The age-herald., 1902-03-30
The Young Men in Politics
HON. BIRD s. CoLER.

Our government, by the very nature of it. demands of each and every citizen consideration of civic matters. It is not enough that the citizens goes to the polls and casts his ballot. He has otlcr and equally important duties to perform; duties that become imperative with the growth of municipalities, counties, states and the nation.
 A republic differs from a monarchy in so far that 1t holds unto itself all the powers of government, and does not dele gate power to class or set of classes Our government theoretically and practically abides by the will of the people and leg islative enactments, and executive acts are merely the expression of that Will. That this expression of the peoples will be not controlled by self appointed dominant or governing class, 1t is neces- sary that every citizen discharge in full his duty as a citizen.
 Our government may be compared to a series of circles. Each government in itself, and each fitting within an other The greatest circle Is the nation, next the state, next the county, next the city
 
 his duty to nation, state, county and municipality for the reason that an ex- pression of his opinion is annually reg istered in his ballot. It affects govern ment, whether 1t be vote for alder men or President. Government can never rise higher than the average of intel l ligence. Reforms may come and reforms may go, but at no time can government rise higher than the average excellence I afro al cnl Tl- on the same principle as a stream that can rise no higher than it's source.
 Our form of governm ent not only in- | vites the citizen to express his opinion on matters affecting it. but virtually com mands him to participate in formulating | the questions that are to be submitted | to the voters. In the state of New York and in many other states, statues have been enacted to enable citizens to parti- cipate under the protection of law in the discussion of party measures and in the selection of candidates for office. | These rights, under the primary law, l should be seized upon by all young men. | They are basic. Every election district is entitled to it's representation in all l assembly district conventions, and any young man who desires to exercise his | right as a citizen can very readily &C., quire influence by soliciting the support | or ms IelloW CltlZeIlS HI oWH ciSCtioH district.
 There Is a tendency among citizens, who pride themselves upon being good citizens" because they live within the 1 precincts of moral and statutory laws, to abstain from politics They hold a ''poli. | tician'' in very light esteem. These well meaning persons would give their lives their sons and their treasure to the de- fense of the flag, and pride them selves on their 'patriotism;" but, if they re- fleet, they must see that by shirking their duty as citizens, by not fully discharg- ing their obligations to government, they i are surrendering their country,s state and nation, to a dominant class of persons who rule for power or pelf. No opprob- rum would attach to the term "politi- cian' if every citizen discharged his whole duty. The constitution of the Uni | ted States, and, of the state, implies that every man fully understands the signi- ficance of his vote, and his right to elect men to elective, offices. Indeed, 1t | may be said, the inference Is that all citizens are politicians, that is, men fa- | miliar with political questions and meas ures, and active in incorporating them | into the laws. | Our young men, the first voters of to- day, will be in surprising short time the veterans of many campaigns. Great questions arise, must be discussed and determined. They will continue to come