Polynesian., 1844-12-28


ter it would bctray a weakness which would
stimulate attack, or raise suspicious of the
ability or integrity of those who hold the
reins Of state. But while We use the term
opposition as applicable to those who differ
in their views from the government, or who,
from whatever motive, oppose particular
measures or its general policy, we do not
wish to be understood as employing it in an
invidious sense. Far from it. We have al
ready expressed a favorable opinion Of a
well-couducted opposition, and we arc not
Of those who can look upon u difference of
opinion in but one light; that of condemna-
ton. There is much that is iaestimable in
policy and knowledge to be derived, not UNI
seldom, from the arguments Of adversaries:
the more, especially, il they should be men
Of virtue and wisdom. Politics are fast be-
coming here, at least on one part, a system;
developing certain well-dctined principles of
action. 1t is inevitable, therefore, but that
sides will be assumed. Even those who are
intimate in other points, will be divided in
politics, but this, as in religious creeds, should
not and need not sever the bonds Of friend
ship. A diversity of opinion on matters which
divide the greatest and best minds, argues
no lack of wisdom or good intentions on
either side. W. have already had occasion
to differ from those with whom we have en-
joyed years of social confidence; whom we
have known but to esteem; from whose at
tainments we have added much to our own,
and whose high sense Of honor coupled with
amenity of manner, adds a two-fold tie to the
strong sympathies Of tried friendship. Sim
ply, to say that it is unpleasant to differ from
such characters, but family expresses the
idea. 1t is trying to the soul. Those fine
spun cords which blend kindred spirits into
almost one nature, are strained to a painful
tension; but much should be mutually en-
dured before they are allowed to snap. Such
however is the infrmity of human-nature
that alienation, like the chill frost which
sometimes covers the fields and nips alike
the growing plant and opened flower, even
before the summers sun has yielded to the
cool breezes Of autumn, too often spreads it's
congealing influence over the most generous
natures. A consummation of this nature is
to be deplored and ifpossible avoided. When
IA separation however becomes unavoidable,
from a wide and honest difference of opinions
resulting from new and distinct relations,
which cannot be reconciled with old a~ssocia-
tons but by n concession on either side of
principle, it should rather be placed to the
credit of human nature, that it possesses so
much OF the sternness of virtue, as to prefer
%estrangement, and even enmity, to friend
ship preserved by the sacrifice Of duty. And,
although it may be found that there are ma
lures to whom the bitterness of strife is daily
food and drink, there are others, who, while
they firmly and consistently sustain their re-
spective situations in life, allow not political
discussion to lessen personal respect.
There are some, indeed, who seem inca
pable Of approaching the nobler sentiments
of life; who,
Content to feed, with pleasures unrcfined.
The luke warm passions Of Il lowly mind"
grovel in the back-lanes and chokcd paths
of existence, gratifcd with the stir they
themselves create amongst dust and rubbish.
With them, argument becomes personality,
and difference discussion. Unable to define
that nice line which separates public meas
ures and principles from the sacred c~loistcrs
of private life, they fail in approaching the