The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1884-05-21
For the Farmer and Mechanic.
Scales Weighed In the Balance

Scales Weighed In the Balance
l see in the papers that a consider
able, and | must say. commendable IN
terestIs manifested in regard to the Sc
lection Of men who shall manage our
State and National affairs for the mex
four years. This is right and proper.
Every citizen should feel a deep interest
and take an active part in these matters
of State. The masses OF the people are
the most Indifferent and why? Simply
because they have been outwitted and
out-manpuvred in their wishes and
choice. Look at it from any point, and
from every point,-all government, and
the support of government, comes from
and is dependent upon the masses. The
steady, hard-laboring masses sustain
everything. They build cities and
towns, keep up commerce. Yea, they
are the master-wheel that keep all things
and every body alive and in motion.
Now is it not strange that this class of
people should be duped and taken adj
vantage Of in any business transaction.
Their wishes and their desires not con-
suited nor gratifed in political owen
tons. They see it, know it, and feel it,
and hence their great indifference in the
choice of candidates. The Democratic
majority has been growing less and less
in every election, until there is a bare
majority left. All because political
tricksters and wire-workers have stifled
the voice of the masses. and carried
matters their own way in u State CON
ventiOns. No one. that is no one who
loves peace and quiet and good govern
ment, desires to see again that faction
known as the Republican party, in the
possession of our State government.
Our peace and happiness, yea, and our
prosperity as a people, depends not so
much upon the success of the Demo-
cratic party as upon the election of men
to high positions who have the moral
courage and force of character to main
tain and contend for pure Democratic
principles. Men who will not swerve
from principle or right on account of
croakers and radical intimidation. Men
who will preserve the constitution and
maintain its principles under the most
trying circum stances and conditions.
Men who will work for the good of their
country, and not for self and self promo
ton. Men who will not sacrifice Dem
ocratic principles to the interest Of mo-
nopolist and pig-lron capitalists. When
we meet in convention let it be for the
common good. Be not swayed by
prejudice, ambition, nor excessive devo-
ton to any particular friend or favorite,
but by reason and good plain common
sense. In selecting men to take charge
OF u governmental affairs, exercise the
same common sense that we do in all
business transactions. Let US not take
men for their wealth or their poverty
MOI for their ambition or their PRIDE
not for what they have done, or what
they promise to do but for what they
are, and for their integrity Of character,
and with the moral courage to do right
under the most trying circumstance and
conditions. Above all, select men who
will be acceptable to the whole people.
the very mention of whose name will
arouse enthusiasm in every section of
our State and county. There must be
no packing Of conventions, nor wire
working, nor unfair rulings of presiding
officers but act according to the desires
and wishes of the masses of the people.
Then there will be no doubt as to the
result. We have been in a number of
conventions, and neve saw a failure
when the people had their choice.
We have a number of good men,
men of ability and experience, we'll
skilled in State affairs, all of whom
would make good governors. Now
while we should select a man who is
good, able and experienced, we must,
above all other considerations, select
one who can be elected. Now who is
the good man of all these able and ex-
perienced men that can be elected and
will make a most excellent governor.
There Is one among this number. the
very mention of whose name as the
choice of the Democratic convention.
would arouse such an enthusiasm, in
the masses, as would make success a
certainty. He has been in public life.
and served his country in times of peace
and of war, from his earliest manhood,
and there ls not a stain on his political
or personal character. Friend and foe
have never named him but to speak
well of him. From every section of our
State the masses of the people honor
him and call for him as our leader. Go
where you will, and you will hear the
name of Alfred NJ. Scales sounded from
every voice for Governor. Scales is be-
yond doubt the man. He is the choice
Of the masses, and will unite every good
man in the State without regard to past
party affiliations. l say every good
man of every party. There are some
good men in the Republican party from
principle, and if a good man, an accept
able man, like Scales is nominated.
these good Republicans will support
him. Give US Scales for a State leader.
and Samuel J. Tilden for a National
leader, and Democratic triumph is as
sured. Alfred NJ Scales is the strong
est man in the State. He is popular
with Democrats and Republicans. He
has never failed to command a large
vote, and he has been successful in al.
most every contest. While he is a true.
and earnest Democrat, vet by
his plain, pleasant and agreeable man.
ners and ways, he has never offended
his political opponents, but good men
of all parties respect him and honor him.
Now the people want Scales. and if
their wishes are ignored by scheming
politicians, or by the friends of some
ambitious individuals, then such an in
difference will take hold upor the peo-
pie as will assure defeat.
The wishes of the people were defeat
ed in our last State convention nv tho !