Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-04-15


be found. Even at this age Of boasted in
telligence we are remarkably stupid in some
things; the history Of the last fifty years is
full of proof; and have we any good reason to
suppose we have solved all the knotty ques-
tions of politics? that the next generation
can sail on in fair weather and smooth water ?
Such a supposition in my view would be the
heightof folly. fancy the statesmen of 1901
will look upon many of the statesmen of this
age as good old Fogies yet hope they will ac-
credit to us some degree Of honesty at least.
But notwithstanding all our difficulties, we
are making more rapid strides in politics than
anyother nation, and, as reason, when any
thing is wrong we can make it known; we can
speak out, relate our wrongs, demand ref
ormation and be heard, without fear of King
or Despot; and yet how slow we are arriving
at the truth!
Too great enthusiasm or fanaticism is a
great hindrance in the cause Of politics; men
are not all alike in dispositions and temper
aments They might be divided into two
classes, the conservative and progressive, or
in more modern classification, "Old Fogies"
and "Young Americas" Young America
gets an idea and "pitchesin" to the stream OF
politics, and says " come on" without looking
where he is coming out, and is likely to be
the Enthusiast or Fanatic; willie the old
Fogy says "hold on" and looks for good
landing place on the other side. One rushes
ahead, impatient of restraint, the other fol-
lows slowly, crying "not SO fast" The two
exist in each political party; each is necessa-
ry for the good of the other; each has his
imperfections, and each fulfls his mission.
We have great practical illustration Of
our slow progress in the application of the
great principles or science oe politics to the
government of men in the issue between the
two political parties during the last Presiden-
tal campaign. l do not stand here this eve
ming as party politician, nor to express
the views of any party upon this exciting
question, but shall endeavor to confne my
self to the subject.
The article embracing this great modern
question in politics, had comparatively slum-
bered since the formation of the constitution
nearly three-quarters of a century-and
nearly all entertained the same opinion as to
its meaning. But the oppplicotiom ofthe prin-
ciple of individual rights, to the inhabitants
of Territory, led to the examination of this
long slumbering question, and different views
were at once entertained, bringing two par
ties into the political field. Each believes
the great principles Of justice and truth are
to be applied to the inhabitants of that Ter
ritory; but how shall they be applied? We
all know the party wording, "Shall the peo-
pie of Kansas govern themselves or be gov
erned by Congress9" But the great question
was, politically, how shall the principles of
truth and right, or justice, be applied to the
inhabitants of Kansas? And it was indeed
question of great moment. In its discuss
ion, never were the elements of error more
widely scattered; never was fanaticism more
unbounded, and never did enthusiasm need
more watchful care. Twenty five millions Of
people engaged in the discussion of this great
question! How infinitely great must be the
attributes Of truth and justice, to cause such
a mighty agitation in an application! Yea,
they are the attributes of that throne above,
and when on Mount Sinai, they spoke to man
the elements could not remain silent, and the
earth even shook! They are the attributes
of that voice that said, "Do unto others as
you would they should do unto you," "Thou
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Such
epochs do not occur except at long interven-
ing periods, and if the method, this discuss
ion has necessarily made, results in mans en-
enjoyment in his own rights-which embrac-
es his liberty and property-withom inteJe-
renee, the application is correct; the truth
has been found, and the question is perIna-
nently settled.
The decision of this question has opened
the door for another question, which, being so
closely allied in principle, will, in all probabil-
ity, Immediately follow,and that is Estate