The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1901-05-17
THE APATHY OF THE BALTIMORE
ELECTION.

NE Anal M UT NE DALI 4HONE
ELECTION.
Some of the daily papers have seen
fit to take exception to the action of
the Democratic county papers in
their criticism of the results of the
recent spring election in Baltimore.
The best excuse that so far has
been offered has been the "apathy"
shown by the dominant party.
While it is conceded that there was
very little interest taken by either
party, yet the results show that the
Democrats were more derlict in their
duties as good citizens, than were the
Republicans. Some papers have
claimed that there was no principle
at stake at the best, and that it was
simply a contest to decide who would
hold the % positions and draw the
salary of 81 900 ayear. If this view
of it was taken by those on whom
the responsibility falls, it is to say the
least, extremely erroneous. AS we
well know, it was the first test ofthe
new ballot law passed at the extra
session of the Legislature in 1901.
While those who are acquainted with
the facts are in a position to appre-
ciate that the smallness of the ballot
no ticket in any ward having over
four names on ibid not make the
point of illiteracy a question of any
moment, yet the report has gone
forth throughout the other States
that the defeat of the Democratic
party was an overwhelming rebuke
to the recent extra session ofthe Leg
islature.
The Democratic managers, if they
have been derlict in getting out the
vote, should receive censure for the
unfair impression that has gone
abroad about one of the fairest and
best laws looking to ballot reform
that has ever been passed by any
any State or country. There can be
no question but what the action Of
the voters in Baltimore will have
some weight in the fall elections I'M
less speedy amends, by way offullex-
plantations, are made at once and in
so thorough a manner that no ques-
tion of doubt will be left in the mind
of the voter, who was not thorough
1y conversant with all the facts. The
party managers are undoubtedly a
necessity, and as a rule, they are
chosen not entirely on account of
their ability, but partially because of
self-assertiveness. In other words,
the leaders would not be chosen by
the people unless they themselves
sought the position. When they are
in charge of a campaign the response
bility Of the average party man
ceases to- great extent, the leaders
being looked upon to map out the
details of the campaign. If these
leaders have the slightest apathy
or are luke-warm, they should
resign and let some one take the helm
who will put life and aggressiveness
into the campaign. Thepoliticcal
affairs in the counties are as a rule in
excellent shape. Hartford undoubted-
Twill elect a solid Democratic ticket
and if the city is not going to do her
part, it would be we'll for the voters
to remember that there is aconstitu-
tional amendment to be voted upon
this fall which will give to Baltimore
six more members of the House of
Delegates and a State Senator. If
the Democratic party of that city is
going to allow elections to go by de-
fault the counties will take hand in
the matter and see that the city's
representation is kept down as small
as possible. While we concede that
Baltimore pays large share of the
taxes and contributes in many ways
to the material welfare of our State,
yet the suburban residents have some
rights also. We pay our mite of the
taxes and it is our purpose to see that
our rights are respected. This isnot
intended rs threat, but merely COM
mon sense view to take ofthe matter
and we hope it will be received by our
city cousins in the same kind manner
that it is intended. There are more
Democrats in Baltimore than Repub.
Leans and if the voters do not take
sufficient interest in the welfare ofthe
city to turn out and vote, it would be
better to keep its representation in
the Legislature as small as possible.
They might regard the fall election
the same as they did in the spring by
simply looking upon it as filling
few small Offices that draw moderate
salaries"
Now is a good time to clean up
your yards and plant plenty of
flowers. There isnothingthat brings
so much comfort for the labor ex-
pended as neat tidy premises.