The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-12-13

possible 10 rid myself OF the impressive
thought that here il represented that factor
In civilized life which measures the pro-
gress Of people, which constitutes the
chief care Of every enlightened government
and which gives TO a country the privilege
Of recognized membership in the commu-
nifty Of nations.
Our business men cannot il they would.
escape the responsibility which this condi-
ti0n casts upon them-a responsibility most
exactins and invested with the seriousness
which always results from just appre-
hension Of mans relation TO his fellow-man
and the obligation due from a citizen TO his
government.
Equal rights and impartial justice are
stipulations OF the compact we have en-
tered into with each other as American cit
liens: and so nicely adjusted is this plan OF
our political association, that fayoritism for
the sole advantage OF any section of our
membership, inevitably results in an en-
cr0achment upon the benefits justly due 20
others. But these things sit 80 lightly upon
the conscences of many that spirit Of sell
iishness is abroad in the land, which has
bred the habit Of clamorous importantly for
government aid in behalf Of special inter
ests -imperfectly disguised under the cloak
Of solicitude for the public good.
POLITICAL NtlFl>liNf~S.
Political selhshness cheapcns in the minds
Of the people their apprehension Of the char
acter and functions of the government; II
distOrts every conception Of the duty Of
good citizenship. and creates an atmosphere
in which iniqutous purposes and designs
lose their OdiOus features. When political
selfshness is destroyed our dangers will dis
appear, and though the way tO its strong
hold may be long and weary. We will follow
il it-hghting as we 90. There will be no sur
render nor will there be- desertions from
our ranks. >elfishness and corruption have
not yet achieved lasting triumph. and
their bold defiance will but hasten the day
of their destruction.
As we struggle on and confidently invite
a direct conflict with these entrenched foes
of our political safety, we have not failed
10 see another hope which has manifested
itself TO all the honest people of the land.
This hope risen like the star I'm the East,
has fixed the gaze Of our patriotic fellow
cOuntlymen: and cyeryWherr-in our busy
marts Of trade and on our farms our
cities aud i'm our yillages-in the dwellings
Of the rich and in the houses of the poor
in our universities and in our workshops
in our banking houses and in the ranks Of
memorable tOil-they greet with cnthusias-
tic acclaim the advent Of ballot reform.
This reform is predicted upon the cool de-
Liberation of political selii>hness i'm its en-
deayor to prostitute our suffrage 10 the pur-
poses Of private gain. II j. rightly sup
posed that corruption Of the voter Is entered
upon with such business calculation that
the corruptor will only pay bribe when he
has Occular proof that the suffrage he has
bargained for is east in his interest. So
too. il is reasonably expected that II the
Ii. -. .,.fa
his ballot removed from the immediate con
troll of his employer. the futility Of fear and
intimidation will lead 10 their abandon
ment.
sOLIClrvDE.
The change demanded by this reform in
the formalities surrounding the exercise of
the privilege Of suffrage. has given rise 10
real or pretended sOliciiude for the rights Of
Our voters: and the fear has been expressed
that inability on the part of electors Ia con-
form 10 the requirements OF the proposed
change. might produce great inconNcni-
cncc. and in some cases result in di-ifan-
chisement. Ii has even been suggested that
the Inauguration of the new plan might en-
croach upon constitutional guarantees.
/ remember the Inauguration Of another
reform: and have seen IL grow ana extend
until il has become firmly established in our
lANN ana litiAli's ~ - l'-fAhN NNl -A'NA'"f
safeguard against the complete and dis
graceful degradation Of our public service.
II had its enemies. and all of them are not
vet silenced. Those openly and secretly
unfriendly, said in the beginning that the
scheme was impracticable and unneces-
sary that it created an office holding
class that it established burdensOme
and delusiye tests for entry in the public
service which shonld be- open to all ;
that it put in the place Of real merit and
efficiency, scholastic requirements; that u
limited the discretion of those charged with
the selection Of public employees, and that
il was unconstitutional But its victory
came-w wrought by the force of enlightened
public sentiment-and upon its trial every
objection which had been urged against II
was completely discredited.
As it has been with civil service reform,
so it will be with ballot reform, except that
the coming victory will be- more speedily
achieved and will be more complete.