Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-11-01

Letters Of Democrat 10 his PoA
1itical Associates.
No. 5. , 81.
In my last letter TO you I referred to
the constitutional mode Of exercising that
vigilance which is. the price Of our lib
erty. Constitutional provisions, howey-
er, are not alone sufficient, if a different
spirit guides US at the ballot box, and IL
IN practice we virtually tepudiate the
principle Of short terms aad frequent ro-
tation, and actually adopt a system at va
rance with it. There is strong tenden-
cy to such course, | regret to observe
and remark, among many calling them
selves by the name Of Democracy, both
in and out Of our State. Some men re-
gard long enjoyment Of the profitable
Offices and high trusts Of the State, as
founding claim and qualification in the
individual for renewed continuance in
higher or more profitable stations. In
stead Of viewing it, as it should be, as a
lisqualifying circumstance for season,
and reason for the retirement Of the cit
izen to his private pursuits, where the
strength of his democracy might be test
ed, and his growing aristocracy restrain
ed, he is selected in preference for new
honors and further emoluments, because
his former Offices, not his worth, or his
understanding, give him title to them.
II such is 10 be the general course and
policy in regard to offices in our country;
if they are to be confined to few hands;
and II those few are to be always invest
ed with the public honors, surrendering
up or serving out one, only to take anoth-
er and greater, in what respect, ask,
is this practical aristocracy better than an
aristocracy established by law. and foun-
ded on descent. In the FIRST case an ac-
tual arlstocracy is created, as certainly,
if the practice become common, as in the
other case it exists by law: not so oppres-
sive perhaps; not SO distinctive and priv
LEGGED: but more bloated, more assuming,
.r-.-a haset.ea z-z--.ri the oI1i,,. ia an han.
or or advantage, others should share it;
if it is burden, others in turn ought to
bear it, said an early governor of one of
the colonies when pressed repeatedly to
continue, after years OF service, in the
Office: most admirable and republican
sentiment, beautifully expressed. There
are men with whom this greedy lust for
Office, distinction, power, and public sta
ton. is as much passion and "A craving,
as the drunkard's appetite for the bowl.
Having once, by the popular favor, been
placed in station beyond their capacity
or their just expectations, they become
intoxicated by the taste: their manners
and language become as much changed
as ebriety alters the tone AMI conduct of
man. They are already inhamed with
imaginary greatness. They talk Of the
people as race distinct from themselves.
And they look upon the public honors as
truly their own, as if the law had given
them an inheritance in them. The peo-
pie should administer the proper remedy
to this intoxicating, morbid. lust of public
station, by the ballot, ard allow such, by
retirement and repose, to regain the nat
ural sober state and tone. The practice
to which have alluded, of the citizens in
favoring such unjust prctension, by re-
peatedly bestowing Office on the individ-
ual for many years in succession, may
not, it is true, be as dangerous as life
tenures or long terms established by law.
But it is anti republican, aristocratic, Gre
ates distinctions,is unjust and discouraging
toward other meritorius citizens, and by
destroying equality, gives a severe blow,
if not mortal wound to democracy itself.
The fault Of this is with US; the correct
i've is in our hands. Properly admins
tered, it restraints aristocracy, invigorates
democracy, preserves liberty in her health
and bloom, secures the public welfare,
maintains eq,iality, and a just considera-
ton for the good Of the whole people.
1t injuries none, is just to all.
CURTIUS.
"IREAsoN TO THE SOUTH" THE whie
press of the South are just now making a
tremendous hue and cry because the nor
thern papers published the deed convey
ing sundry horses, negroes, and other
seattle" to Gen. Taylor. They call il
"treason TO the South" and call upon
southern men to sustain their candidate. nm