Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1856-06-06
From the Baltimore SUN.
The Common Abnsesof a merican

ition of the American press may DelieSe
what it does not hesitate TO declare about
American statesmen No matter what
may be the compie1 ion of the administra-
ton in power, there is always a species Of
journalism that treats of public affairs and
public men as If they could be bent and
moulded to the most Insignificant pur-
poses. and by the lowest and most sordid
Influences. To what extent The people
may be induced to believe such gross in
timations is curious problem. Ii is GER;
tain that they are intended for popular
crednlity, and are no doubt relied upon
with much confidence for party effect
And as no party is exempt from this sort
of thing. we are led tosthe conclusion that
the whole design of such q .policy" is to
subserve party ends
II is somewhat essential to the general
prosperity of our country and its institu-
tons that the people should have fullcon-
in the integrity of The administers
tion of public affairs. And we firmly be,
iitve that. with the masses, that CONT
.dence prevails. Indeed. We cannot pos
.ibIy conceive that any considerable mum
Der Of the people. politically opposed To
AN existing administration of any party,
dOubt that it is influenced bv the most
earnest and sincere concern for the public
welfare. and for the maintenance of the
honor AMI dignity of the national charac-
Ter. Ii they did. what q singular anoma
Iy would be presented in the history of
these United States. We should have
pur>u,d career of unexampled prosperi
ly-surmounted all the difficulties of our
foreign and domestic relations-sustained
the glory Of our country in war, and its
dignity, progress and welfare in peace
preserved, intact, the Union OF these
States amidst many trying scenes. and
peri lexing antagonisms of interest and
Ieeiing-passed from the administration
Of one party to that Of another. the most
secret acts of the former exposed to the
scrutiny Of the lalter.) with no detection
and consequently no exposure OF evil. d.
rejection. or Iaches of patriotism yet all
this time. subject 10 that species OF 'urn'
aliSm to which we allude, with u large
portion OF the people always under the
conviction that the public administration
Of affairs was in the hands Of men who
have been actuated and swayed by the
most pal,ry mo ives and the meaneSt sci
'ishness-nuw pandering to one faction and
then 10 anolher-at one lime affected by
the claims of sect. now Of claSs-ready
to day to sacI flee the interests Of the ma
ny to the few. and to morrow just as will
ing To crush the few for the sake Of the
many-reckIess OF principle affected by
no innate or restraining sense Of moral
obIigalion-on the contrary, stepped to
the lips in the profligacy of political dema-
gogulsm.
Now, if any Of our readers should be
amongst those credulous enough to be-
lieve this thing. we ask them to pause for
such an absurdity. Is the thing possible?
Is this great nation, its interests and vel.
fare,'ils sacred institutions involving the
political liberty OF more than a score OF
millions OF human beings, and destined
IN all human probability to promote that
of innumerable millions in the future here
and elsewhere upon the face Of the earth
are all these great and comprehensive
actualities but toys for the amusement Of
politicians, machinery for the tricks Of
demagosues. instruments upon which bad
ven can attune their passions and pTrlu>
dices for the qualification of their own
imposes, and tor their own self>aggran.
dizement. personal or political? No
his intelligence TO such an extent as this.
who will himself exercise his reason.
Practically, TO all Of us. the thing is
most absurd. A man in any sort Of busi.
ness must be governed by general bust.
ness principles, or he will unques,ionsbly
fail. Where he to submit himself TO the
numberless influences which might b.
brought TO bear upon him, il he yielded
his convictions OF prOpTiety TO suggestions
of interested parties il he could be used
as the tcGl OF designing men. although
they might profess and really intend t.
advance his interests, nothing but ulti
mate ruin and shame would await him
Even the very journalism which may b.
obnoxious 10 remark on this subject is
high her in its practical character than the
craftsmanship it thus assails. 1t will I'm.
ploy and contide to men who are in their
poliIica: sentiments opposed to those ol
lis own columns. II rarely. il ever. we
are free to believe, would so degrade it,
self. as 10 interrogate the religious faith
Of men in business affairs. IL would As
rarely. we hope. attempt to subserve its
temporary ends by such corrupt bargains
fraudulent schemes, and viIIalnous dew.
c"s as it ascribes to the statesmanship ot
the nation. The conclusion therefore &c
which we are brought is. that almost til.
entire mass Of that political detraction
which occupies the columns Of the party
press is utterly without foundation thai
it originates less in the suspicious. prtju,
dices and passions of men, than in their
personal interests, party zeal and active
imaginalions. 1t is at once unbecoming
TO the press and The people. and is stern