Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-05-20
Hero Worship.


The progress Of Hero Worship is truly alarming.
The war ~ which we are engaged has already dill.
fused military taste among the people which lends
10 nothing but corruption of morals, aud an utter
extinction Of every truly patriotic sentiment; for
the spirit which exults in the success Of an aqpres
sive war has no affinity with the spirit OF patriotism
The latter seeks TO make men happy by teaching
them habits OF industry, the arts Of peace and the
rehnemenis Of literature, philosophy and morals
the former brutalizes nation, aud " bids defiance
to the unarmed philosopher and politician, who
bring into the field Truth without a spear and Ar
gument unlocked by artillery"
All wars beget Heroes, as naturally land almost
as suddenly as lightning produces thunder and the
skill and science IN the work of bu,chery The
greater the Hero, aud the sooner he arrives al the
zenith OF glory. Thus General Zachary Taylor,
who twelve months ago was not half as celebrated
as p" General Tom Thumb" has become the idol
OF hos. OF worshppers whose name is Legion
The public mind is essentially 1--WE hope not thor
oughlyl debauched with the doctrines Of Hero Wor-
ship The Press lends its aid in the dissemination
oil these pernicIous doctrines, and the establishment
oil system OF the most abominabe despotism that
can be inflicted on nation. Some Of the most
influential journals have the name of this Hero in
Double Plea capitals the head Of their editorial
columns as candidate for the Presidency-as If
success IN numbering men, women and children by
hundreds and thousands were all that is desired TO
give him claim TO the sufffages of people who
boast OF their magnanimiiy and love Of Justice
Editors, whose moral sensbilites are in conyul
Sous " they see an advertisement showing where
wine is for sale, snatch up with eagerness every
paragraph that glories the conduct or character Of
this military chieltain. and present il as luscious
morsel TO their readers. Political principles, aud
opinions in regard to subjects hitherto thought to
be Of the utmost importance to the prosperity of
the country, are no longer thought Of, and Wings
and Democrats seem 10 have buried all their an
Client atlmosities, aud to vie with each other in
new contest to decide whether the Hero is actually
Wing or a Democrat. One journal 1--WE do not
recollect Dhat one. but we have seen it within a
week. dsclams all solictude ia relation 10 his no.
liicil pariizanship aud is satisfedperfectiy SAT-
iyfed-wiih the conviction that General Zachary
Taylor IS a GREAT and GOOD man! The facts on
which this conviction is founded were not stated,
nor do we recoect that The editor alluded 10 any
particular acts that constitute the character of
great and good man" But with the true Hero
Worshlper that is of no Importance. II the altar
is well furnished with human flesh for the sacrifice
and thousands Of hearts have been pierced TO sup
ply generous libaIion Of human blood the adoring
throng require no other stimulant to their devotion
To say nothing Of the elements OF greainess--a
quality which belongs appropriately TO devil as
70 saint, and term which may be used 10 signify
the darkest Of crimes as we'll as the brightest Of
yrlues--we have yet 20 learn wherein consists the
goodness Of General Taylor and we sincerely hope
that some Of his worshpers WILL ere long have the
goodness 10 portray those features in bis character
aud recie some Of those acts Of his which give him
acclaim to idolairy. We are the more anxious on
this point, because we should be glad for once il
our life, TO be one Of political majority, and al
the same time be sure that zoe are right Only sat
isy us that General Taylor is truly deserving Of III,
| appreciation Of the wise. the humane, and The pat
rioiic, aud we will heartily unite in every ihinl
adapted to do honor to his virtues although ",
will give no pledge 10 become worshiper in III,
temple of his fame, or
10 crook the pregnant hinges Of the knee,
| Where ,hrif may follow fawning"
| VS. are aware that il Is said by the worshipers
that Gen Taylor does no more than fulfil his dot