The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1841-12-24
HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY"

M such thing as honesty among 'heni'-
And this supposition, perhaps, would not De
weakened, if all the manGuvres in tins city were
laid bare TO the public gaze.
If is our intention at this time only to
st;omatize the base means resorted 10 by
the eyil-designing, TO obtain undeserved au-
thorty, and not to designate the men VINO
use them. But perhaps some valuable hints
NAV he taken by tho ;e somewhat interested.
Honesty is the best policy" in every condl-
non of life II is laudable in man to aspire to
biqh places, prorided he uses no unfair means
:, attain his ends. 1.-THE ambitious man strives
I, deserve advancement by doing good to his
country, instead of employing base devices TO
mil down those above him, merely to occupy
NOR nlaces. he is embarked in an honorable en-
terprise, and will be entitled 10 the unmolested
enjoyment of all the fruits ofhis victories. But
if he altains an enviable position by means OF
;utrigue-remorselessl mounting over the
rims of character and modest merit whose de-
struction he wrought-then his violated con-
science, and the fear Of discovery and exposure,
flor the eyes of the million will be on him) Will
render his gorgeous couch but a thorny and
miserable receptacle of a care-worn and unhap-
py frame.
Honesty is not only the best policy, but "mur-
der will OUT The dishonest schemer-the
whisperer Of slanders--the divulger of secrets
who seeks to ruin those from whom he OBJ
lained his important information under the
euise Of Friendships, can never entirely succeed
in his Vaccinations against others, or long es-
cape the punishment deserved himself. In
this city. where one-third Of the population
are Office holders, and another ofce-seekers, and
the remaining portion connected WITH or de-
pendent on, directly or indirectly, the appoint
ing power for employment and support, It is ut
rery impossible for any ntrgues OF magnitude
10 be carried on in secrecy. And this brings TO
mind another adage-''the walls have ears. p
oh, could some, who are at this moment plotting
the destruction Of others, but know how rapidly
taey are fastening their olrn ruin they would
not only pause in their nefarious career, but be
ready TO exclaim that "honesty is the best po-
icy !"
1t is strange that men, ''dressed in little briet
authority" SO soon become infatuated with the
alurements of the demon Intrigue, and follow
blindly the will-o'-the -wisp strides of tickle Ru-
NOR They often know not the perils OF then
insane course until they find themselves pros
rate in the pitfalls they had prepared for others
II is to be regretted that many who succeed IN
thi,. thnt thew al a
located, notwithstanding any neglect OF duty
they may be guilty of, and all the reprehensible
schemes they may engage in to compass the de-
sruction of others. Many are not only regard
less of the best interests of the public, and UNI
grateful to those who appointed them TO respon-
sble posts, but when regularly installed, they
engage in intrlgues to thwart the
intentions of those above them to pull down
those around them--and lift up those below
them, with no eye to the claims of honesty and
Justice. Not unfrequenty they conspire to in
lure the very one to whose kindness they are in
|lehted for their advancement, impressed with
Fhe vain belief that their operations are impene-
|rably hidden under the veil of secrecy, and
FIELDING to the delusive dictates Of cupldlty and
(nholy ambition which teach that it is right to
Mount, alike Indifferent whether the steps they
b,cend be composed Of the bodies Of friends OF
Toes. All such will soon find out TO their sorrow
hat g honesty is the best policy"
The principle that teaches the propriety of
the characters and merits of others
FOR the purpose of obtaining their places, Is DIS
honest and unholy, and will ''surely have its
teward." He, who, having attained his end
through the instrumentality of those in power,
bbove him, and seeks by vicious and underhand-
| means TO crafty his envious and malig-
ant passions at the expense of those TO whom
already owes debt Of gratitude, 'yerily will
lave his reward"
On the other hand, he who is faithful to the
Country, and true to all the noble and generous
Impulses of an honest heart-envying no one,
Rnd wantony injuring none, will find friends
efficient for his purposes when he needs them
Vhe vile intriguer may throw his nets around
Rm-rumors Of his anticipated fall may be
Rhispered in the streets-and the cold gaze OF
Drmcditated neglect may greet him when pass
BY those who once had only smiles for him
+ r., if he is conscious that he has not deserved
ill report of men, and neglected no duty as a
IAN and an officer, he need not fear. Despite
wiles of falsfying sycophants, and the i'm
R1tent frowns of evil men high in authority, he
Mo is above them al--our beloved CHEF
m, 4
Dough the heavens fall" Truly "noNEsTy
ILL., BE THE BEST POLICY"
IA THE EXCHEQUER BILL
Not having in readiness the first number of