The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-10-31

which are Caesars: and unto God the
things that are Gods. St. Matthew xxi 81.
These were the words of Christ to
the disciples of the Pharisees and the
Herodians who had been badgering
him. They had asked him IL it was
unlawful to give tribute to Caesar and
he asked to see the tribute money.
They showed him a penny. He asked
whose image and superscription were
on it and they replied: Caesars"
Then he said: Render therefore unto
Caesar the things which are Caesars:
and unto God the things that are
Gods" And these words have ever
been construed by theologians and
Biblical scholars as embodying the en-
tire duty of man so far as his obedi-
ence to lawful authority is concerned.
They are the inspired words of Christ
to men that they have civic duties to
perform. which are demanded of them
by the Lord that they perform Just as
are demanded the duties that must be
performed to God.
And at this time a great civic duty
confronts the men of this nation. An
election of national scope is to be held
within a couple of days as are elections
which concern Immediately the various
affairs of all but three of the states in
the union. In the discharge of his high
duties of citizenship the voter will be
confronted by this great civic duty
when he goes to the polls which is of
the utmost Importance to himself and
the welfare of his country and his state.
1t is duty that is not to be consider
ed lightly. 1t demands the greatest of
conscientious effort. If it is properly
performed by all men there need be lit
tie anxiety for the prosperity and hap
piness Of the nation and it's people.
In a community. though its extent
be as great as the domain of these
United States. though 1t be limited to
the confines of state. or of a city, or
even of a village the greatest blessings
that can exist are tranquility among
the people, good order and the absolute
security of life and property establish
ed on firm foundations. These can only
be obtained through a reign of ade-
quate and impartial laws. There are
several elements which are necessary
to maintain this order and provide
these laws. Most prominent among
these are wise legislation enacted by
people. a capable and intensely honest
judicial and executive authority, and
last, but by no means least. law abid-
ing citizens, citizens who will submit
with all grace to the laws and ordin-
ances that are enacted by their repre-
sentatives in state and national legis-
latures and administered by their SER
wants whom they have elevated to ju-
foT rOF f,l6
power.
To secure these blessings Is possible
by the men of this country and it's states
through the intelligence and conscien-
tiousness with which they cast their
votes. 1t is a great privilege that is
accorded to a free people. a people IA
vored with life under the rule of a
government that is republic in the
truest sense of the word.
By their votes the people of this coun-
try shall say who will make their laws.
By their votes they shall say who shall
be placed in executive and judicial
opinions to administer these laws. And
by their votes do they make a tacit
agreement to willingly submit to the
laws that are made and their honest
and impartial enforcement. Is there
another country on the face of Gods
earth where such an important civic
duty is placed before it's people? Not
one. And Interpretation of the peo-
pie of this great nation of the wonder
FUZZY important privileges that are
given to them through the ballot can
best be shown by a conscientious, hon.
est and intelligent use of that ballot.
If such service of 1t is made no one
need fear but a majority of the people
of this country will provide for them
selves and the minority such lawmak-
ers. such laws through them, and such
executives and judiciary as will carry
on the affairs of the national govern
ment and the state governments for the
greatest good for the greatest number.