Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1896-10-16
ADVISES FIRST VOTERS
Maj. MoKinley's Felioitous Re-
marks to a Delegation of
Young Buckeyes.
TRUE WORTH OF SUFFRAGE.
Priceless Privilege of Beng Able to
Vote for Protection and Ma.
tionaI Honor.
TRUE WORTH OF SUFFRAGE,

The first visitors to Mai. McKinley's
home on September 25 were members
of big delegation of voters from Wood
county, o. They We're headed by At
torney r. s Parker of Bowling Green.
who made the speech of presentation.
In responding Maj. Mckinley said in
part:
Mr.. Parker. Ladies and Gentlemen.
am very glad to meet at my home this
representative delegation from Wood
county. 1 cannot imagine body of
citizens more representative than that
which see before me here today-men
and women. old and young, workingmen
and farmers. men of every profession
and calling in your county: and it indi.
Gates to me that no matter what NAV
be asserted in other quarters of the
country. country. there us is no such thing known as
plause and cries Mes' Of f's THAT'S FSat rigSe api
am especially glad to make suitable
recognition of the women who have hon
ored me with their presence TODAY.
lCheers.) They are q mighty factor in
our progress and civilization, and they
nave been most potential in every crisis
iing) am glad to know that they are
interested in the party of good morals,
good politics. good government and pub.
lie and private honesty. Great ap-
plause)
''The presence of this body of young
men who are to vote for the first time
next November is to me an inspiring
sight. and that you are SO soon to enjoy
the priceless privilege of citizenship must
he to all OF You an inspiring thought.
For twenty-one years you have been en-
Joying our free institutions, the protcc-
tion and opportunity of our laws, with
out any political power or responsibility.
True Worth of Suffrage.
II fear sometimes that few of us esti-
clothes us with sovereignty. It is
guaranty to our liberties and institutions
and is our surest safety. 1t is the con-
stitutional mode of expressing the popu-
lar will. Through it public policies are
determined and public laws enacted.
Through it administrations are changed
and administrations are made. Through
1T our whole governmental machinery is
conducted. 1t is indeed a priceless inher-
itance, and should be valued as such hy
every young man.
with the privilege comes grave re-
sponsibilities in its use. It should ex-
press the intelligence and judgment and
conscience of the voter. 1t should never
be employed for any base use. 1t should
patriotism. 1t should never, no never.
be thrown against the country, and
should never represent public dishonor.
Great applause.) l recall, young men.
my first vote. With what q thrill Of
pride exercised for the first time the
full prerogative of citizenship. I have
not realized greater pride since. felt
that had some part in the government.
The period and circumstances when /
cast my first vote may have made a
deeper impression upon me than it other
wise would. but l recall it now after
thirty-two year, with sensations Of ioy
and satisfaction. (Applause.) In the
crisis of war. in the very field Of con-
flict, my first vote was cast for Abraham
Lincoln. Great cheering.) 1t is to me
priceless memory. What q glorious
privilege to have been permitted to vote
for candidate for President whose serv-
ices to his country in the greatest Deril
of its life rank with the services Of
Washington. the father of his country.
(Applause.) Priceless memory to me that
could vote for the martyr to liberty.
the emancipatOr of race, and the savior
of the only free government among men
Great cheering.
.You, gentlemen, did not have thai
privilege. but it having been denied yO,
there will be some satisfaction to You tt
vote for the party of Lipcolp, which raj
lied the young men Of the couptr,