Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-02
Apathy and the Ballot.
The Providence Or. IL Tribune says

TT Is mildly interesting that Mr.. Shaw
has discovered to his surprise that SPELL
binders are unable to secure large audi
ences. If what Mr.. Shaw says is true the
fact that people are not wasting their time
listening to the diatribes of politicians is
one OF the most hopeful signs of public san
ity. When people are occupied and pros
porous they are disinclined to listen with
patience to the representations, misrep-
reservations. of existing abuses and the
prophecies Of dire calamities to come made
by superheated orators in advancement of
a selfish purpose
Spellbnders of the kind here described
are we'll neglected at any time. 1t is
weak feature of our political campaigning.
that thousands of mere spouters-glib fell
lows. best employed at county fairs selling
patent medicines-are engaged by party
managers in campaign years and sent over
the country appealing for votes with rag
time rhetoric, and large supply of misin-
formation. The voters have been very
patient, and show great self-commard
when they simply stay away from such
meetings. At time when lynchings are so
common it is surprising that yet not enc
victim has come from this class.
But 1t is not a good sign when voters re-
fuse or neglect to turn out to hear public
questions discussed by speakers of reputa-
ton and ability. and particularly such as
are in office and familiar with their sub
jects. Meetings addressed by men of this
stamp should be crowded. Voters should
welcome an opportunity to listen to pub
lie servant giving an account of what has
been done and of what Is in contemplation.
Apathy at such time often means apathy
on election day. Men who lack interest in
discussion lack interest in the ballot box
and the man who neglects or refuses to go
to the polls is remiss in one of the most
important duties of a citizen
Take two pictures. In Russia people of
education and high purpose are sacrfc ng
their lives in an effort to secure the ballot
for Their countrymen. The announcement
of meeting for the discuss on of matters
of government is sufficient to crowd the
hall; and the audience will remain for
hours. 1t is an exhibition of hunger for
the privilege of helping to shape the bust
ness of the state. Women as well as
men strive and take all risks in the cause
Here in America. where free govern
ment has been in existence for more than
a century. and the people are the source
of all power men by the tens of thousands
neglect to vote. Others refuse to vote I'M
less paid to do SO. and higgle about the
price as though they were hucksters dis
posing of the contents of market-cart
In some sections the ballot box is no better
than a joke. And yet. when things go
wrong, and rottenness appears, there are
no people louder in complaint. or more flu
rious at the official offenders. than these
same individuals. who had they bus. ed
themselves at the primaries. and later at
the polls with the public welfare in view.
;~hk
to be made.
While we are full of sympathy for those
Russians who are seeking to rise. MANY
of pursuing course which if widely
followed would inevitably lead to our own
downfall.