The Nevada journal., 1858-08-20
Political ApOStacI.

1
nounced one of the basest of crimes, and
exceeded only in its cnormiry by treason
to ones country. Indeed, one is scarce.
ly distinguishable from the other so
closely are they allied. The man who
is SO lost to all sense of honor, friendship,
gratitude,or virtuous public opinion,as to
turn upon his benefactors and use the in
fluence Of the honorable position to which
they have numerically elevated him,
is fit for treason, stratagem and spoils,"
andmay be expected to betray the coun-
try of his birth when his own base de-
sires prompt him. Political and person.
al fidelity has ever been regarded as
evidence beforehand of reliability when
crisis may arise in the affairs of State;
and wise rulers of empire. far back in
the dim past when morals were more
imperfectly understood than now, were
wont to bestow no post of honor or trust
upon him who had been guilty of cold
ness of heart and meanness of spirit to-
wards benefactor and friend. The
interests of many were not to be commit
ted to the hands of him who had been
unfaithful to one. There are times in
the affairs of men as we'll as nations
when friends, fortune and many objects
long cherished must be forsaken for
sacred principle-not that Caesar is loved
the less, but Rome more. These are
events in the worlds history where the
exalted qualities of the head and heart
fthe true man and patriot break forth
in splendor and shine for Immortality
But there are times in the minor events of
life,when professions, associations friend
ships, honor and principles are all basely
forsook for nothing but self and the COM
panionship, respect, of men who would
again conde mn the craven to the obscuri-
ty from which old and true hearted friend
ship had unworthi]y dragged him. In
these last events are most signally dis
played the insincerity of treacherous
heart, and the cold, clammy nature of
dcbased and loathscme character; and
here is exhibited to the pity of some, and
the contempt and cxecration of others,
the black brand of infamy.
Among the chronic seekers after office
a base desertion of principle is sometimes
seen, yet not without the scorn of an un-
perverted mind But when the sacred
mantle of justice is borne from its high
position and dragged in the foulest mire
Of the foulcst cause, the virtuous indigna-
ton of apeople breaks forth, as when a
sacrilegious hand has desecrated the
temple of the living God.
The nature of the act is apparent thai
it cannot'provoke respectable apology.
Intellect and genius might 60 far to re-
deem moiety of respect for the haitor;
not the deed but when low desires are
joined with intelligence below the plane
of mediocrity, d. er and deed sink to
contempt, and disgust. In such a case,
where abandonment offriends and prin-
ciples are so abrupt and causeless, the
suspicion is unavoidable that on favor
able occasion fidelity to justice will not
be incorruptible. This suspicion will
pervade the minds of pretended friends
and open foes. He who basely deserts
principle and honor for selfish ends, can
challenge no respect from his new asso-
ciates or former ones. One may endure
the treachery but they will despise tic
deed the other will execrate both. A
life long profession to one style of men
can not be ignored in breath without
reasons cogent, conclusive, or at least,
plausible, and especially when rev afil-
ia:ions are made with those hitherto
known as enemies and held in disrepute.
When the step is taken without excuse,
one soul more may be safely alleged to
be callous to the opinions of the educa-
ted and refined, with whom position
throws him in contact; and to secure a
part of that estimation te has lost with
the better class, if not before, may be ex-
pected now to indulge in undignifcd in
science to gain with the rulgus what has
been lost with others. And in truth what
better theatre for the damagogue could
be chosen?
LANSING AND CBAsE.-The National
endeavors to make out charge of ultra
sectionalism against Mr.. Chase, by in
sisting that he once said that he desired
no southern mans vote. It's own can