Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1899-09-01
For Sheriff.
ARTHUR WILLIAMS,
For County Surveyor.
CHARLES j. MADDOX.
YOUNG DEAOCRA rs COMING TO
THE FRONT.

we have noticed with great pleasure, and
that recently, the very encouraging remarks
Of leading journals in various sections OF
the country concerning the conspicuous
prominence of the young Democratic man
hood in politics within the past year. In
our own State it was prominently illustrated
In the recent municipal election in Bslti
more city, and later on in the spirited con.
test between the rival candidates for the
Democratic nomination for Governor of the
State. Coming still closer to home-in our
late primaries the young Democratic men
played dashing, manly and courageous
part at the very front during the entire can.
vass. 10 the victory that awaits Us 10 the
coming November, as we'll as in the great
national political battle Of 1900 they will
come in largely for their share OF honor.
1t is right that it should be so. politics"
in the highest and best form, is the science
Of government. To be able to govern with
wisdom, impartiality and justice is the high
est public duty to which man can address
himself, for while good government brings
to the PEOPLE who enjoy its numberless pub
lie and private blessings, bad government
inflIcts upon them unnumbered woes.
In countries where the right to govern is
confined and conceded to the members Of a
particular family or dynasty, the people are
forced to accept any ruler who may come to
them by right Of succession, and they must
take all the risks that may attend bis lack Of
honesty. devotion to duty, ability and gen
eral fitness. But when the people possess
the right and are charged with the duty oil
cials, the people have only themselves TO
blame if the men of their choice are In re.
spect to character and quality, entirely IN,
fit. But how much more are the people TO
be blamed when, taking no interest in the
choice OF their public officials, they leave
the administration Of public affairs TO any
political brigsnds and adventures who may
choose to sieze upon them and convert To
their own use all the powers and preroga.
tives Of public office.
Not a few men offer as an excuse fol
taking no part in the public affairs Of theil
State or county or city that politics is 50
contaminated with corruption and dishon.
esty that they cannot stomach IT, This |,
no excuse at all. II politics is filthy pool,
II is only because II has been abandoned T.
the worst classes Of men, il Is because the men
who should and could control have most
shamelully deserted all public responsible
ties and left them TO be seized upon by ad
veniurers and sharpers.
How can there be any government of tn,
people and by the people. when the peopl
themselves who ought to lead 10 such pub
lie duties refuse to perform them Does any
body suppose that hundreds of salaried OF
fees, some OF them conlerring on the holders
great public power and responsibility, ar,
going to be oiled by competent and trust
worthy men when what we call "the best
citizens" take no part in filling them When
the alleged good citizens neglect or refuse I,
join in properly protecting and administer
ing the millions of money drawn from tn,
people by the thumb screws of taxation, il
is certain that somebody, always the worst
sort OF body, will lay hands on il and dis
pose of it for his own benefit. When pub.
lie franchises of vast value and contracts for
large sums of money are TO be administered
and adjudged, and they are allowed by neg
lect and indifference to fall into the hands
OF robbers and jobbers, who is the more
guilty--the thieves, or the citizens who
abandon great public trusts to be the prey
Of bad menu
This sort OF public neglect OF duty has
placed the money, the rights and all the
public interest 10 the United States In the
hands of stalwart criminals, and the result
has been that the people have been robbed
of millions OF their III afforded taxes, while
their rights aud III critics have been jeopar
died, the protection TO their lives and prop.
erty has been seriously impaired, and vice
and crime have been encouraged 10 all high
and public places, as we'll as In the slums
Now what is the remedy for ell this, for
there is remedyi 1t lie not 10 spasmodic
and violent revolution, although that is
necessary on occasions but it is in the re.
turn Of the people 10 their political public
duties. No such reform, however, is ex.
pected Of the old citizens. They seem TO
grow indifferent to the public rascality and
corruption. The work Of redemption must
be taken in hand by the young, vigorous,
energetic and growing Democratic manhood
II the country. And we are proud to know
hat 10 this county and throughout the
State, the growing, vigorous and brave
Democratic manhood stands at the mont
Their swords are . thousand and their
blossoms are one"