Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-08-18
THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE SU-
PREME.

If any evidence were wanted that
the public will is subverted in poll.
tics in the choice of representatives,
by the fraud and corruption in nomi.
ations and elections, that evidence
is near at hand and undeniably true.
The Courts in Baltimore, New York
and Chicago, and other places, have
shown by conviction and sentence
that the election laws are openly and
defiantIy violated by system Of
bribery, perjury and conspiracy. II
further evidence is wanted that the
political machinery is manipulated
by few IN the interest of set up
candidates, it Is found IN the way
delegates and nominations are con.
nived at in our own campaigns. The
Hagerstown Mail, an able, honest
and fearless journal, showed the
methods employed in such a rich and
intelligent community as that in
which it circulates. And with us it
is plain fact that aspiring senator.
ial influence has been stronger than
the voice of the people, because it
was backed with money and posi-.
ton, powerful incentives towards
gaining the end mapped out. 1t is
not confined to party. The leaders
of both parties have their secret
meetings and places of conference,
where good cheer and high living
foreshadow paying political invest.
ments. Particularly last session of
the Legislaturel.
Such things are excused on the
ground of necessity to party success.
just as is the expenditure of thons.
ands of dollars for Legitimate cleo.
ton expenses" 1t would not take
much argument to prove that it is
not so, but our object is to show how
little the average public man repre-.
sents and regards the interests of
the masses against those of the
classes, and how closely wealth and
greatness. socially, financially and
politically, in church, state aud soci-
ETY., are allied together. This comes
all the more illustratively in connec-
ton with the social and industrial
grievances of the common world, as
opposed and made light of by self.
satisfied social, religious and political
authority. 1t is conclusive evidence
that the best men take particular
care of the interests of their kind.
Nor have we far to 60 for examples.
We have them right among us, as if
made to order to demonstrate the
points in view. Take the record of
a shining light, socially, religiously
and politically and see how little it
has in common with the welfare OF
the body of the people, and how
sacredly and solemnly and sacrifici.
ally it is identified with the elevation
and prosperity of the few, sui gen.
eris "a record we have been re.
peatedly urged to expose, as it is
considered the most inimical and de.
trimental to the laboring classes and
agricultural and industrial pursuits
ever remembered. #qtsvWgr
1t is the privilege of citizens to
differ with the opinions and upon
the actions of representatives, and
his right to discuss and pass iudg-
ment upon every public record.
When this is done with fairness and
honesty, it leaves no room for reas-
enable complaint. No public man
should fear it; and no sincere and
worthy representative Of the people
will meet it with silent sneer or a,
passing denial. Nor will wit or sar-
casm offset fact and argument.
Neither will the sham treatment of
a personal assault avail at iustifca.
ton. Sge