Thursday, October 9, 1924
…An empire that ruled the world sank into nothingness when the government, instead of stressing the importance of work, sought to entertain the public. Rottenness in public and private life ensued and the northern barbarians, our ancestors, conquered the country. The national character of the Romans prior to the conquest had undergone a complete and fatal alteration. A Roman had been noted for the simplicity and stern integrity of his life, the religious gravity of his deport- ment and the fidelity with which his official and business duties were performed. The aphorism was “Better to be a good farmer than a great senator.”
Luxury, morbid appetites, pursuit of pleasure, voluptuousness, in a country made up of wealthy persons and slaves, took the place of the old Roman faith, so deep and strong and stern. The end was confusion and discord and the country fell, and for over 900 years that part of the human race to which we belong went through the twilight of the Dark Ages, when education almost disappeared from the earth, and in which there was no form of government to provide peace and comfort for the poor, and out of which the world might never have come, but for the great American experiment, from which even Europe and the Oriental countries learned to treat the poor decently, and, at the same time, to build the greatest private fortunes and public improvements the world has ever known.
But the same old autocrat and destructive devil is at work on the hearts of men.
Our duties as Americans are plain. Cherish the constitution as the best interpretation ever made of the Christian religion.
Look with suspicion on every man who would tear down the only practical plan ever proposed for equality under the law.
England at one time was thought to be founded on a rock. Late events such as the unemployment dole indicate that she is slipping towards the free bread and free shows system of government…
WOMEN DEMOCRTAS
Women who have sought Democratic nominations in the primary this year have been unusually successful; one woman holds a gubernatorial nomination; three hold Congressional nominations; and two have been nominated for Secretary of State…
THE SPEAKERS
A wonderful flow of political speaking, to say nothing of oratory, was turned on at the courthouse Tuesday afternoon. Judge Sharp following the usual good custom, called off the court business, and gave the speakers a clear field. Senator N. C. McNeil presided, and Allan P. Edgar and J. E. Buckley paraded the orators. The day was pleasant, and the courtroom was crowded with polite assemblage of ladies and gentlemen. …
Women speak on the issues of the day. The general election is approaching. There is a division of sentiment. Some citizens would like to have the power of voting many times, the plural vote, other citizens just as intelligent, patriotic and righteous, will not vote at all. Here is the quandary:
To vote or not to vote, that is the question.
To take my foot in hand and wander to the polls
Insert the ballot in the box and have it count
For those I think best suited for the work,
And find out afterwards I voted wrong
Better to refrain from voting than vote wrong.
But if I am so timid that I fear to vote,
That is a sign I need no safety valve.
And that I am content to leave with the others
The onus of the judgment of the polls
As a policeman said, “So be it.”
But there is one thing sure:
Vote or forever after hold your peace,
For he, who will not when he may,
Is not entitled to a say.
BIRTHS
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Claude Malcomb, of Huntersville, a daughter.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Burgess, of Woodrow, a daughter.
DEATH
Mrs. Frankie Kellison Dilley, beloved wife of Odey Dilley, of Rainelle, died Sunday morning, October 5, 1924, at the Marlinton Hospital. For two years or more, she had been in failing health. Her age was 31 years. Mrs. Dilley was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Kellison, of the Levels, who survive. She is survived by her husband and their daughter, Pearl. Burial at the Ruckman graveyard at Marvin Chapel on Monday afternoon.