The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-09-16
n. From the Washington Globe,
POLITICAL COURAGE.

Political courage is but the highest form Of moral
courage, which is far above animal ntrepdity
the soul is elevated than the body-the hero
than the gladiaor--the than the beast II is i'm
possible to conceive Of noble spectacle than the
statesman who regardless Of the sres Of parties and
the fluctuations Of popular opinion pursues the calm and
even tenor OF his way, to the consummation of some
great end, which he in the future clearly as
though 1t were present.
Whose high endeavors are an inward light,
That makes the path before him always bright.
No man was ever truly great-no man accom-
pshed great things who did not possess that tran
quill, steadfast mmoveable courage. When an
opinion is formed good grounds-when once, after
due reflection, determination is taken-it should be
persisted in every hazard Of personal consequences
Il is better 10 fall than to bendto be broken than
yield This secures the respect and admiration Of
emies if their appreciation and concurrence. The
opposite is impolitic as it is weak. Defeat
then becomes disgrace; misfortune carries with il de-
graduation The wounds Of the PROSTATE combatant are
all in the back his very arc not those Of honor
but OF shame ITO be weak is miserable" Dscom-
future is more certain and sulled and aggravated by
contempt Nothing ever gained by cowardice |;
nothing ever achieved by concession. This but rem
ders triumphing foe naughty nsoent and relent
less The best way TO avoid danger as the Irislnan
said is to meet it. Cesar mouned that he had not the
opportunity Of treating Cato with magnanimity. Let
man in power once waver, and he is gone; let him
trembling eye from the face Of danger, and he is
lost His business his glory, is to direct to lead and
enlghten to truckle, to trim, TO compromise 1t
is his sacred duty all proper responsibility is
also his interest The talents, the services the reputa
ton which have given him place and power and autho
rty entte nay, compel him to stand in, or rather be-
yond the front rank point and lead the way that VIC
tory which is the almost inevitable recompense Of skill
valor and fortitude. The high resolve, indomabe firm
ness the far-seeng ssgacty. Of great mind, have
sometimes saved nation, and laid the foundations OF its
strength happiness and glory for ages. What must
be the lofty bearing Of who raised by merit to high
emnence feels himself aroused by gratitude by honor by
thirst for fame, and the consciousness that the
eye Of God is upon him. TO hazard peace, and ease and
power ITSELF for the accomplishment Of great
onal benefit Such rises above the rage Of enc
mics, the intrignes Of party, the deseron OF false
friends, and even the temporary deuson Of the popu-
lar mind
He nobly stirs himself -, ....,.
And battles for the right ...
Then is the time to make mar a name. Then is
the moment to secure imperishable niche in the
temple of fame To really elevated mind, opposition
is but stimulus to greater exerton--an incentive to
more strenuous efforts What merit is there in VIC
tory easily achieved What glory is it to triumph over
obstacles which sligbt-to overpower enemy
who is weak Danger the element Of true greatness
the atmosphere in which it lives, and moves, and has
its being Resistance bu. kndles the resolution of
allied courage Oboquy, misrepresentation, prejudice,
ignorance, envy, 'passon-these hideous shapes are
mere phantoms, which vanish before the glance Of de-
termination, and at exercised and laid by
voice Of power and intrepidity