Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1857-05-07
One of the most natural infrmties to which


One of the most natural intirmties TO which
man is prone, may be observed in the fawping
-ycophancy with which frequently court the
favor of those whom merely adventtious. or 9th.
er circumstances, sometimes exait TO place and
power The most fulsome adula,on is bestow-
ed the most trfng event OF personal expert.
anoe is heraded with a degree OF complaoency,
and an air Of importance that might well pro
duce nausea and disgust in the subject of such
obssquious and imperinent attention. unless his
mind be wholly preoccupied with a sense OF his
ownvas, consequence. This passion has come tobe
denominatedby thenot very euphonions desig-
nation of .funkegism-a term which IS about as
expressive and appropriate as any other which
our language can afford. Ii this habit be base
and contemplate between individuals, how
much more despcabIe aud mean does it appear
when influencing and controlling the public press
TO which, the country should ever look for an ex-
hibition Of oandor, the far,hcst remove from that
venaity that frequently warps the judgment
forestalls scrutiny, aud eurbs that spirit OF
free discussion which it is the peculiar pro.
vince of the press to cultivate. We have been
led to these remarks by tho existence Of pfac
tice which we have long observed in certain
Court journal, published not thousand miles
from the national metropolis. and which comes
to us regularly freighted with the peculiar com,
modify alluded TO. II the President hns an at
tack of choio, the whole world must stmightway
be advertised thereof, and the sympathies of uni
versal nature are forthwith called into rcqusi-
ton. If he sneeze il must DO duly chroniced,so
IL 6
feel the vibration. The world must know how
he walks. and talks, and sleeps, and wakes-that
he wears n white neck cloth. aud even is pecu.
liar tie. But habit still more ridiculous. if
possible. is that of constantly loading compare
lively unknown and third rate men with an lex
ceeding weight of greatness which they cannot
sustain. We perceive that sketches Of the Cab
met are now being Published with the assurance
in advance ''that any thing connected with Mr..
-, is read with interest by admring demo.
Gratis in every section of tho Union" This
distinguished () statesman" who was scarcely
ever heard Of beyond the precincts of his own
State, is here represented as prodigy uprival.
led, and is doubtless us much surprised now that
he has long since passed the zenith in his age NJ
others can be to find himself so suddenly raised
to the highest point of distinction aud fame. IIo
may find alas however. that "a breath can IN
make whom a breath hath made and live TO
survive his greatness.
Happily. our President is bachelor or tho
Court organ might, during the term of his IN
cumbency. have occasion TO regale its readers
with the most minute particulars of an event
such as the British people are now rejoicing
over. In truth, the "toadyism" that has dstn-
guished the conduct of English journals generally
n this respectable ridiculous recital Of the
most trivial and unimportant events in the every
day history Of Royalty, has long ago surfei,ed n
people OF republican simplicity and taste like
ourselves, and it may therefore be regarded as n
matter of establishment that any respectable
journalist should have the temerity to naugurate
here system perfectly odiors When our
present form of government was adopted, de
bate arose in Congress as to the title by which
the President should be addressed Some mem
bsrs suggested one thing and some another, when
finally facetious member arose and moved that
it should be His Royal High Migbtness.
This proved to be extnguisher aud il would
he we'll to try tho force of ridicuIe again, if it
could be equally effective in curing the serve
proclivi,ies Of party organs
1t will be readily perceived that when the pub
licpress descends from aposi,ion of lofty indie
pendence, to become the spologist of the blum
ders of weak or corrupt mon in high station, or
to disgust sensible people with fuIsome hsttery
Of the dispensers of public patronage it might
for oil practical purposes well be under the
surveillance and espionage of Louis Napoleon
This. in our judgment, is not the true sphere for
the press. of this country at least. where
public opinion is relied upon TO correct the abuses
of our system. which can only be made known
through the medium Of an untrammeled press.
Trade and MAN
TO stranger, l.ynchbarg presents some an
omalous, and almost unaccountable features. -
The second city in the Union in point of wealth