The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-04-29
PARTIES!


We have published, in another column, the
communication of our friend E. G. That
there is very much cause for complaint, on
the points treated of, we readily admit, but
we think the proposed plan will fail in work.
ing remedy. To our minds, the disease lies
much deeper than he seems to imagine, and
we think his plan would only be fighting the
symptoms, while the disease remained un-
touched. We dissent from the views of the
writer on another point We cannot consent
to prescribe any class of our citizens, as
class. That there are unworthy lawyers, we
have no doubt. But we believe that there are
as high-minded, honorable men, g. true patri-
OTIS, in the ranks of the members of the bar,
as there are in any other class in community.
The same may be said Of every branch of bu-
slness. Even E. G. will not dispute the fact
that some OF his brother farmers are no hon
or to the branch of business which they follow
Our position is very plain one. We think
that every class, in proportion to their num-
bers, should have say as to what our laws
should be, and in proportion to their numbers,
participate in the honors and emeluments Of
office.
We are glad that our correspondent has
discovered that staying away from the polls is
not the way to cure the growing evils of our
country. 1t is depending upon the careless
ness of large portion Of our citizens, that
emboldness reckless politicians to press for
ward their destructive g. oppressive measures.
Could the maxim that "Eternal vigilance is
the price Of liberty" be impressed upon all
our citizens, our representatives would feel
that they were under the immediate eye oil
their constituents, and they'fwould not ecu,
such fantic tricks"
But, as before stated, we believe. the great
evil is in different quarter. We firmly be-
lieve that the greatest evil in our country
an evil which is the base of almost all other.
lis the high salaries Of our officers. 1t il
this that has made the disgraceful scrambl,
so recently witnessed at Washington, ant
which has caused regret on the part Of tn
thinking portion of our people, throughout tn
length g. breadth of our land 1t is this tha
gives UIlIeruos- Ss'u-I,.'ui cicItiuhs
Let il be borne in mind, that the salaries so
the officers appointed by the President, & tn
salaries of those appointed by them cannot b
much less than .GlymiHions Of dollars! Here
then, is the element that gives bitterness t
these elections; and while this patronage
thus concentrated in one man in the first il
stance, and in few hands in the second il
stance, this bitterness will continue. Ther
must and will continue to be war betwee
the ins and the Outs. .
. The same principle operates in our loc
= governments, and will continue to operat
while the salaries of Office are such as to a
ford greater wages to those who are qualif,
to fill them, than the same qualification
grade of talent would receive in the commt
ayocations oflife.
This has beens subject of much refect
on our part, and we have arrived at the CO
ciusion that there is no way to remedy I
evils complained of, but by reducing the 81
aries of all public servants 30 that no me
money will be made in that way, than t
,same nnpunt Of talent and labor could secy