Sugar planter. [volume] (West Baton Rouge [i.e. Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, La.]) 1856-1925, 1856-05-03

Communicated.
Party Spirit.

spirit in which everything appertalnmg &c
party is considered above every other 4uallil-
cation for Office. Let a man: TO matter how
ignorant or stupid, join a party OF the present
day. and all his blemishes are hidden under
his attachment to that party. There was a
time when a candidate for office was required
to produce the proper and necessary qua'iti-
cations to fill the office to which he asplred
In those days a mans devotion was shown
in a taI different manner from that which
actuates the modern Office seeker: There
was no wire pulling, no pipe laying or back
biting if he was not thought worthy of the
office or capable, he could not get it no mat
ter how much he was devoted to his party.
Large sums of money were not required by
party wise-pullers to influence or control
elections, but each mans vote was given
without bias or party preference. 1t was the
man voted for, and not the party.
1t is we'll, sir; that such a state of things
existed in the early days of our government,
or, long ere this, the most splendid Republic
the sun ever shone on, would nave toppled
down and crumbIed into dust. For years
past, have watched the progress Of this
party spirit and its dangerous tendencies, with
that feeling of sorrow and regret, which every
true American heart (of either party ought
to entertain on this subject. From year to
year this state OF things seem to be on the in
crease, and, like the enormous Boa throwing
its deadly coils around its writhinS victim. it
will control and contract until it crushss out
the very germ Of our liberties and leaves us a
huge misshapen mass among the nations Of
the earth.
No locality in this great confederacy OF
States is tree from this reproach; it hangs
around the highest station in the gift of the
people, and shows itself with equal virulence
In the lowest; no party is free from it; no
aspirant who is not contaminated with its
poisonous influence. Let any candid and un-
tettered mind look at the political course OF
parties in Louisiana alone, and if he Is not
w~lllfully blind, he must see the truth of those
remarks. How are elections conducted now
a-days' Are the candidates for office selec-
ted as the most capable men! Are these
men selected with an eye single to the inter-
ests OF the community at large, or the inter-
est of party! Do these patriots consent. to
become Office holders merely because the pub
lie veal demand it. or because the welfare Of
party requires it? Do the people meet En-
nsss and boldly and openly select one or more
from their body to represent them? No.
Candidates are selected By the few intriglte,s
and wire pul!ers of party, and then, forsooth,
the dear people are requir2d to support them.
Thus the party is the people. The is no such
thing aspsople in the proper Specification of
the word, they are hoodwinked by the syren
tongues OF political aspirants and their paid
minions; and SO these political hiicksters are the
people.
How many members of the prese,A Legis-
lature would fill those positions, if merit and
utility hid to decide their eligibility Few.
very few. How many hold Office in New
Orleans, or have held office, within the last
ten years, that were elected upon ability to
discharge the duties incumbent upon the Office.
Few, very few. Does not this suicidal prac-
tlce Of selecting such men ruin our countrv7
force US into inextricahle nismanagement-
into every possible confusion that their stu
pldlty can possibly force US? And with ali
these facts staring men in the face, whv 10
they not select the very best-the most tall
ented men-to represent them in the Nation
al, Municipal and other councils. There are
ard have been men in all parties in the
Union, capable, honest and tale nted, but it is
rare you see such a man occupying a public
position. These men WHY not condescend to
the low contemplate trickery of wire-pull-
ing to get an office. and so of course. thew
are not elected. There are, of course. some
good and honorable men from both PARTIES
occupying p],sltions of honor and trust. but
are like angels visits-few and very far be-
tween. AST1-Pot1rtcr.v
The GAzETrE.-Ne were somewhat taken
by surprise this week in noticing an entire
change in the typographical las we'll as the
literary appearance of this old established
paper, but when we were informed that our
friend, J.J.JoNEs. formerly ofthe .Adrocate had
become one of the personnel of that office, our.
wonder ceased. We congratulate our con-
'reres of the Gazette on their valuable acquisi-
ton, as a more competent manager and prin-
ter than J. J. does not exist. We understand
the proprietors intend to spare no pains to
make their truly valuable journal, second to
none in the State. In4his connection we
the citizens of Baton Rouge deserve
great credit for tha;r unA;aaL: - =