Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-07-23
From the Albany Argus.
PRIVATE CHARACTER,
SHOULD 1T NOT DE REGARDED cot. PILE
AND HENRY CLAY.

SHOULD 1T NOT BE REGARDED cot. pix
AND HENRY CLAY.
Mr.. Bancroft, the historian, said truly Of
Col. Folks character, that like pure gold,
the more it was rubbed, the brighter it
would shine. The events of The last four
weeks have scaled the truth.
Since his domination for the Presidency.
Col. PolK has been assailrd with ntanse
bitterness. FIRST. the wing press made u
lunge at his private character, by chnrg
ing him with being ducllis,. AS soon as
th> ialsehood was exposed, they urncd n
snmers t, and the Louisville Journal, Mr..
Clay's organ, called Col. Polk coward,
because while Speaker of the House,
when grossly insu!'ed, he cOtit not be pre-
cole to SIND ctalieng'. But this charge
is now dropped in haste, as it was pcrcc.v-
ed that the good judgment and calm discre-
ton which Col. Poll had evnced under
circumstances the most trying to the bad
passions Of man, had given him n sill
highe: position in the minds Of the peo-
pie, as one eminently calculated for safe
Executive OF the vast power Of Presi-
dent Of the United States.
The sentiment that man pure AID up
| right in his private character, is the only
safe depository Of public trust, is one that
commcnds itself to the American People.
1t is obvious that the vices and immoral-
ties Of private life will be carried into the
public administration, and that one who
has been VIGOROUSLY immoral and reckless
in his personal qualifications, cannot be
less reckless and selfish in his public ca pa
city. The wings insist tina: Mr.. Clay's
character is presented in too dark Light.
They do not deny that he has been guilty
Of those various immoralites which would
constitute man OF doubtful private char
acter, and therefore his opponents. insist
that he has not that true principle which
would render him safe or wise guardian
Of the happiness an liberties Of the eigh
teen millions Of his own countryman.
Is not this conclusion Just Is not thi
the principle upon which men acr In III
their worldly business? Would "a march
ant DO willing to select as his most couf
dental clerk, a man whose habits were
immoral Would he not fear him p
Could h. have any safeguard over him
Is not principle in those cases if not entire
ly wanting. at least waninge Would t
parent be- willing to choose for the teacher
OF his own child, one whose habit, have
shown that he was immoral. and whose
inclinations were vicious Would he no,
fear TO trust the pure spring of the child.
heart near the Upas-like desolalion Of vice.
Most assurcdy.
Then, if this be the course and the wise
one too in these comparatively unimport
ent transactions, why should not the PEG
pie exercise the same scruplas and the
same wise care in choosing President OF
the United States Is it not a position o:
vast and far-reaching influence upon all
the relations of our country, both socia
and political ? Does not his example give
a tone to the moral pulse Of the nation
The Presidency it is we'll said to be the
greatest Office in the world Does it not
therefore become a solemn duty on the
part Of the People to select mol only a
man of ability and cultivated mind, bul
Of that uprigh'ness in his daily walk and
in his personal habits, whose shining ex
ample may widen and extend the influence
of tho moral virtues rmong the masses
TO them, this influences is far more benef
cial and improving than the mere acquisi-
ton Of wealth. They not only want a
good political government at Washington,
but a healthy social influence radia,ing
from there.