Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1914-10-30
APATHY IN POLITICS.


ent political campaign in Maryland A
number of causes were assigned for the
apparent indifference of the people to the
outcome Of the election and the current
political issues, such as the war in Europe
the horse races, and the prevailing con-
viction that with the possible exception
Of the Sixth district, the Democrats are
going to sweep things" The present was
facetlously compared to former political
contests, and while it was pleasant read
ing Tor the moment. the impression it left
on ones mind is distinctly one of discour-
agement when the broad aspects of citi-
zenship and the consequences Of disre-
garded civic duties are considered.
II is true that the personal interest ex-
cited by local contest is absent, and so
is the personal and fractional bitterness
that is so often engendered by fierce pri-
mary campaigns and the rather aimless
vituperation that so often takes the place
OF the discussion Of the real issues that
affect the welfare of the country. But
this fact creates the condition when men
may view national political questions with
calmness and reflection, and form their
opinions without reference to the influence
of local sentiment or personal regard for
or dislike to candidate.
The current campaign is. in all essential
particulars, as important as any campaign
Of the past. In view of the trend of public
sentiment and legislation toward pater-
nalism and Capitalization, the result of
next Tuesdays election touches the indi-
vidual more nearly and from more angles
than Is usually the case. For this reason
one would naturally suppose that the pub
lie interest would be aroused and the voters
Of the country alert to record their judg-
ment, unless it be true that patriotism can
only be evoked by fracas or by the pros
pect of immediate personal gain in one
form or another.
Two strong reasons may be given why
large vote should be polled at the coming
election
First is the citizens duty to express his
opinion upon public questions in the form
prescribed by law, In a republic governed
through universal suffrage. there is no other
method by which the citizen can exert
his legitimate influence and obtain the
things which he deems right and wise.
As has been often repeated in these
columns. voting is a duty which man
Al III L.
disregarded without detriment to the com
munity.
Secondly. those whom the people elect
to office-the Executive and legislative
representatives especially are entitled to
know what public sentiment is with respect
to the matters with which these officers have
TO deal. They are not omniscient. and the
only guide they have is the expression,
from time to time, Of approval or disap-
prevail of their conduct.
This consideration is especially pointed
at the present moment. The Democratic
party is in power for the first time in
twenty years. and this is the middle of
term which began with definite promises
which the people approved. The Presi-
dent elected two years ago is regarded by
Democrats, at least, as an efficient and
patriotic officer. A half-hearted indorse-
ment would be poor return for his indus
trious efforts to meet public expectations
and the courage and resourcefuness with
which he has dealt with unexpected and
delicate international conditions. If he
has done wrong public opionion. speaking
through the ballot box, should be prompt
to condemn his shortcomings II he has
done well. the people whom he serves should
be eager to show their appreciation and
TO cheer and encourage him under his
heavy burden. There is no better way of
giving this cheer and encouragement than
by electing to the Senate and House of
Representatives by record majorties the
candidates Of his party, who will stand by
him and assist in writing the peoples will
into the country's laws
In the Sixth Maryland district these argu-
ments have especial weight The new reg
istration shows it to be less strongly Repub-
lican than it used to be but we know that
the supreme effort Of the Republicans to
break our solid Democratic delegation is be-
ing made here, and that no stone is being left
unturned and no device of political strategy
left unemployed to accomplish Mr.. Lewis
defeat. The great resource of the Demo-
Gratis lies in the devotion of its rank and
file. and there is every reason to believe
that IL they turn out as they should do,
on election day, Lewis will be again elected
by safe majority. Let it not be said that
apathy caused the defeat of a capable
representative, or that our people are in
different to the purposes which they sup
ported two years ago and which cannot be
promoted without their emphatic approval
at the polls.