The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-10-15
The Exciting Contest,

Which has occupied onr attention during
several weeks pest, to the exclusion Of almost
everything else having been decided at the
polls. on Tuesday, we shall be able, hereafter,
to turn to the contemplation and discussion Of
topics OF more miscellaneous character, and
to give to our columns greater variety Of mat,
ter, and more interesting, it may be, to the
general reader. These periodical political
excitements, are an inseparable feature Of our
political system, and as such, while they last,
interesting and important. As exciting as
they are, deeply as they may and do stir the
feelings and arouse the passions Of the public,
they yet, we believe, in their ultimate eonse-
quences, are salutary, healthy and preserva-
tive. They arouse the public attention too, in
relation to questions of public importance, pro-
mote the discussion of matters affecting the
public veal, and greatly enlarge and increase
the intelligence Of the country. Candidates
on the stump, on the keen scent Of Office and
distinction, are led to examine and study care
fnlly and thoroughly questions of public pill
cy, and the measures and principles of the va
rious parties, and to give the result Of their
preparation, and researches to the constitu-
ency of the State or Nation. whereby pub
lie opinion, is stirred to its lowest founda-
tions, and tile aggregate of National :ntelli-
gence, virtue and patriotism, greatly promo
ted. The agitation Of the great ocean Of
mind and sentiment OF our people, at these IRE.
quent periods, is as salntary to the mental,
moral and political atmosphere, as is agita-
ton to the pool which it puri6es. We should
stagnate, peradventure, without our frequent
elections. At any rate, we learn great many
things through their agency, which we should
not be likely to learn otherwise, as well as UNI
learn some things that we can do without.
Notwithstanding all this, we cannot say
that we should favor r erpetual Of political
discussion and excitement. Too mach Of a
good thing might affect the relish and, appreci.
alton of it," variety is the spice Of hfe:"-
At any rate, as a journalist, we are glad of a
little respite, now and then, from the monopo-
ly Of our columns by even the important sub.
ject Of politics.
We do not intend, however, to be understood
as designing to discard politics from our col
umns, and we do not suppose that orr readers
desire ms to do 50. We shall continue to dis
cuss the general subject Of politics, perhaps
more fully than we have been able to do, du.
ring the late canvass; but TO the exclusion Of
agreat deal OF matter relating to the claims
and merits OF candidates. The great principles
OF civil and religious freedom, the nature and
tendency Of our institutions, 90 far IS the Re-
publican party have to d. with them, we trust
and believe will be acceptable and useful top
iesto most OF our readers, and such 1t will be
our purpose to fully satisfy. There is an i'm
mense field of inquiry opened here, which
ought to be cultivated by the uewspaper press
Of the country, il we ever expect correct pol
itical sentiments to prevali. No, we do not
EXPECT to cease discussing politics until the
great principles OF truth and Justice, which we
are proud to believe lay at the foundation Of
our institutions, are fully and universally rec
ognized. We are inclined 10 think that the pc
riod, though in the future, 10 not remote.
But we ara DESTROYS Of making the Courier
interesting and valuable to all classes Of its
readers, and we are determined to do it. And
now may we'not ask OF our friends, especial
" In Wapeiio county, little cooperation in
the way Of increasing the number Of our rea-
ders, and consequently increasing the useful.
ness and efficiency Of the paper. We have
been unable to canvass for subscribers, and
presume we shall hereafter find it difficult t.
leave home for that purpose. We would
therefore, ask Of all who feel the importance
ofhaving Republican paper here, the favor
OF their assistance in making an addition to oul
subscription list in this county. We shall b,
thankful for such assistance.