The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-11-14
TRUE WORDS WE'LL SPOKEN.

II Mayor George AinsEe continues to in
dulge in such straight talk as that he gave
to the Baraca- Philathea Bible class members
Tuesday night he will increase the esteem
and respect in which he is now held, and what
III of more Importance will perform greater
service to the city than he can perform even
by a perfect administration of his Office. Ii
three thousand instead of three hundred men
could have heard him it would have been of
TAR more value 10 the city.
Mayor Ainslie spoke deliberately and quietly.
but his sentiments were evidently sincere and
were foreibiy expressed. Calling attention to
the small registration in Richmond and to
the lack of interest taken in politics by those
who are presumably good citizens, he declared
that those who refused to exercise the right
Of citizenship are partially responsible for
errors and plumbers committed by the city
officials If politics is controlled by few
men whom you do not like TO see in control
he said truthfuily. those who remain away
from the polls are to be blamed.
There should be eighteen thousand regis
tered white voters in Richmond. and there are
less than ten thousand. In an important elec-
ton about this number of votes should be
polled. Yet a vote of nine thousand is re-
garded as remarkable, and usually the num-
her cast is not more than six thousand. AS
Mayor Ainslie points out, slightly more than
zoe voters eau control the city. when they
control 1t 10 its detrlment whose iauit is III
Il it that OF the handful of men who work
ana vote for their own interests, making OF
pcijt;es a business? Partially, but 1t Is also
the fault OF those twelve thousand who could
rot or did not vote. They have turned over
the administration of the citys affairs to
others They have declared, in effect, that
they are not Interested in what kind of gov
eminent the city of Richmond has. Having
&c declared. having voluntarily DISTINGUISHED
themselves having given others carte blanche
10 conduct the affairs of the city as they think
best having placed upon others the burdens
they themselves should carry, what right have
they TO complain of the manner in which that
work is done9 II they wish good men as city
ofticials; If they wish certain things done, and
others done in certain way, why do they
not spare a few minutes of their time once
or twice a year TO see that these things
done and done As they wish them done2 We
hear much talk of political trickery and of
the rule of the boss. No boss can rule five
minutes save by the grace of the people
Political trckery, when practiced is practiced
usually because allowed by the Indifferent
voter. Mayor Ainslie entirely right in
his criticism of those who are too selfish too
lazy or TOO Indifferent to the welfare of the Gil
in which they live perform their plain
duties as citizens
Mayor Ainse called attention 10 another
eril OF Democracy. 1t is that OF personal poll
tics He urged his hearers 10 avoid voting
on account OF personal friendship or because
Of favors received, and to vote for the best
men and the best measures. People are hui
4 man and easily swayed by sympathy. but these
admirable qualities should not be exercised to
the detriment of the city and the State. To
vote for a candidate for Office on account of
personal goodwill toward that man. though
I te be unfit for the place, is wrong exercise
VI the right Of citizenship The best possible
government will not be obtained until all quail
He'd voters take part in the government and
Y vste according TO their consciences and honest
( senyictions q to what is best.