The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1889-03-16
OF as yet tason control of elections in that case

not as vet taken control OF elections In that case
over which the constitution gives 1t iurisdic-
tion, but has accepted and adopted the cleo
tion laws of the several States provided PEN
alties for their violation and method of su-
pervision. Only the ineilciency OF the State
laws, or au unfair or partisan administration OF
them could suggest departure from this
policy IL was clearly, however, In tho con-
temptation OF the trainers OF the constitution
that such an exigency might arise, and, pro.
vision was wisely made for IT, The freedom
of the ballot is condition of our national
life and no power vested in Congress
or the executive to secure or pcrpetuatc II,
should remain unused upon occasion. The
people OF all congressional districts have an
equal interest that the election in each shall
truly express the views and wishes OF n ma
jority OF the qualified electors residing within
it. The result of such elections are not local.
and the insistcnce of electors residing in other
districts that they shall be pure and free does
not SAVIOR at all of impertinoncc. IT, in any
of the States. the public security is thought to
be threatened by ignorance among electors, the
obvious remedy Is education. The sympathy
and help Of our people will not be withheld
from any community struggling with special
embarrassments or dinicnlties connected with
the suffrage. IL 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 citizenship!
The man who has come to regard the ballot
box as jugglers hat has renounced his ale-
glance
"Let us exalt patriotism and moderate our
party contentious. Let those who would die
for the flag ON the field of battle give better
proof of their patriotism and higher glory TO
their country by promoting fraternity and JUS
ticc. A party success that is achieved by un-
fair methods or by practices that partalic Of
revolution is hurtful and evanescent, even
from a party standpoint We should hold our
differing opinions in mutual respect and, hav-
ing submitted them to the arbitrament of the
ballot should accept an adverse Judgment with
the same respect that we would have demanded
OF our opponents IL the decision had been in
our favor.
mo other people have government more
worthy OF their respect and love, or 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 n dia-
dem, and has laid at our feet power and wealth
beyond definition or calculation. But We must
not forget that We take these gifts upon the con-
dition that justice and mercy shall hold the
reins of power, and that the upward avenues OF
hope shall be free to all people.
II do not mistrust the future. Dangers have
been in frequent ambush along our path, but we
have uncovered and vanquished them all. Pas
sion has swept some of our communities, but
only to give us new demonstration that the
great body of people are stable, patriot and law
abiding No political party can long pursue
advantage at the expense OF public honor or by
rude and indecent methods, without protest
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 inter
course of our people is promoting mutual re-
spect, We shall find unalloyed pleasure in the
revelation which our next census will make, OF
.be swift development of the great resources Of
some of the States. Each State will bring its
generous contribution to the great aggregate OF
the nations increase. And, when the harvest
from the fields, the cattle from the hills, and
the ores of the earth shall have been we ghed,
counted and valued. we will turn from them all
to crown with the highest honor the State that
has most promoted education, virtue, justice
and patriotism among its people,"