The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-08-15
THE FIRST VOTE"

The shrewdness and "longheadedness'
OF the leaders OF the republican party are
shown in nothing SO much as in their ap-
probation OF the Importance of the new
or first vote. and in the schemes they
are said to be maturing TO capture the
bulk OF il.
The young man who is about to cast his
first vote for presidential candidate re-
CARDS the franchise with more respect
and enthusiasm. possibly, than at aay
other time Of life. He is moro solicitous
about casting this FIRST vote properly
than when in after years the exercise OF
suffrage becomes common to him. In the
campaign preceding the election ln which
he is to put on his citizenship he is more
easily moved by considerations OF pa
triotism and Of sentiment than at a sub
sequent period
1t is said to be the purpose of the re-
publicans to act upon these well known
conditions and impulses Of the first voter
this year by appealing to the imaglna-
ton OF the young men through spectacular
displays Of every possible kind. The idea
Of greater America" wonderful
world power" with a heroic army and
navy sweeping all before them is to be
extensively elaborated. The fiery blood
OF youth is 10 be stirred by great process
sions. by rough rider" clubs, by iuspirit-
ing addresses on the valor and brilliant
achievements that have followed Amer
/ Jean arms, and by the continuous blare Of
campaign trumpets and the waving of
"old Glory"
This is the now outlined plan. It Is
estimated that the FIRST vote this year
will reach 100000 II the bulk Of it eau
be captured for Mckinley and Roosevelt
it is argued that it viii more than oGset
the democratic gains from the anti-im-
perialIstlc foreign" vote
The democratic leaders. however. ha, e
been aroused by these openly expressed
designs OF the republicans and propose
to make valiant fight to save the major
ity OF this new vote to Bryan. But the
method of appealing to it will be differ
ent. The reason rather than the youthful
impulses is to be addressed The WORK
of education is to proceed quietly.
We have greater faith In this latter
plan. The young men Of America are
readers They are patriots. too, and pow :
eFfully swayed by the traditions and older
ideals OF the Republic. They have a
clear and strong sense OF justice. Before
contact with the sordld conditions OF poll.
tics and selfish rules OF conduct OF lfo
has blunted sensIbIlty and engendere,l
skepticlsm, the intelligent young Amer
lean has an abiding and refreshing re-
spect for the constitution and Declaration
OF Independence, and faith in their prln-
ciples. He does not question America $
ability to grow greater along the old lineS
Of effort and under time -honored policies
He will more quickly than a veteran re-
sent entertainments upon popular liberty
and oppose any step which he may deem
to be toward the subvcrsion OF republican
institutions.
Knowing this character OF young Amer
lea We can not believe that McKinleyIsm.
broadly discredited as 1t IS both in accom-
piishment and tendency, will succeed Ia
drawing toward 1t even respectable d.
vision Of the "drst vote Something
more than impulse and adventurous char-
aeter win need to be appealed TO. Youhs
America is aggressive. but It is intensely
patriotic. and 1t will have to be convinced
beyond the suggestion OF doubt that the
Republic of the fathers is safe from auy
ccrroding influence OF republican policies
before It win consent to indorse the for
, eign policies of the present admin!sira-
ton and the new theories and practice OF
colonial government.
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