The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-09-28

battle Of mammoth forces and giant
personalities. has produced a quick at
tention and q studfous interest on the
part Of many people. And yet. this
interest 10 more generally akin to the
interest Of spectators absorbed in the
contemplation OF the unfolding OF
vast DRAMA mere curiosity as 10
the outcome-rather than sincere
concern in the result OF the battle
This statement is more particularly
applicable to q largo class OF folks,
which might be described as the In
different electors.
Righteous political leaders have i'm
memorially bewaiIed the seeming in
difference Of q large mass of the peo-
ple to the conduct Of affairs OF state
and the success or failure of parties or
Issues They have sought vain1y to
enlist the eye and ear Of those who de-
cline to attend political meetings ana
who pass over the political columns OF
the paper as embarrassing. They have
warned such that b. this neglect OF
their duty and privilege they are un-
Willingly giving q blank proxy to be
used by those who are selfshly inter-
ssted in the manner OF making and
administering the laws OF the lands
This being indisputable IL is well for
US to look deeply into the causes which
breed this political apathy.
Among these causes is the feeling OF
the individual voted that his say-so in
national matters 10 50 Insignificant. his
power Of aiding good cause or oppos-
ing a bad one so infinit:simal that II
does not Justify the time and attention
necessary on his part TO become par
tisan,
Having reached this conclusion he
further fortifies himself in il BY as
Stunning that often his participation In
matters political might operate to his
disadvantage in business. II may be
that his employer. his associates IN
business. his friends and neighoors
have adopted the policy OF allowing
the regular politicians the province
Of running the government. alleging
their time can be more probably oc-
cunfed With matters more vitality con-
corning themselves. and he feels that
activity on his part In such . line miens
create an,axonism Or. on the otne'
hand. IL may be that those win whom
he &c closely affiliated champion
e.ux. that ne does not favor anS'
rather than set himself In oppositso"
70 ,hese. he prefers 10 stand tdiy os
ana allow things TO take their course
Ay.in there il a deal OF skept'c's"
In the minds OF numerous cittzens re
la,,ye 20 all political parties. TIER p's'-
forms. their promises and the Since 80,
,,v OF tho men chosen by them 10 h''
~. ofsces Politics Is rotten - =
statement SO frequently made that "
has become a proverb. The unconeern'
"a elecsor paciAes any t~inSe OF con.
.~s.ncc that may come TO him oy. res
- AZ sh,rk'ng his duty. By deessssns
80. che whole business - big frs0"
ana o.. party Is as un'r"st"cr'ns -
another. s~.,a.S
when urged to action or upofaseeo
Ca ,ne,r .joo:sness from politics. mcn
- ,nts stamp contend that the inter
.s,s aco,sase the government and cen.
-. eroposed legislation. SUFFERING only
s,eh antitrust bills 60 become laws -
80 been emasculsted Of Geastne 81.
$780,: shss The Senate Of the Cniten
$500 f. tsrsme1ssbiy sueservsent 20
~. ,ovcb, Asrec; or indirect Of Aseas:
: ,,.ce where corruption eosss sne
n.se,es uu u overruns the stew.
~, the chief executive 10 Q aeuse.
80 = plssns tool. ossensibiy elected
~ the FOLKS bvs really appoinsed o.
-,Se tnv,ssbse government: sees ~
sSe appssnsive c0ces are aysed seSs'
-. IsrsesSsu q teUoeo Wbooe 49,
-~s~a~s~a R0pD 70 the U1B00U>