Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-09-16
CHANGES OF PERSONAL ESTIMATES.

1t IS very amusing to observe how people
change their estimates Of politicians, as the lat
ter SHIFT y change their positions on the political
board An instructive lesson may derived from
contemplation OF these changes The lesson
is this: that we may differ from others in opin-
ion without being justified in impueuing the
moral honesty OF intellectual sanity Of our op-
ponents.
In this country ii is too much TO impeach the
hearts and intellects of those who cannot or will
not, agree with us in our views Of political sub
jecls. Political discussions invariably sink into
personalities. A sturdy partisan is considered
as going too far when he admits the leading
men OF the opposite party to be foncst in their
intentions, or well endowed in theirupper story.
This would not look so bad, if, in the constant
changes and fluctuations of parties, there was
not chance, almost a certainty, that these
very partisans before they have got 10 the end
OF their row, wonld be found singing the praises
of the very politicians whom at former period.
they were so loud in denouncing. 1t is there
tore, we infer. the best policy to combat the
principles and attack the arguments of the 20
litlcal chiefs you are opposed to, but to abstain
from mputatlons upon the minds Or the integ-
rity Of their hearts.
The best Illustration of the danger of the op-
posite custom we have seen for long time, is
afforded in the case of our old friend General
FooTE. We have known the General a long
time, he is a high minded gentleman, intelli.
gent, bold; and magnanimous, little hayward
and self-wllled as politician; and eXcitable as q
man and speaker. The General came TO this
city some years ago, with the view of being ad
mitted to the bar. He was examined abou
the same time we were. He was rejected we
were admitted. He is now u. S Senator anc
we poor editor. Despite this inequality O
the future, Though, in justice to ourselves
we must state that the General is greatly ou
senior in years. we have ever felt an interest ir
the Generals political career, and have beer
sorey tempted at times to depart from our indie
pendent neutrality, 20 defend him against the
floods of abuse and scurrility which ii was much
| the fashion OF some writers short time ago tc
pour upon his head. But the General has haC
his revenge. These very persons, who then
abused him without stint, are now his tulsome
eulogiss. His coulse on the compromise bill
has entirely changed his mind, heart, and char
acter. He is now an orator OF burning eloouence
singing sarcasm, and powerful invectve.
little while ago with these very same people, HI
was the clown ofthe Senate,a pestlent little mis-
chlef-maker-a diminutive cur, swapping at thu
heels of elephants and wild bufaoes Hi
quite creditable, though little eootistcal ora
tiors, We're faroes disoracefnl to the Senate anC
his exhibitions of pugnocity We're truly humiiat
| ing TO all who venerated the Conscripl Fathers
| OF the Republic. Now, he is powerful in debate
| five feet nine Hercules, who every day break
lasts upon the sprouts OF Chlvalry. dines upor
disunioni,ts and sups on old Benton, served W
with roasted Chesnuts IN. o. Delta.