Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1858-12-16

mGHt. livery Llau SAOuIu DC pOtt-
ticidn in the true sense Of that word,
and by it is not meant political I
gambler,one who takes political stock |
and waits for the rise in order to make (
a grand speculation-one who uses
bis fellows as chessmen with whom he |
may play successfully the political
game-one who, thinks Of nothing
but his own emolument and aggran-'
dizement. To such reference is not
made. 1t is a gross abuse Of the
word to call such politicians. They
are properly styled factionists, dem
agogues, traitors, &c. Every man,
too, should not only have a correct
knowledge Of the nature of his
government, the laws best adapted to
the people, the genius of its institu-
lions, &C., bnt be shoNld also cherish
a spirit of devotion to its interests,
and patriotic desire to see it ad-
vancing in every thing that will be
FOR the common good. He should
yenefate its History, its Institutions,
and its Laws, and love the very soil
upon which he treads-the mountain
which towers in grand eur above him,
the valley which stretches out in
loveliBess below, the streamlet which
murmurs unsteady at his feet, and
the mighty river which moves Oh ma
jesticaly to the great deep. He
should point exultingly to the nation
al flag, which has at times trailed the
dust. bat which has oftener foated in
triumph, borne always by brave veter-
ans. following it to glory or The grave.
Aud feel, too, that he will carry il
! through similar scenes when the voice
Of his country calls him; in a word,
bis regard towards his country should
be q passion, otherwise it would not
be patriotism. Without this univer-
sal feeling pervading the masses, it is
impossible to preserve the government
in its purity. The knowledge then
requisite must not only be possessed
but also the disposition which viii use
if Alright. Without this general
knowledge and patriotic feeling among
the masses, the government viii fail
into the hands of political demagogu S
and hasten to destruction; silently it
may be but not the less surely. Such
is the teaching of History-such
the warning voice Of antiquity. AS
nation we may become wealthy
and learned, and it may present the
appearance of power and splendor,
but still it may all be in vain and to
no purpose as to the real good Of the
country. Wealth aud splendor alone
cannot make a great nation.
"What constitutes state?
Not high raised battlements, or labored
mound,
Thick wall or moated gate;
Not cities proud, with spires and turrets
crowned.
Not bays and broad-armed ports,
Where, laughing at the storm, proud navies
ride;
Not starred and spangied courts,
W here lowbrowed baseness waits perfume to
pride,
Nol-Eaa,-high-minde hen,
Men who their duties know,
But know their rights, and, knowing, dare
maintain
It should be lesson deeply i'm
pressed open the minds Of the A
merican people, and particularly upon
the youth of the lard, that the pros
perity and rerpetuiiy Of the govern
ment depend upon the manner in
which the people--the great masses,
discharge their political duties. We
need no politicians in the modern
sense Of the term. We do not want
those who make it a trade and wire
work and intrigue for place and pow
er-Iaen who would make the impress
sion that ell political merit and knowl-
ed are centered in them, and feel
themselves to be The titled few to
when the people owe obedience
We are cursed with foo rna,y spcb