The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1893-10-04
THE RAcE-rRAcK QUESTION.
An Address to the People Of New Jersey
by the State Citizens League.
A Solemn Call to DutY

Wy INC STATE CHtXenb. League.
Solemn cali to Duty.
10 he People q Neo Jersey.
Again the Stale Gitizens League feels
compelled 10 call upon YOU 10 enlist in
what ii is hoped will prove decisive
campaign against racc-track gambling and
Legislative debauchcry IN this State. 1t
Is well known that last year while people
slept, the gamblers attended the party
primaries and nominating conventions,
and succeeded la Tossing upon the State
Legislature whose infamous record is
to-day the shame and humiliation OF the
whole people.
AS you well remember, the unprecedent-
cd Efforts that were made to prevent this
disgrace were scornfully and de1antly ig-
noretl
Power has returned to the hands of the
people, and the question now is, How
shall we use III How shall we cooper
ate in order to expuuge these foul
stains from our statute-book and rescue
the government OF our State from the
control Of men who have so basely betray-
ed usa Must we believe that majority
of the people in any legislative district
in this State will deliberately vote in the
Interest of gamblers and criminals, and
thereby approve the Infamous conduct OF
the last Legislature
There is but one side TO this question.
1t is not controversy between political
parties it is contest between honest
aud dishonest men. No one preteuds to
defend the conduct of the last Legislature
by argument. Their acts were induced
aud will be defended only by the most
lavish and corrupt use of money gained
by wicked and criminal practices.
The just Indignation of the people must
be expressed by acts as we'll as words.
There is no profit in disgusting the fact
that our greatest danger lies in the posi-
bic supineuess of the law-abiding people In
our State. The gamblers are openly and
confidently counting upon this to win to
in this conflict. Peradventure their ex-
pectation proves well. founded, personal
regrets for neglect OF duty will come only
too late.
In order that our action may be effective
in escaping so humiliating and disastrous
an issue, the State Citizens League earn.
estly and urgently recommends
First.-That all voters who do not ap-
prove the action OF the last Legislature
attend the primaries of the party to which
they belong, to be called to elect delegates
to the conventions for the nomination OF
candidates for the Legislature, and for the
office of Sheriff In counties wherein these
are TO be chosen and there make all
earnest and honorable efforts 10 secure the
election OF delegates who will support as
Candidates for the Legislature ouly such
men as can be relied upon To vote for the
repeal OF tue race track statutes and for
Sheriff man who will faithfully and
fairly discharge the duties OF the office.
Second. That II practicable, even at
personal sacrifice, they attend their party
conventions, and by their presence and
Influence lend their aid to securing the
nomination of candidates of sterling char
acter upon whom they can depend TO car
ry out their views, and that they urge the
adoption OF an explicit resolution demand
ing the unconditional repeal of the dis
graceful race track laws at once.
Third In case Notwithstanding your
best efforts to the contrary, candidates
should be nominated by your party for
the Legislature, or for the office of Sheriff,
who cannot be trusted on the race-track
issue, then we advise you to bolt such
nominations forthwith, and to support
with all your might the candidates of the
opposite party IL there is reason TO believe
they can be trusted in the matters above
stated.
Fourth. If the nominees OF both par
ties seem to be unreliable aud therefore
unsatisfactory, we advise you to call a
meeting immediately of the law.abiding
voters ofsyour district, and unitedly NOM
mate anq support candidates of we'll
known ability and integrity whose posi-
siou is G eariy defined.
Experience warns us not to trust too
confidently in evasive assurances OF can
didates who are too week to resist party
dictatioE or to scorn price for their
servicesA
In conclusion, we beg to suggest that
there are no political issues to divide the
people this Falls The one sole and par
amount issue is the redemption OF the
State frem the infamy of last winter, and
under whatsoever political banner that
issue can be best fought out, there should
every citizen of New Jersey who regards
the honor OF HE State and the best inter-
ests OF the community and his home, be
found. In such a crisis indiff Ference and
apathy are little less than sinful; meek
acquicscence in the dictation OF profess
ional politicians, bondage degrading to
the manhood OF every American citizen.
EvRRARD KEMPsHALI,
D,.a;lant C,.to C;ti1ons, T.oaoua