Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1858-08-05
Phrenology "A New Prank in the Re-
publican Platform.

tons have been resorted to.
PhrenoIogy "A New Prank in the Re-
publican Platform.
Among the new isms adopted by the
Republican party of this statc-how
ever ridiculous it may scents phrcn-
ology. The Animosa Eureka is argu-
ing the CLAIMS of Mr.. Nandever, the
republican candidate for Congress by
comparing the shape and conformation
of his head With that Of Mr.. Leffingwell.
The Eureka states that the head Of
MIR. Lefiingwcll is ''thick between the
ears and ronndish" and from that fact,
and fancicd resemblance to President
Pierce, who it says, was ''ready for any
villainy towards the North and towards
freedom" comes to the conclusion that
he is not man of ability and should
not receive the support Of the people
of Congress. On the other hand in
regard to Mr.. Nandcyer it says that in
his head "thc moral organs predomi-
nate over the animal and selfish, that
1.-THE animal organs are below the aver
age of men at large and that there
fore he is man emncntly qualified
for the office Of member Of Congress
and truly deserving of the support of
all true and honest opponents of the
"aggrcssions of the slave oligarchy."
We did not on the first appearance of
this absurd article, dcign moments
notice of it.; but having now been
copied into a majority of the repubi-
can organs of the district and endorsed
by them, it has assumed an importance
which deserves at least the notice of
being pointed out as an evidence of the
inherent weakness of a party which is
compelled to resort to such arguments
in support of Its candidates.
Throwing aside all questions of prin-
ciple, and all matters of public interest,
they proceed as professors ofthe science
ofphrenology to examine the heads of
Messrs. Leflingwell and Vandever and
to- claim for Mr.. Nandever the best
outside formation Of Uranium. Now
our opinion has always been that the
fitness of candidate for office, was to
be determined by the principles which
he advocated. Not by the outside form
alton of his head but by the amount
Of brains inside of it.
Having once introduced this princi-
pie into canvas, we expect to see it
supported by the Republican party in
the future-and it will not be at all re-
markablc, if belief in the science of
phrcnology, is inserted in their next
State platform as one of the cardinal
principles of Repnblicanism.
Wewould suggest that the following
resolutlons-or resolutions similar-bc
adopted by the next Republican State
Convention, and constitute the new
plank
Resolpet, That this Convention ha,
deep and abiding faith in the science
OF phrcnology, as indicating, not only
the intellectual calibre of men, but also
as capable of determining the real opin-
ions of all persons upon the great and
Acknowledgements ofniggerism, and
upon all other questions and that we
hold belief in this science, an indls-
penslble prerequisite to fellowship with
party opposed to those twin relics of
barbarism, slavery and polygamy.
Resol0ed, That fine tooth comb be
procured by the Auditor of State, or
any other republican officer having ac-
cess to the public monies, and that one
of our "cullered bretheren" be appoin
ten a committee to thoroughly comb
and clean the head of all candidates
presenting themselves for nomination
before this contention, in order that
the professors may operate upon them
with safety to themselves.
Resolved, That the editor Of the An
amosa Eureka, in conjunction with
the editor of the Dewitt CHntonian,
and any other professors of the great
free soil science of phrenology who
may be present, proceed to examine
the heads of the various candidates
who shall have been first properly pre.
pared by the committee Of one. and
report to this convention the size and
situation Of the bumps upon their heads
the relative softness of their skulls the
manner in which they will discharge
their duties if elected, the different
qualifications of each for pilfering from
the treasury, and any other matter ef
interest which may be brought to light.
The Judgeship-Ourp osition.
| we were requested several times