The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-06-25
From the .Nep York Sun.
ELEVATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES.

We have denounced often and severely the evils OF
party spirit. We do not hope, however, for a time,
previous to the Millennium, when shall have no
party divisions among the people. Indeed we do not
think it desirable to be free from such political differ
ences as induce animated discussion, and tend to the
calculation of great truths. But what we contend
against is the bitterness, the unchartableness, the
want of high moral principle, the low intrigue, the
resort TO vile means to secure success by all which
the conduct of political parties at the present day IS
too much stamped We would correct these evils;
we would elevate the standard of integrity and honor
among politicians; would have them devote their
energies to the development of sound, immuable
principles and eternal truths, instead OF calling hard
names imputng corrupt motives, villifying each
others characters laying base plans, and employing
base agents to undermine each other
We might fill volume with facts hIch have trans
pred within the last years illustrative of the evils
to which we have alluded. Within that short period
might show that three different Chief Magistrates
of the Union have, each in his turn been sandered
revled and denounced in manner that would induce
strangers believe that the veriest scoundres In ex
stence were selected for the highest offices in this
country. We might also speak Of "plos and coun-
terplots," of scenes of debauchery and unha;lowed
excitement of appeals to the most depraVed passions
of human nature, Of persecution for opinions sake,
and, above ALL of wanton neglect Of our highest ma
tonal interests in deliberate determined and cold
blooded effort crush the present incumbent Of the
Presidential chair unless he would consent to violate
slave Of political ganes,ers
But there is not room in the columns of any news
paper that is published give the details of these dis
graceful incidents. We only aIlude to them and
appeal the good and the sincere patriots in all
parties to give their thoughts and their services to
thorough and efficient reforn-an elevation OF the
character of political parties This be done, and
it is high time that il should be DONE Nothing is
wanting but few heroic minds to lead the way, and
perish, if need be- in the The masses of all
parties honest and true; they will at last do right
The great difficulty is that corrupt leaders manage
to push them elves forward with their profgae and
specious schemes and not thrust aside with sufc
ent energy. They tolerated partly account of
the strength which they supposed to have IN po
tical conflict and partly because no one in Their par
ty has the Courage to risk division, defeat, and per-
haps temporary overthrow by exposing them.
The risk must be incurred. What if you de-
fealed7 Is not defeat with unsulIied purity better
than victory achieved by disgraceful means We
are unwilling to believe that the of the present
time are destitute of noble principles, Of high sellsa-
cn6cing heroism. We know the age of chivalry has
passed we hope the age Of military heroism is pass
ny along with the necessities which called it into
isence and positive that the distinctions
ferred by tit of nobility by stars, ribbons,
needles and taiors also passing away. Notwh
standing all this the present age Is not to be without
something to distinguish it, and as we believe
something higher and better than the chivalry of
the dark ages the military renown of later times
the distinctions of titled arlstocracy.-
Moral excellence and moral courage will hereafter be
the tests Of real heroism. Those who ambitious
of an enduring fame must build upon these founda-
TONS The astounding developments Of financial
frauds and political corruption which have already
taken place, and still passing before us, shock
the moral Of the whole people, and will yet
the public mind to convulsve and gigantic efforts
Something of this kind was necessary to prepare the
way of the renovation which we trust is at hand.