Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1851-07-30
Principles.

II
word principles is generic
- IA In its broadcast Specification, it
- mrs the acknowledged rules of ac-
y; Al In mechanics, it signifies the
- y by which certain results are
- need. In philosophy, it indi.
e. the guide which is laid down to
h deserved. In politics, it means
II ,sading rules of faith adopted for
:, government.
Aus, an artist will paint a picture
/, MHain rules of his art, to produce
is Is and shade and all the harmo-
necessary to complete his de-
4. And SO in all the arts and sci
i es, men are governed by princi-
which they strictly follow to bring
= tut certain results.
10 argue that our politics should
!, msoverned by principles, would be
u marx Of supererogation. No rea-
susRle being can derry SO plain a
thessition. The true principles of
in o,tnent are the study of states
OFF, lers, politicians, and all who
y interest in the affairs of the
The interests of commerce,
Navigation and manufac-
NJ upon the principles
1acing the pewers
one line of
advanced, and by
the Ut our purpose, now, to spec
will Upon the true principles of gov
andlent, what they are or how they
bid beapllied; we merely intend to
abw the necessity of having cardi-
ftl doctrines of political faith an
Rounced and enforced. Not stopping
10 discuss the candor and justice of
such course, we proceed to other
reflections.
A party without principles is like
a ship ahoat without rudder or COM
pass, drifting about hither and thith-
er with the tide, or driven by the vio-
lence of the tempest to sure destruc-
ton. There is no guide to steer by
there is no protection against dam
ger. In the ever-changing course of
events, unexpected cases will arise,
new questions will present themsel-
YES to be acted upon and decided
If it is great commercial question,
requiring prompt action, it must eth
er be delayed until the hour of adj
vantage is gone, or entered upon
rashly. No such difficulty interposes
when party is governed by princi-
Piles. All that is necessary is to ar
range the details of the resources
The line of policy is predetermined.
Again, if a party is without princi-
Piles it is subject to all the gaudy
temptations of error. Every plausible
novelty isreceived with favor. Crude
ideas and false notions find an abid-
ing place and occupy the mind to the
evolution of sound and just doctrines.
Take Can example. Universal stuff
rage-freedom ofreligious opinion
separation of church and States are
cardinal principles of the republican
faith: In times Of popular comho-
ton or religious excitement, fippant
speakers will get up teaching strange
doctrine appealing to the passions
and prejudices of men and leading
astray. If the mind is duly impressed
with sound principles, it rejects the
overtures of such pernicious follies.--
1t rejects Native Americanism, be-
cause it is anti-republican and re-
stricts the privilege ofvoting--because
it is sectarian, in that it denounces a
particular church-because it is dan
gerous to our freedom, in that it min
giles religion with politics.
For these reasons, it is important
to have series of principles-to an.
nounce them to the world, as the rules
of action which will be observed in
administering the affairs of the gov.
eminent. Freemen know then what
they are voting for; the ballot box be-
comes a thing of life, voice and rea.
son. Confidence is inspired by the
knowledge, that by the success of this
or that ticket, certain line of policy
will be pursued.
We say then to all freemen: Strive
to find out the true principles of gov
eminent, and having found them
stand by them-advance them with
all earnestness-support them witt
zeal and vigor. Lay aside any pre-
JUDGE you may have against the mere
man-there is something higher ant
no6ler to contend for.
SUBLIME TRUrns.-Let man have
y I the world can give him; he is still
Aserable. if he has a rrOvelinc nm