The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-04-21

we are non SeCtdriaD ana non part
isan, but with us patriotism is not
merely a name. 1t is an active, liv.
ing principle. We are as ready to
protect ourselves against the wiles
and contrivances of the corrupt poll
tlcian as we are to repel the invasion
of an enemy. We have great tut
ure. Our country needs US. "Eter
nal vigilance is the price OF liberty"
Our forefathers, though confronted
by privations, danger and death,
erected here in the Western Henri
sphere an altar to liberty, the fires
from which have illumined and Ell
lightened the world. For more
than one hundred years it has with
stood the assaults Of foreign powers
and the shock of commissions from
internal diSsensions. More than
one hundred and fifty thousand
American born citizens stand pledg-
ed to our principles Here are asso
ciated together men of all political
parties. Patriotism, love Of country
binds us in one common brotherhood.
National purity and freedom are the
great objects we have in view The
ballot box. which in times past has
been the bulwarl. of our independ
ence and our liberties, is fast bec0m
Ing the instrument OF our thraldom.
Bribery has a potent influence in
our local, state and national elections
and, il suffered TO continue, will
multiply and increase, Until it
destroys the very system OF govern
ment. 1t debases and corrupts the
morals OF our people. 1t destroys
our liberties and practically dislran
chises those who. actuated by prin
ciples of patriotism, cast their votes
in the interest OF reform and protect
ion against class legislation and non
legislation.
"Vox populi yox DEF is maxim
as old as the theocracy. 1t is the
handmaiden Of sci! government, OF
liberty OF conscience and freedom of
action. But nowhere in the history
of the human race has it ever been
recognized that the use of money as
a political factor can have any other
effect than to defeat the will OF the
people, and corrupt the morals OF
those who by the circumstance OF
birth and education, are charged
with the preservation OF our liberal
institutions.
The time is coming, if, indeed, it
is not already here, when political
bosses and political tricksters, no
matter how they may masquerade,
whether as Democrats or Republi-
can, will be recognized as enemies
to our common country and dealt
with accordingly.
Our country may be agitated by
questions Of internal policy. but Sc
long as the masses are being educat
ed in the arts, sciences and literature
and above all III the principles O
patriotism, SO long as the ballot is
kept free from the influence Of brib
cry and corruption our republican
institutions viii be secure
We strew flowers on the graves Of the
thousands of heroes, who within the last
thirty years, died 70 preserve our unior
and perpetuate our free institutions. We
| have erected marble shafts 10 cummcmC
| rate their virtues TO honor their patriot
ism. We cherish their memory, while
we enjoy the fruits OF their victories
Shall we, after the sacrifice of SO much
| blood and treason, forget our duty tc
| posterity, our mission as an order Of free
men, and permit by servile obedience
to the crack of party lash, condition tc
exist, which strikes at the very root o
American liberty?
Ancient CIR eece, SO justly celebrated
i'll the history OF freedom and civilization
for more than twelve hundred years with
stood the ravages of time-the assaults
OF foreign enemies. But when the free
| spirit of her people was broken by il
ternal dissensions, and her moral char
acter as nation became depraved, she
fell from the pinnacle Of her greatness
among the nations OF the earth.
Let us profit by her example. Let il
be understood, that while we are non
partisan, we will ever be vigilant in the
cause of liberty and self government
That while we may be separate and indie
pendent in our political affiliations, we
will ever stand united and make common
cause against bribery and corruption
Let us ever bear in mind that whatever
tends to defeat an honest expression OF
the will OF the people,is a menace to our
free institutions.
With us, such has been the advantage
OF citizenship, that the humblest NAV
successfully compete with, and protect
themselves against the encroachments Of
wealth. Whether it be in possession of
souless corporations or in the hands o +
lndlviduals,its tendency is to absorb and
ens'ave. Capital and 'abor should ncv +
be at variance. Both are necessary to
the highest deve 'opmcnt of our country.
Capital is power for good. 1t can be
made potent instrument for eyi.. The
ballot in the hands OF an honest. intclli
gent and patriotic peop'e can so regulate
both capital and abor, that each may be
boon and benediction to the other.
Every American Mechanic stands
Pledged TO his country's service. Prin
clpes, not men, not political parties, our
creed. Then ct us as one man ever
stand ready to resist and punish any
attempt to prostitute the purity of
our elect Ms, t. privatesambition OF pri-
vate gain. Zea'oas!y guard the privi-
leSe OF elective franchise; God bestowed
1t for our protection. In it rests the
safety of the present, our hope for the
future. Our order is founded on the
principles Of humanity and equality, of
justice and equity. God is its protector.
Our country is its motto. We as men.