Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1919-10-31
The Election And Our Duty.

Voting is a primary duty of the citizens
Of country that has established universal
suffrage. 1t is only through the ballot box
that public opinion can be expressed in
form that will be safe guide for those
men who may be elected to administer the
affairs of the State, and the failure Of a
considerable number of voters to cast their
ballots makes the real trend of public opin-
ion so uncertain as to battle the best in
ten.ions of those who are, for the time
being. called to rule.
II til statement of principle is true
in ordiW~y times it has double force in a
period Pregnant with widespread agitation
of strange doctrines and confronted by
social and economic problems which re-
quire for their solution the utmost wisdom
which can be brought to bear upon them.
II the future is to be prepared to meet
manfully and hopefully the immense re-
sponsibilties which five years Of war and
waste have thrust upon it.
While these subjects are. in the first in
stance. matters that the Federal govern
ment must deal with through International
channels as well as by domestic instru-
mentalities. it is, nevertheless, true that
the States have profound interest in their
proper settlement and a definite RESPONSE
bility in the use of their influence, by Civ
ing full and free declaration of their
judgment upon the issues that confront the
nation.
II is not intended by the foregoing COM
ment. to thrust aside the peculiar State
matters upon which the pending election
must decide the policy of Maryland. The
number of these questions is not large,
but they are Of unusual interest and the
character Of the men in the General As
sembly who must formulate and pass the
laws. and of the executive officers who are
to administer them, becomes Of paramount
Importance to the people of the common
wealth.
With respect to both platform pledges and
candidates the Democratic party is far and
away in the lead. AS to measures de-
signed to facilitate reforms and economies
in the State government, our party took
the initiative by definite promises that
honorable men cannet evade, and which
our opponents found it necessary to adopt
in order to be in the running at all.
As to candidates. the contrast in favor
of the Democrats is almost amusing. Albert
Richie is man Of commanding ability
and Of unusual industry, whose service as
Attorney General has given him an init
mate and accurate knowledge Of the State
affairs and resources. and his whole make
up furnishes guarantee of an efficient
and progressive administration.
Nothing like this can be said of his op.
ponent. Mr.. Nice, who, as far we can see
has given no evidence Of broad-minded
comprehension Of public questions, or Of
the mental or personal dignity. which thi,
ancient and honorable State is entitled tC
have in its Executive Chamber to guide
its destines, during the next four years
through the troubled waters that surge
about us.
of Mr.. Ritchie's election there is no rea
son to doubt; but in view Of the develop
ments of the campaign, we feel it to be {
duty to appeal to the voters Of Montaom
cry county to make his election an over
whelming triumph of Democracy in behal
OF good government and of the honor ant
II