Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1855-06-20
cLANKsBURe, WEDNESDAY. JUNE 20, 1885
Party Spirit.

Party Spirit.
The necessity OF more than one politi-
cal party in a republican government, has
been admitted by all the great minds that
have enlightened and adorned our coun>
try. There probably never was politi>
cal party that was not more circumspect
under the keen observation of another.
watching with Argus-eyes 10 take adTan-
tlge of any indiscretions of which it might
be guilty, than when exempt from this
public espionage. The advantage, there
fore, Of different political parties, in secu>
ring judicious administration of the gov
ernment, is self-eVident-not that any
thing is gained by diversity of political
principles, or different objects sought to be
attained, other than that derived from
free interchange of views en- given ques-
ton.
But while proper political rivalry or
emulation is commendable. rancorous,
revengeful and vindictive party spirit. can
not be too much deprecated or guarded
against. Warm political contests are too
apt to produce this feeling. individuals
frequently allow their political predilec>
tions to ripen into personal prejudice
Instead of concedipg to their neighbor the
privilege they claim for themselves. OF
thinking. voting. and promuIgating their
political notions as they please. they be-
come imbittered by opposition, and carry
their hostility to their personal and pc
cuniary affairs. 1t is this that creates
those hard feelings SO incidental to poli~
tics, and which we should studiousIy seek
10 avoid.
We have recently heard Of n number
Of instances in this county. in which
Know Nothings have resolved to cease
dealing with Democrats. and Democrats
with Know-Nothings. This is all wrong.
and we have invariably counselled our
friends against such a course. 1t but adds
fuel 20 flame we should all endeavor to
quench.
There can be no question but what n
large majority Of the people Of this coun,
try are honest and sincere ill their politics.
Those who are not are almost invariably
habitual ofice-seekers, upon whom their
opponents can most effectively visit their
disapprobalion by denial of the position
sought to be obtained by them. Why our
disapprobation of a mans politics should
be visited upon his business OF his private
character, we never could see.
One Of the present parties started out
with an avowal that its primary object W as
to assuage party spirit and soften the as
perities Of party Politics-let them now
make their professions good. To the 9TH
er, we would say, iu the language of our
present worthy national Executive, 1.-The
hour of victory should be the hour of mag
nsnimity;" and while we would counsel
the relaxation of no honorable and legiti-
mate effort to secure the supremacy OF our
glorious principles, we would advise an
utter abandonment of every thought or
act which has tendency to prostitute our
great political prcrogatives to personal an
mostly. For our own part, we shall ems
denvor TO act upon this principle.
THE MISSING BR1DE.-We have receiv-
ed from the publisher, T. B. Peterson,
lo2 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. a copy. of
this new and excellent tale by the accom-
plished writer. Mrs. Emma D. E. N.
Southworth. 1t is a work that will re-.
ceive great run with the American peo-
pie. Complete in one volume Of 635
pages, bonnd in cloth, for One Dollar and