The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-07-09

The MsNrce Cbssquses-. Honors 60 the Dead,
Here and Elsewhere.
II is somewhat singular that amid the
recent honore paid to the memory of
Monroe, and In all the speeches made
at the performance of his obsequies In this
city, not single allusion was mado to dis
tinguished New Yorker, who twice served with
him as VicePresident 1t is the more singular
because the close of both their lives was mark
ed by the pressure of adverse pecuniary cir.
cumstances, q marked loss of personal conse-
quence with the people, and yet great though
tardily expressed regrets. Daniel d. Temp
kins at one time was the idol Of the democratic
party in this State, and popular with it
throughout the Union. It was his patriotic
support of the general government in 1918
which gave fresh energy to its operations aud
strength to its movements on the Northern
frontier. So high was the estimation in which
he was then held at Washington, that Mr.. Madi-
son offered him the post of Secretary of State;
an honor he declined, as he deemed his services
important to the public In his native
State. 1t was then fitting opportunity for
some of the orators to have alluded to his ma
tional services as Vice-Preddent while they
were eulogizing those of his chief
1t is melancholy fact, however, and worthy
Of notice also, that the honors paid to
the dead in this country have always a
tiDge of policy or insincerity which mar
their effect. After q long time, the State
of Virginia has disinterred the remains of one
of its most distinguished men-a gallant Revo-
lutionary officer, q statesman and President
whose policy not only disarmed party opposi-
ton, but gave new start to the principles of
liberty to be forever sustained on this CONT
nent From resting place here, which pri-
vate friendship had furnished for his remains,
they have been carried to his native soil, where
awakened gratitude. The city of New York,
which had been their guardian, could not but
awaken to the responsibility thrown upon it
of delivering over safely the precious
dust it had guarded for many years.
And although the occasion was seized upon-as
all such occasions are in this city-by many
unworthy and contemplate representatives,
porary official display the ceremonies, in spite
of the contamination, were imposing, stately
and appropriate. The generous action Of the
National Guard In proceeding as an escort
with the corpse, though involving very large
private expense, will long be remembered as
one of the most honorable in their honorable
career.
All this is praiseworthy; but what pity
that this regard for the name and fame of
President Monroe did not show itself in his
lifetime The sums expended in this pageant,
If they could have been donated him while
living, would have soothed his last hours and
smoothed the bed of death. Nor is this soli- !
tary instance Of the thoughtlessne@ of the
American nation In the treatment of their pub
Lie men. There are two striking exceptions
those of Mr.. Clay and Mr.. Webster. Both
these great men in their lifetime were well
taken care of by their friends, who were not in
different to their public services, and did not
wait to exhibit their regard in monumental
grief
We can hardly recall any other examples In
our history where living public men OF merit
have been so sedulously followed by minister
ing friendship. While our statesmen are in
power they have rank to confer and Office to
bestow; the antechamber is crowded with syco-
phantic followers, ready to make any sacrifice
for the chief they are 80 anxious to serve.
When the term Of Office expires and the power
Of patronage has departed, the crowd disperses
without waiting even to say farewell. Many
q President, many Cabinet Minister, many o
Governor has found this out to his surprise and
modification. Men Of the world as they may
have been, advanced in life, perhaps, by the
very same acts, they are astonished to find they
arcno exceptions to the rule, and that OBSCURE
ty, neglect, and generally poverty, are the re-
suits Of life Of public service.
II is this consideration which, perhaps, has
been secretly at work to impair the characters
of our leading public men. II is admitted that
there was never such corrupt legislation known
In any country as we have witnessed for the
last few years in this. Gigantic projects of all
kinds-land swindles, steam and mail contracts,
and proGigate expenditure Of public money
have found advocates and allies among our
politicians in and beyond Washington.
They have seen what Is the fate Of honest
public benefactors, and they, therefore, do not
mean to be honest. They intend to rise as
politicians to the highest elevation possible
and plumber as they 60 along. They do not
think that to be buried at the public expense
after having been starved 10 desth In the public
service Is Of any great advantage TO themselves
or their families. To be honest as politician
is to be poor, and 30 they look out In time, and
provide for retirement out Of the public crib.
We imagine this is nova days the theory Of
our political leaders, whichis not to be changed
by the spectacle Of postponed gratitude which