Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1910-11-07
HOW VOTERS SHOULD BE
GOVERNED AT ELECTION
Important Qualifications Which Elec-
tors Should Have Rev. n. ].
Wyckoff Appeals to the Civic Con-
science.

Choosing his text from Exodus 10:
p, Provide out OF all the people aple
men,. sucn as fear God, men of truth
hating unjust gain; and place ever
Wyckoff, at the Sunday evening ser
vice in the Second Congregations.
church, delivered an impassioned ap-
peal to the civic conscience of the peo-
pie, having in mind the election on
Tuesday when leaders are to be chosen
TO direct the affairs of state and ma
ton. Rev. Mr.. Wyckof stated at the
beginning that he would not dictate
any party ticket to be voted for or
suggest any particular men to be SUP
ported. but would most earnestly urge
everyone to have a good reason for
would meet the approval of his con-
science.
Conscience is the word of God to
man, and civic conscience is the word
of God to men taken collectively. SO,
il mans conscience denotes his
character, that of a people can well
denote patriotism. There are various
forms of patriotism, and these may
differ widely, such as the patriotism
that actuated John Brown differed
from that which inspired Abraham
Lincoln but in essence both were the
same. So at this time, the speaker
stated, it was the essence of the civic
conscience. or patriotism, that was to
be considered, and it was his purpose
to pick out a few of it's important
characteristics, such as should deter
mine the actions of the voters in this
important season.
First there should be a responsibility
of choice. Shall we seek out things
that have to do with wealth or those
that pertain to honor? Shall we decide
for PRIVILEGES to certain class or for
ALE The honest man of today who is
truly a patriot has a hard question to
solve as to where this nation is going
and " hat is its final object. Some say
free trade, while others advocate a
high tariff: some favor prohibition is
sues some socialism and there are
many who urge the new nationalism.
1T is our duty. however. after careful
study of the whole matter. to adopt
that which commends itself to US as
being the best possible.
In the second place. sobriety OF de-
cison should determine our stand. for
impulse has no place at the polls.
Personal prejudice conservation and
old time custom are all wrong, Neither
should we allow a thought of personal
profit to dominate us nor an Indifferent
attitude. Such a person ought to have
his vote challenged. This is a matter
of personal responsibility We are
heirs of the great past and We should
remember the toll, the bloodshed and
the hardships that brought it about
and should guard this for ourselves
and for our children and our children S
children. Until we can vote with our
brothers need in mind we lack the es-
sentials of true patriotism.
Thirdly, we ought to have an under
standing of what it is to consecrate a
man to public office. Life is 2. broader
thing than mere religion. God cares
where 8 nation walks. and an election.
which is next to Inauguration, should
be regarded AZ a solemn act. as We
choose for ourselves. as God would, a
leader, for these are the men who
shape the course of our country and
who determine the life work OF eur
boys,
Another consideration is that which
follows an official. We should see TO
1t that the men elected TO office should
carry out their pledges, for SO often
they forget or grow lax just as soon
as the polls close. The man with i
civis. conscience will challenge such q
one And besides. ii is 4 he1r and an
inspiration for the office hatder to