The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-10-19
FOR the FREE TRADER.

kOr the FREE TRADER.
If the wageworkers knew precisely
what it is that deprives them of their
due share Of the enormous increase in
production and wealth which new in
ventions and discoveries constantly
bring about, it would be easy enough
for them to introduce "a juster distri-
button.
With US, each citizen is in theory, at
least, a co-sovereign who participates
in the making Of the laws which gov
ern us; practically he is nothing of the
kind, unless he have lots of money or
is professional politician who con-
trolls votes, Of which he usually sets
himself up as the owner.
Rich men can either enter politics
and attain Office themselves in order TO
frame laws that conserve their privil-
egcs and special interests, or they can
buy the services of professional politi-
clans to do this for them.
The poor man, of course, has no
chance to influence legislation i'm his
own behalf except in some unimpOrt-
ant, rare and, usually, abOrtjve inStan-
ccs. Neither of the two great parties,
whose leaders are either in control OF
or controlled by capital or monopoly
interests, have much if any sympathy
with the labOring men and they pro-
fess sympathy only when they desire
their votes.
TO put IA party ticket to every poll
ing place in the United States requires
an incredible sum of money. 1t is
this money, its contributions and its
disbursement, which cOnfers such vast
and corrupt power on the political ma
chine.
Under this system, party composed
Of poor men, has no chance to elect
men pledged to its interests.
The Australian system of voting,
which has already been adopted in
seven Of our States. and, we trust may
soon become the law in Illinois, will
soon change these conditions in your
favor.
1t will remove the necessity of mon
ey and its cOrrupting influences; the
ballots will contain the names of all
candidates and are printed and distrib-
uted at public expense: nominations,
made by a certain number of respect
able citizens, must be placed on the
ballot and the voter who receives his
ballot from sworn official, makrs the
candidates of his choice in seclusion
and security from all Intimidation and
casts his vote in like manner
Under this system the labOring men
will no longer be dcbarred from indie
pendent political action because of
their poverty, and the men they elect
to represent them will no longer be
their bosses and masters but their ser
wants, whose public services will be
subject to their weighty criticism.
Good men can act fearesSly in your
behalf without dread of bosses, and
men, inclined to be unfaithful, will
find your new power a salutary re-
straint on vicious tendencies.
This will in all probability come
about without your aid but in order to
profit by this great reform there is
something to he done for YOU which
no one can do for you but yourselves
and that is education.
Let the thoughtful among you take
the burden upon themselves and i'm
press upon their less earnest friends
and comrades this great necessity, that
you must, one and all. study and learn
the causes that keepyo poor and low
ly.
Form debating clubs and devote to
them couple of evenings each week
and educate yourselves so as to be cap
able of having a policy, of reforming
old laws and enacting new ones when
your hour comes.
This means loss of leisure and rest,
which, for tired men who have worked
all day, means much, but this hard
ship is Indispensable, for without sac
riflce you will never lift yourselves out
Of the mud.
knowledge is po,cer, and with the
Australian system of voting your deS-
TIMES will be in your own keeping.
See that you make the most of them.
This is the way to help yourselves
GEO. G. GUNTTIER
Galloway, LA Sale county, Ill.