The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-11-04
THE MOTIVE BEHIND THE BALLOT


mon objective.
THE MOTIVE BEHIND THE BALLOT
Democracy is such. Q sounding word.
80 vague and magnificent. so splendid
veil for a dim belief. that we are
prone to forget that 1t means moth
ing but 1.-THE people," Its processes
suggest the slow movement of glacier.
but In reality democracy is only some
millions OF democrats. plain human
beings. wrought upon by astoundingly
varied emotions and beliefs. To-mor-
row these tumultuous atoms will go
to the polls and vote. and each vote
will be governed by personal mo-
tives, SO complex and yet SO simply
human that 1t is like answering the
Sphinx to tell why men vote thus
and so.
Probably most men believe they vote
according to reason. yet nothing seems
clearer than that the majority vote
according to sentiment They don't
know what they want they feel what
they want But 30 Tar IL feeling .
better guide than reason rnat the
result win be ~ it should. for It will
satisfy the most voters.
Some win vote for the Candidate OF
their traditional belief They will re-
main Democrats or Republicans be-
cause they always have been, and to
leave the party Of their fathers would
be to break one Of the conventions
that keep them sane and on the
straight path. They are party men by
inertia. Others will change from their
past allegiance just for the glory OF
change. They have the monochrome
list temperament They are restless,
experimental. impatient Of the rules.
even when they lay down the rules
themselves. They are not independ-
ents. but love variety.
Too many will vote for continuing
their own peace and plenty. because
peace and plenty is their platform.
Omceholders, tucked into snug berths.
will try to tuck themselves ID more
firmly. The opulent and well-fed ben
eaciaries of special privilege will dis
cover many plausible reasons for do
ing their little to make opulence and
good feeling permanent In their lives.
They will view'with alarm what threat
ems the padded luxury and lordfy power
they love.
Theorists will vote for their theories.
and faddfsts for their fads. Some tag
from, a platform win obscure for them
all bigger issues. Many a sentiment
alist, fun Of the new faith Of social
Justice and brotherhood, win Join queer
companions In his blind desire to hur-
ry the millennium. Women who vote
VIII probably be moved by moral Is
sues rather than economic arguments
and the Justly celebrated feminine IN
tuition will be worked overtime.
The disgruntled and down-trodden,
in fact or fancy. win vote for what
ever revolution seems most likely TO
nut them on top. The workingman
viii vote honestly for his own interest.
though doubtless often sadly mis8ufd-
ed Is to where It really lies. To a
large group Of Americans the elee-
tion will have all the characteristics
of a sporting event. They will gamble
on .'Old Teddy" or "the Professor" for
the inexplicabIe reason that he, for
the hour. 10 their man." and they
want to back . winner"
Finally, millions Of Americans will
consider almost prayerfuIly their own
hopes for . fuller and sweeter life.
their duty to their fellowmen and pos
ter1ty, the claims Of truth and equality
and Justice. the promises they have
heard and the solemn promptings OF
their own consciences. and having re-
cs,ved what light they could will vote
~ freemen of . great nation-
What will guide yeur hand to-mor-
row?
A Turkish army In LITTLE RED fez hats
doing q Marathon back to CONSTANT
NOBLE must be a funny sight
amon1 other products for which vir-