The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-16
SENATOR VAN WYcKS APPEAL.
Under a Novel Law Of His State He Asks the
People to Express Their Preferences.

OMAHA, Neb.. Aug 15.-In 1875 there was in
serted in the Nebraska State Constitution a pro-
vision that, at the general election Immediately
preceding the expiration of the term of a United
States Senator from this State, the electors
shall. by ballot. express their preference for
some person for the Office of United States SEN
ator. No action has been taken on this process
up to the present time Senator Van Wyck,
who is candidate for re election, has determined
to appeal to the people for their expression of
preference under this proviso, and he has accord
ingly issued a manifesto. This will be the first
instance of direct vote of the people for United
States Senator, and it is supposed that the choice
thus made will be binding as matter of honor
on the Legislature Senator Van Wyck's appeal
is as follows:
ITO the Electors of Nebraska:
SIN country governed by the people and for
the people, the highest prerogative of the elector
is the free and untrammeled choice of the pub
lie servants who administer the government
While the national Senate represents the SOW
erei gnty of the States, each Senator should be
the true representative OF the sovereign peo-
pie Of the Commonwealth. This was the aim
and object of the trainers of our State Constitu-
ton, when they made provision for the express
sion Of the popular choice of a selection of q
OSHdIois TOE Ten years LnlS prOViSlOu ol OuE
Contribution has been o dead letter. Although
a law, framed in conformity with the eonstitu-
tional provision, was passed by the Leg
lsiature years ago. and officers of cleo
ton are required to make returns of the
vote upon the electors preference for United
States Senator, no aspirant has as yet ventured
to ask the people for direct expression of conf
dence or preference. Without presumption on
my part that any man has a vested rightto pub
lie Office, however meritorious or faithful he
may be, desire to appeal to the people of Ne
braska for direct vote, expressing their prefer
ence for United States Senator. There are,
doubtless. others in 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 the living and vital issues of the
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
II trust that it is not inappropriate in this
connection to refer briefly to my service in be-
half of the State during my term now drawing
to a close. By that record let judgment be
given. I have doubtless erred in some instances
las all men debut even my worst enemies
cannot point to any act that would impeach my
personal integrity or reflect discredit upon the
State which has hored 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 discharge of the trust committed to me,
| only desire to exercise the right which have,
| in common with all citizens, to challenge my
competitors to the senatorial position to sub
mission to popular verdict of their respective
claims to the senatorial succession"
&c. p. VAN WICK
NEBRASKA CRY, Neb.. Aug. Is. 1885,"