The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-06-18

The history OF nations. in all ages demonstrates the
melancholy fact that weak rulers always destitute
Of political principle. al least always administer gov
ernments as to foster and counenanee abuse. II not
naturally inclined 10 be easy their public yirtus they
are sure to be surrounded influenced and duped by those
who are.
Hence we see such rulers asserting TO public acts
and convances TO abuse the public treasury. or to suy
the public honor This is the faithful parent OF rotten
corporations for banking and other legtmate purposes
monopoies Of all kinds. and prosttuied public officers
History is filled with such examples. The Jameses and
Chareses OF England Of the Louses and Chareses
OF France and abundant worthy compeers OF other ma
tons, have not taught the world sufficient wisdom to
eschew the selection Of such feeble depositaries OF
power.
In free governments more than in others, the result is
il possible still worse To attain it is the very purpose
OF numerous rapacious demagogues and they strive to
commit power into these imbecile hands 10 use abuse,
and despise them Let weak ruler have the reputation
OF honesty and good intentions much the better for
those who control him. 1t is not only one means
of obtaining place, but it wards of suspicion for
time, and is an actual capital Of good character
for the benefit Of knaves The famous anecdote OF the
gambler, Col. Charities, is case in point. He was so
notorious in his course that all who knew him were
on their guard against his devices. He said he would
give twenty thousand guneas for good character, not
for its sake but because, il he had that upon the
credit of it. he could make one hundred thousand
Politicians Of all grades, from the pot-house up to the
cabinet understand the advantage of this investment as
we'll as the gambler, and how to employ such charac-
ter belonging to others, il destitute of il themselves.
Apply these crude suggestions to own government
and our nation. What lesson do they give From this
source spring the whole brood OF peculatorsthe Indian
contracts dabbngs in newspapers, brokerages in Offices
and thousand other forms of corruption yet undis
covered by the world large, but destined ere long to
be unveiled clothe General Taylors cabinet as
with garment.
We cannot abandon General Taylor TO their guidance
and his honor TO their keeping, without sigh He has
sdone the State some service" He carried her flag in
one hand beyond the Rio Grande with glory, while ne
held his sword in the other but the instant he away
that and grasped the helm OF government, this Samson
was shorn Of his locks, this master became the servant
and the name Of Taylor ceased be coupled with anything
but weakness ashness and the patronage OF corruption
Has the brave old honest friend to save him
Is there no one to unsea his cyesl Where are those
early friends who brought him out as candidate be-
cause he honest patriotic and above the treacherous
ntrgues Of party, as they avowed Can they not re-
mind him OF his promises his pledges his unsophst-
Gated patriotism thea, and awaken once more In his
tagging heart the sentiments which then made him dear
to SO many of his countrymen We fear, alas they
have been spurned from his confidence, have shrunk
back from his administration with disgust They would
dsdain in most instances, 10 enter the charmed circle
drawn around the President by the seven righteous mem
bers Of his cabinet, who carefully guard it from in
trusion, by the might Of their official authority, if the
flaming sword that swept the walls OF Eden flashed be-
fore the intruder's eyes.
There is no hope OF amendment the truth cannot reach
him. There is no chance for aught but miracle to
rescue General Taylor from the doom that awaits HIM
He is struck bnd-he is infauated-he hugs the mem
bers Of his cabinet 10 his bosom they will sting him to
the hear,-he will fall unpted by the nation, despsed
BY those who have made him their tool Those who would
succor him are repused-those who would befrend him
are treated as his foes His only another added to
that dark list, whom the gods would Destroy they first
make mad" In that list pos,erity will read it.
Missouri.