The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1854-12-01
The Naceat Of COY. RigIer.

History is full Of examples of ingratitndr TO
those who bave deserved we'll of their country,
aud the defeat of GOV. BiGLER does not form an
exception. In all ages, it has been dangerous
10 be eminent either in virtue or III talents
fhe ancients who understood human nature
oerably we'll, gave these two qualities double
application, ana while they cqutrnded that the
possession of them in excess might BE- dangerous
to the State, always made them 50 to the pos
Sessor Acting up to this view OF the SUBJECT,
OSfraciSm was established, and such glorious
men as THUcYDDEs MlLTADEs, CMoN, TnEH-
IsTucLEs, PHocIAN, and AElSTIDEs were con-
deuned and baniShed. With great reason,
EaLErIus MEXlNUs exclaus, 'Happy Athens
that after driving such men from their bo-
som. could vet fad one virtuouS or devoted CIT
izen remaining" We uodernS seem TO have
adopted the iallaci0uS conclusions OF the an
cirntS, and apply them TO such OF our own
countrvmen, who either from uncommon talents
or eminent virtues, become the objects OF envy
and detraCtion. Whenever a citizen or public
officer arrives at Snch degree OF credit as to
excite praise and admiration, his OStrnc7$m is
demand ed, though IN modified form from that
which was practised by the AthenauS. We
do not drive him from the country but we de-
prive him Of the Office which he fills with 50
much honor TO himself and advantage 10 the
country. Rome too, aS we'll in the day oi her
iron virtue as in her imperial grandeur, WAS al
licted with this pernlclous practice and Italy,
when she Sprang from the death OF ages, and II
luminad the worlds horizon with the genus
Of her children, witnessed with complacency
the exile of her brightest intrllects, 10 quarrel
afterwards about their birthplace and their ash
es. Such conduct nay represS ambition, for
which it was intended, but it will also dlscour-
age merit and the desire of excellence. The
orst passions of the human mind are recon-
mrnded under the disguise OF the best and
while envy is substituted for patriot!sn virtue is
made criminal, and the State stained with the
most opprobrious character-that OF public IN
gratitude.
The very examples which we have noticed,
prove that we are so constituted, that the vici-
Gus cannot but pay secret, though unwilling
homage to virtue, in so much that the worst
men cannot bling themselves thoroughly to es-
teen bad man, although hr may BE- their dear
est friend, nor can they thoroughly drspSr a
good man, although he may be their most bitter
enemy From this inward esteem OF virtue,
which the noblrst cherish, and which the most
base cannot expel, il follows, that virtue is the
OhIS SdtF b'Ut ol biit1ti bil 'iiNi' w Nd'4 NE
pend. Most of those which the ancients drove
from their empIoymeuls, 10 the disgrace of the
State thew were glad 30 welcome back with
every mark Of honor and distinction.
In taking a retrospective view Of the admin
stration of Gov Bgrr, during the calmer mo-
ments Of reflection, every candid mind must
discover much to admire and approve. We
there find Judgment, mature and reliable, sug-
gesting subjects Of general utility, calculated to
advance the prosperity OF the Commonwealth
and the happiness and harmony OF the people
No speculative theories, crude and uncompre-
hendpd, could find favor in a practical mind
like that possessed by Gov. Bigler. Free from
the misguiding influence Of passion himself, and
deeply mbupd with high moral sentiments, the
end and aim Of all has public acts were the in
provpment of his fellow citizens in the better
qualities of our nature, and the permanent pros
peritv of the State. Transient advantages, TO
be followed with depressing results, We're by
him diScounttnanCed and rebuEed, even at the
expense of his own popularity. He acted as
Milton wrote, not to gain rnomentary ecIat, bat
to leave a mark Of distinction upon the age in
which he lived, and elevate the thoughts OF
those bv whom he was to be succeeded. Had
he consulted his own personal interest, to the1
probable detriment of public affairs and private
morals, there Were many avenues open to
successful reelection. But Governor Bigler's
early training had been such. that be nstinc-
lively knew, that none deserve to have any
weight or influence with posterity, but such as
have shown themselves superior to the partcu-
lar and predominant error OF their own times
Betuee him and those whom it was necessary
10 appease, to ensure success, an inSupera5le
barrier interycned. HAMpDEN could not be
connected with WALPoLE, nor a MARVEL
with MAzzAEINg. How then could Gov BIG