Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1889-03-09
THE MARTINSBURG HERALD, SATURDAY, MA


any duty connected herewith, viii be ex-
pected TO enforce the civil service law fully
and without evasion
SIT is very gratifying to observe the gem
eral interest now being manifested in the
reform of our election laws. Those who have
been for years calling attention to the press
ing necessity of throwing about the ballot
box and about the elector further safe guard;
in order that our elections might not only be
free and pure, but might clearly appear to
be SO, will welcome the accession of any one
who did not SO soon discover the need of re-
form
1.-The National congress has not as yet
taken control of elections in that case over
which the constitution gives it jurisdiction,
but has accepted and adopted the election
laws of the several states, provided penalties
for their violation and q method of supervf-
sion. Only the inefficiency of the state laws,
or an unfair or partisan administration OF
them could suggest a departure from this
policy. 1t was clearly, however, in the con-
temptation of the trainers of the constitution
that such an exigency might arise and pro-
vision was widely made for it
1.-The freedom of the ballot is a condition
of our National life and no power vested in
congress or in the executive to secure or per-
petuate it. should remain unused upon occa-
sion. The people of all the congressional dis
tricts have an equal interest that the cleo
ton in each shall truly express the views and
wishes of ma jority of the qualified electors
residing within it. The results of such cleo
tions are not local. and the insistence of
electors residing in other districts that they
shall be pure and free does not SAVIOR at all
of impertinence.
elf in any of the states, the public security
is thought to be threatened by ignorance
among the electors, the obvious remedy is
education The sympathy and help of our
people will not be withheld from any COM
munity struggling with special embarrass-
ments or difficulties connected with the suf-
frage, if the remedies proposed proceed upon
lawful lines and are promoted by just and
honorable methods. How shall those who
practice election frauds recover that respect
for the sanctity of the ballot which is the
first condition and obligation of good citizen
ships The man who has come to regard the
ballot-box as a juggler's hat, has renowned
his allegiance.
LET us exalt patriotism and moderate
our party contentious. Let those who would
die for the flag on the first OF battle give a
better proof of their patriotism and higher
glory to their country by promoting frater-
nifty and justice. A party success that is
achieved by unfair methods or by pr actices
that partake of revolution is hurtful and
evanescent, even from party standpoint
1--WE should hold our differing opinions in
mutual respect and, having submitted them
to the arbitrament of the ballot, should ac-
cept an adverse judgment with the same re-
spect that we would have demanded of our
opponents, II the decision mad been In our
favor.
''No other people have government more
worthy of Their respect and love, or a land
SO magnificent in extent, SO pleasant to look
upon and SO full of generous suggestion to
enterprise and labor. God has placed upon
our head a diadem and has laid at our feet
power and wealth beyond definition or cal
o,,la Rpt lpt hot xxya
take these gifts upon the condition that JUS
tice and mercy shall hold the reins of power,
and that the upward avenues of hope shall
be free to all people
II do not nlistrust the future Dangers
have been in frequent ambush along our
path, but we have uncovered and van
pushed them all. Passion has swept some
of our communities, but only to give usa
new demonstration that the great body OF
our people are stable patriotic and law
abiding. No political party can long pursue
advantage at the expense of public honor, or
by rude and indecent methods, without pro
test and fatal disaffection in its own body.
The peaceful agencies of commerce are more
fully revealing the necessary unity of all our
communities, and the increasing intercourse
of our people is promoting mutual respect.
1--WE shall find unalloyed pleasure in the
revelation which our next census will make
of the swift development of the great re
sources of some of the states. Each state
will bring its generous contribution to the
great aggregate of the nations increase, and
when the harvests of the fields, the cattle
from the hills, and the ores of the earth shall
have been weighed, counted and valued,
we will turn from them all to crown witt
the highest honor the state that has most
promoted education, virtue, justice and pa
triotism among its people"
The crowd Immediately about the platform
remained with heads uncovered during thu
delivery of the entire address and frequently
interrupted the president with vociferou
applause. At the conclusion of the address
they cheered again and again. The presi
dent bowed his acknowledgements. He wa
then escorted through the cheering crowC
ON the platform into the capitol. He walked
to the basement door where he had entered
the building and where his carriage wa.
waiting for him. He and the expression
with two members of the committee of ar
engagements took seats in he carriage anC
were driven out to join the procession.
90 i----- .,.,,-., 80 .eSn hss .eaatinnad sine