. In America the people rule they
are the rightful source of all authority.
AS they cannot conveniently act in their
individual capacities in governing, they
create trusts, and to the discharge thereof
appoint agents, who act under laws made
BY the people according to the terms, re-
strictions, surrenders and grants of COM
pact termed the Constitution. To that ex-
tent all private interests are subordinate
TO the public interest. Law.making under
such a system is delicate and difficult
matter. There must, then, be willingness
on the part Of each citizen to be taught by
experience and events. The laws, to be of
value, must be enforced. 1t follows that
every person interested in the system must
do his duty. if the laws are to have any
vitality.
II there WAS here one personal ruler, and
Tor private concerns he abandoned the
watchfulness ne ought to exercise over pub
lie affairs, we would condemn him, because
such neglect would be equivalent to con.
senting 20 the domination of the lawless
element that requires constant vigilance for
its subordination. So the qualification of
the ruler IS very high, and as here the
people are the rulers, their responsibility is
very great. Nor, because the ruler is man
ifeat through the aggregate expression of
will, is the personal and individual re-
sponsibility of each one contributing to
that aggregation lessened. If the aggregate
wisdom and virtue of the people is to rule,
It must arise out of individual virtue and
wisdom.
z, then, we neglect the means employed