True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-09-03
dfEisttllang.
Political Enthusiasm as at Present
Exhibited.
I-rNrnusIAsM DEEMED DEsIRABLE.

especially OF affeSluentlal eiectOn, u 10
assumed to be desirable for the people 10
become enthusiastic. Party instrument
,alilies are therefore arranged with view
to create as great an amount Of enthusl'
asm as is possible. Newspaper editors
boast of the degree Of enthusiasm with
which their followers are supposed to be
inspired, and draw their auguries Of sue
cess from the more or less extGavagant
exhibitions that come under their obser-
vation. Indeed so necessary is this quail
ity of enthusiasm deemed 10 be as means
TO secure success, that no! only are the
most strenuous exeftions made to Increase
ils.prevalence, but no labor is spared to
induce the people 10 believe, not only
that it is their duty to be, but that they
really are, completely absorbed, submerg-
ed and carried away with the swelling
torrent of their own enthusiasm, 10
such as do not look'upon enthusiasm as
necessary, this is amusing. To those
whose knowledge of human natme teach
es them that the force of the sentiment is
usually in an inverse ratio 10 the intru-
siveness of The demonstration, there is
conveyed an useful and instructive lesson
upon coming events, which, to others, is
inaccessible. We fail to judge mankind
Alright, not because human nature is vari-
able or uncertain, but because we close
our eyes to the elements upon which a
true judgement must beSpredicated; and
in no respect do we do this more obsti-
nately than. in our estimate Of and reli-
ance upon that which is called enthusi-
asm.
9. ITS DEFINITION AND MANIFESTATIONS
The Intellectual condition which the
party efforts of all election period are de-
signed to produce is properly named EN-
THUsIAsM. The meaning of the term Is
"heat of the Imagination; violent passion
or excitement OF the mind in pursuit OF
some object inspiring extravagant hope
andl confidence of success" 1t is de-
scribed by Locke, not as founded on rea-
son, but as rising from the conceits of
q warmed or overweening imagination )"
and another eminent writer defines it to
be state of mind in which the deficient
power of the understanding is left in the
rear" and adds: "There is more of
commotion than of action, more of move
ment than of progress, more of enterprise
than of achievement" The enthusiastic
is therefore state wherein, for the time
being, reason is dethroned, and the mind
has ceased tc be influenced by motives
that appeal 10 the understanding. Under
the influence Of enthusiasm man ceases
TO be a rational creature, and subsidies
into the condition of an instrument. He
seems TO take sort Of savage delight in
trampling upon his own convictions, and
glories to revenge himself upon his con-
science for the testimony which it bears
against his conduct. He lays up things
to be repented of as ii they were treas
ures, and hastens by pledges and promi-
ses to take security of himself to do that
which he knows he shall afterwards re-
gret. Such a condition is coveted by
party leaders in bad cause, and it is not
surprising that they should do all in their
power to promote it. They know that
under its influence, their followers are
safe-casily led by their prejudices, and
totally impregnable to fact or reason.
An enthusiastic state, being species OF
intoxication, is also delightful 10 the weak
minded, to whom it gives an Overweening
estimate of their power and Importance
than which nothing is so elfectual to fit
them to become the dupes OF every de-
signing dCmagogue.
3. MEANS ADOPTED TO PROVE ITS EX-
IsTENCE.
Assuming that enthusiasm is desirable
it forms very considerable portion OF
the duty Of party writers and takers to
prove that il largely prevails among their
friends and followers. The evidence most
copiously cited for this purpose is the
numbers that attend the ordinary and ex'
traordinary gatherings of the party, and
the whoops, hurras, insolence and disor
derly conduct of those who appear on the
occasion. If the crowd is large, enthusl
asm is inferred. If some orator of unu
.sual wit or impudence succeeds IN draw
ing out several rounds oil applause, enthu
siasm is positively asserted. If three
times three lusty cheers can, without ex
traordinary exertions, be produced, ther'
is great enthusiasm. If the rabble exhb
it signs of loneliness and desire 10 as
sault somebody supposed 10 differ from
in opinion, the enthusiasm is most cheer
ing and commendahle. If drunk wit
liquor and excitement, it refuses 10 separ
ale and parades the town at unseasonabl
hours, making itself offensive and dan
gerous, the enthusiasm is tremendous, an
party organs indulge in the most extraV
aganl auguries. Indeed, so necessary
enthusiasm that its existence is affirme
where proof is deficient or altogetht
wanting. A market house meeting OF a
hundred appears in the columns OF part
journals, as an immense, imposing al
enthusiastic mass. The faint squeak
little knot OF devoted Office seeke
swclls into the deep roar of an innumer
ble and enthusiastic multitude, and !
Of drunken iatterdemalions paradng
midnight through the streets of the cit
with a crazy drum and fife, and bearing
few dirty tradsparencies. becomes va
demonstration of the enthusiasm oil dee
ly moved and excited people. - -Cinci
natl Commercial.
HIsToRlcAL Mas. Partinglon insi'
that the celebrated "Black Prince"
n IL. nd hor