The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-09-04
RESIST WRONG IMPULSES.

The psychological study OF voter would
prove of vast interest to some philosopher with
a keen insight into human nature and with
the talent for analyzing a mans mind
II possessed an instrument which could
throw search1ight upon mans mind reveal
Ing its workings the X-Ray reveals the
working of the organs OF the body. he could
spend many interesting hours at the polls.
Probably the voter himself does not know
exactly why he votes for certain candidates
over others. The on the streets who is
busy these days making out administrative
board states and comparing them with the
states Of his friends and acquaintance may
think he knows well why he proposes to vote
for each of the five men he has selected but
the chances are that many influences have
worked upon him without his knowledge. Per-
sonal friendship for the candidate or for their
friends who have asked his vote; dislike of
this that candidate, with or without reason ,
dislike of some friend OF this candidate OF that;
-pEsjadiee- against one because of his sup
porters and prejudice in favor of another be-
cause OF his enemies; sympathy for this candi-
against him, although we'll aware of the fact
that he should be defeated--all of these ele.
ments enter into the making of the voters
decision, warping his Judgment and preventing
him often from voting for the candidate whom
he honestly believes would serve the city best
Practically every man in the community ia
swayed by prejudice in his choice. whether he
be Influenced 10 a greater degree than others
but few of entirely free from it
These men The yirp,ninn would urge TO.
think carefully, TO the end that when they
cast their votes Tor Ave candidates next Tues
day they will do 50 as free from unworthy in
fuences and preiudices as 1t Is possible for
men 10 BE.
sg5 There is one influence which works upon
voters more than any other. 1t prejudices
them often greatly that they find 1t impos-
sfble TO see things in their true light Curl
ously enough this influence derives its greatest
strength from virtue. People in all countries
hate anything savoring of dictation In Viz
stnia and in Richmond they resent the real In
no uncertain manner and are often led to
resent the imaginary. Advice, honestly given
By those who have no power to enforce it's
acceptance cannot be called dctation In Rich
MDnd several States have been made I'm BY
various organizations and the voters asked
u support them. When good reasons are
given BY those making the slate they should
De given attention There are lumber of
these states presented To the voters Let them
study them and the reasons assigned by their
makers Forget. for time the personnel OF !
those who submit list OF names for your
study Weigh carefully the arguments for and
ssanst and then Ii the state meets approval
IN fun or in part vote for 1t in full or In part
~ other words. listen TO all honestly conceived
reasons advanced by patriotic citizens and then
decide according to individual Judgment. Il
There Is one other influence that works upon
the voter. 1t also originates in creditable
feeling II ls sympathy for those who appear
~ have been nnjustiy attacked Sometimes
~ attack upon man may be so aagrantly
snlust and the methods pursued SO unworthy
thr rebpke of these methods ~ Of more i'm,
eortAncs than the selection OF the best eandi-