Butte semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1886-1890, 1886-08-18
SENATOR VAN wYCK's MANIFESTO,
He Appeals to his Constituents to Vot
on Their Choice for Senator.

Ho Appeals to his Constituents to Vote
on Their Choice for Senator.
OMAHA, August 14.-In 1875 there was
entered ina the Nebraska State Constitu-
tion provision that at the general cleo
tion, Immediately preceding the expiration
OF the term OF United States Senator from
Newbrsska, electors shall by ballot express
their preference for some person for the
Office OF United States Senator. No action
has been taken on this process up to the
present time. Senator Van Wyck, who is a
candidate for reelection has determined to
appeal to the people for their expression
OF pref. renee under this provision and he
has accordingly issued q manifesto. his
will be the first instance of "a direct
vote of the people for United State Senator
and it is supposed that the choice thus
made will be binding as matter of honor
on the Legisla ture. Senator VanWyck's
appeal is as follows: "To the electors Of
Nebraska: In a country governed by the
people, for the people, the highest preroga-
tive of an elector is the free and untram-
lister the government while the National
Senate represents the sovereignty nf states.
Earh senator should be a true representa-
tive uf the SOY ereign people OF the common
wealth. This waa the aim and object of
the trainers Of our State Constitution when
they made provision for the expression Of
popular ch. ice in the selection of
SENATOR For ten years this propo-
sition of our constitution has been a
dead letter, although u law framed
in conformity with the constitutional pro.
visc was passed by the Legislature years
ago, and officers OF election are required to
make returns uf the vote upon the electors
pr ference Tor limited States Senator. No
aspirant has yet ventu<ed to ask the pep-
pie for direct expression IT Conscience or
preference. Without presumption on my
part that any man has a vested right to
public Office, however neritorious or faith
ful he may be, desire to appeal co t,le
people of Nebraska for direct vote ex-
pressing their preference for United States
Senator. There are. dUubtl~oo, otl.eis Ia
this State more worthy than / am OF your
confidence. and it will afford me great
pleasure to meet any Of them for public
discussion of living and side Issues OF the
day, The office OF United States Senator
is a position OF great responsibility and
the people should know the views OF every
man who desires to represent Nebraska IN
the Upper House OF Congress. l trust that
it is not inappropriate in this eonnsetlon 10 70
refer briefly to my services in behalf OF the
| State during my term now draw ng to
close. Bv that record let judgment be
given. have doubtless erred, as all men
do. but even my worst enemies cannot
point to any act that would impeach my
personal integrity or reflect discredit upon
the State which has honored me. While
claim to have done only my duty, in the
light in which was able to see it, and
claim no credit for the faithful dischs rye o.
the trust committed to me, only desire
to express the right which have in com
mon with all citizens to challenge my com
pstitors for Senatorial position to sub
mission to popular verdict.