Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-07-23
J HONEST POLITICIANS

We gave our readers last week short
chapter ON demagogues, in which we en-
deavored to depict the true character of the
'people's friend politician. 1t was but
feeble sketch-a dim outline--faintly delin
eating an original too repulsive for that
steady contemplation, necessary to the per-
lection of picture. A pen dipped in con-
centrated gall could not indite with suffi-
cient bitterness our detestation of the dema-
gogue; let us turn away, then, from the
loathsome spectacle and look, for moment,
at its reverse.
An honest politician is rara dris in ferris.
II is almost contradiction in terms, to
speak, nowadays, of honesty in politics.
The time was, when principle was aPpreci-
a,ed, and the right of opinion exercised
without denunciation and prescription; but
that time has past. To advocate the con-
victlon of the judgment, when such advoca-
CIV combats popular delusion, or conflicts
with the aspirations Of the demagogue, IS
now but to invite the shafts of SANDER and
detraction. No man can be pure pollti-
clan without subiecting himself to the yiru-
lent abuse of the venal and corrupt, and few
can be successful without STOPPING to the
demagogue's arts. Hence tits, that upright
honorable politicians are so lamentably
scarce. Decent men are unwilling to min
gle in the conflicts of an arena, where moth
ing is certain but de6lement.
There are some few, however, in public
life. whose principles have survived fear
fully general wreck-men whose very rari-
ty renders them the more valuable. An
honest politician is precisely the reverse Of
a demagogue. No gilded bait ofpopulality
or place can seduce him from the path of
duty. Having the interests Of the people
at heart he is ever ready to breast the strong
est current of public sentiment, when 1t
threatens TO sweep away the safeguards OF
popular liberty. No prospective benefit can
tempt him to the advocacy OF wrong, and
no threatened disaster deter him from the
maintenance of right. Foremost to defend
the rights and redress the wrongs of the
people, he is not afraid to tell them OF their
errors, and check them when tending to ex-
cess. If he has ambition, it is to serve his
country-not himself. If he has political
aspirations they are modest and unobtrusive
NOT forward, over-weening, and corrupt
ing Of fixed principles, he is loyal to sem
timent, independent IN the expression OF O.
pinion and fearless defender of his faith.
"Unskillful he to fawn, or seek for power
b; doctrines fashioned to the varying hour"
While the demagogue is waited in every
direction by the popular breeze, the honest
politician stands firm, steady and consistent
in the midst of commotion, scorning to ap-
pease by sacrifice of principle, the angry
Z elements that threaten his destruction.
Had we time and space, bright examples
might be presented in the history of our
own and earlier times. The most eminent
of modern British Essayists says of the eel |
ebrated Puritan leader, JOHN HAMpDEN-
''he is an almost solitary instance of great
man who neither sought nor Stunned great
ness; who found glory only because glory
Law IN the plain path of duty" Such men
are indeed rare; but JOHN HAMpDEN does
not stand alone. Our own country has pro-
duced many great men, worthy OF MAcAU-
LEY's splendid tribute. Of those living, |
we need scarcely mention one whose name
is but the synonyme ofpatriotism and puri-
ty-whose honesty of purpose and integrity
of character are eloquently spoken in the
noble sentiment that once fell from his lips
LEI would rather be right than President"
"Caterpillars of the Commonwealth may
crawl up to exalted station, and enjoy for
season popularity and applause; but such
men as HENRY CLAY will leave behind them
an enduring record and live in the hearts Of
the people when their traducers are buried
in oblivion or remembered only by the mis-
chief they have wrought.