Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1843-07-31
DISHONESTY IN HIGH PLACES.

To the principle OF dishonesty and the person who
allows himself to be subjected influence there Just.
y attached lasting reprouch And it is rightly because,
when carried under seeming gab, assumed chnrac-
ter 1t has facilities for committing unlimited depfcdaiions
IL might, by pundering sweep, bear oil millions in
money and by daring blow nnnihate names and char
acers pure in themselves, nestimabe value to those
whom they represent
This might be the result Of dishonesty even in private
life But when we look upon those high IN station and
whose positions have important bearing upon the destiny
of our country and her institutions vastly increased
s'cude for their purity OF purpose and integrity Of char
actor.
The character OF the nation abroad very great ex.
estimated accordance with the lives and character OF
those who fill its highest Offices II they are true to
themselves and 10 their country, the nations Characters
elevated and strengthened and its prOporonuby
advanced. But they dssOluc and unworthy, and
consequently possessed Of little weight of character the
foundation Of the nations fame impaired and its prospo
" greatly hnpeded And thus, tine cause continuing
ISL the etcc either beneficial deeerious may be traced
out in their remoios bearings The country may be
ted To the highest standard OF national grandeur,
down to the lowest stage OF poverty and disgrace HERE
sources, internal and commercially may become unl.
mted degree lucrative and excnsve or contracted in her
operations, and unable command confidence mean
choy scene OF want and dcsoalon may present ITSELF like
-"as when heavens fire
Hath scatfd the forest oaks, mountain pines"
Then, with before thom nations eyes should be
open. Tho Judgment should be exercised, and all the dis
crimnave powers put operation in choosing men to adj
minister the airs OF government As regard our own
and orr cOunuy's suoty, should look IT, and guard
against the abuse OF confidence. Iii prevent an
enemy from entering the citadel than dspaco him after
he has taken possessions For then have even foot
hold, from which to strike blow in its defence And the
enemy, in this case, placed in high aud lucrative Office
aud having the power distribute boofg by no means
stfaienod for allied forces. There are those who from
predOnnancc Of the gnobo passions and propcnsi-
ties. prepared rally around such stations aud defend
the occupants from every assault And poTchanCe harmo
ny Of feeling may exist than which nothing could be more
attractive aud Oomonungi For,
go shame to men! Devil with devil dauu'd
Firm concord holds"
But # those In whom roposo confidence and who are
placed IN posts Of honor and trust become cuUus the
dictates OF justice, or 10 the emotions Of patriotism to
obey the suggestions, of the and lowest propens
ties Of their nature then they alone endure the psungs
u that storm winch themselves have called forth Nor IN.
deed. should any be- used to mitigate the infection Of
mericd chastiscmenL There will be escape from the
results Of such reachery. Thonst entertainments Of earth
y existence will not protect them, until justly consigned 10
That staie Of disgrace oblivion which no power can
avert, sympathy reach
Examples also placed before such men, and deserve
TO be kept constantly IN yew characters Of fiery ban
cy-io although elevated for above the humber walks of
life. they not beyond the whsperngs Of ambition and
ayarce. They may, too, be nding the topmos wave
OF popular opinion but a short career Of guilt and folly
would soon weigh them down the lowest depths Of les
blIowy zen. f.