Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-12-07
MERCHANTS AND POLITICS.

MERCHANTS AND POLITICS.
In the absence at the Democratic Convention,
of the local and political editors Of the "Enqui
rcr," the commercial editor finds himself seated
in the chair of the latter. and although novice,
he intends an attempt at political EDITORIAL
If it should not be SO thoroughly political or
so entirely orthodox aS the reader has been ac-
customed to find in the emanations from the
chair he has assumed he trusts such allow
anccs will be made as are usually accorded to
novitiates.
Every man in this country is one of its sove-
reigns, and responsible, more or less according
to his influence, for the laws which govern. -
No class of our citizens are in such n position
of influence as the merchant. Of the millions
of our population there is none so isolated as
to preclude him from intercourse with the mer
chant. Coffee, and cotton in the shape Of yarn
or cloth, have become absolute necessaries.
and these can be procured only from the Iner-
chant--and every article Of surplus product.
whether great or small, passes from the producer
in to the hands Of the merchant As class, the
standard Of intelligence is higher among them
than is found in any other large class. This
arises from the necessities of their business,
which brings them in contact with all kinds of
purchasers in the sale Of their wares and mer-
chandse, and with other merchants in making
their purchases. 1t is necessary, also to his sue
cess that he should inform himself Of the sources
of supply of his merchandise, and the best mar
ket for the sale Of the produce which passes
through his hands II is this constant seeking
for information, and the daily intercourse in
trade, that brings mind in contact with mind,
and thereby raises the standard Of intelligence,
bcsets friendships and establishes a community
of interests so universal Is to bind together
not only orr entire country, but the whole
civilized and even semi-civilzed world, so that.
in every treaty between country and country,
commerce is regarded as the chief point of in-
terest The statesman regards commerce as
the promoter and preserver Of peace, the mis-
s:onary regards it rs pioneer and co-worker.
In quiet, self.densins charities, in works of
benevolcnce, in founding hospitals and colleges,
in hearty support Of Bible. tract and missionary
societies, in the promotion OF the arts and
sciences, in public spirited enterprises, such as
building steam ships rail roads, canals and
cities, in every enterprise-material, intellec-
tual, moral and religious, he is the foremost
and most liberal To these he freely gives his
time, means and influence.
There is one single department in which he
does not exercise the influence to which his in
telligence and position entitle him and his
ramified interests demand and that is in
making laws and giving practical shape to
local, State and Congressional legislation
There is not single interest Of the hunblest
customer of the rcmotcSt merchant, or the
largest producer or manufacturer, that is not
we'll understood by the merchant With very
slight notifications, the material interest OF
every part of our country is the same; and
while every class suffers, none is more inJuri-
ously effected by bad or unwise legislation than
merchants. and there are none more capable,
from their practical intelligence, to make good
laws; and yet how few merchants are found
in our Legislative councils, and how little poll.
tical influence do they exert:
1t is n well known fact, that all our political
movements, from the primary meeting IN the
smallest precinct to the highest places, are con-
trollcd almost entirely by professional politi-
Clans who are too ready to pander to any Sec
tional excitement however prcjudicial to the
country, so that their own advancement maybe
secured In how many instances is it the case
that an insignificant dcmagogue, without the
stake of the smallest substantial interest,"
wiclds an influence thousand-iold greater
than the merchant, whose transactions are
counted by millions, and the ramifcations of
whose business extend to the remotcst parts
of the earth.
Whether the reason Of their indifference
to politics be found in the absorbing in-
tcrest of their own immediate business
affairs, the modest appreciation of their
own merits and influence, or their unwil-
lincness to resort to the trucking required III
many cases, to insure their election, We will
not now enquire but only call attention to the
existence of this indifference, and urge every
merchant reader TO the serious consideration
of his duty in view Of the responsibility im-
posed upon him by his position. 1t may be a
sacrifice Of apparent present interest to take an
active part in politics, or become legislator,
but no one better understands the Importance
to the whole people of wholesome legislation;
nor is any one better qualified than he 10 le-
gislate wisely.
From the days Of John Hancock to the pre-
sent there have been some commercial men in
our State and national councils, and their
influence has always been felt, and the advice
and counsel Of the most intelligent have been
sought in all important business matters.
1t is due to himself il is due to the class
to which he belongs, it is due to the country
and to the world that the merchant should as
pire to that rank in politics which he occupies
in every other relation.
To the people at large, and especially to those
who complain Of high taxes and bad laws, we
commend the serious consideration Of their
dutv in the premises. The remedy is in their
own hands-let them elect to their councils
good, practical business men, such as are found
in all trades, callings and professions, hut es-
pccially among the merchants.
We do not, in anything We have said, desire
to flatter every one who sells tape, into the be-
lief that he would make wise legislator, nor
the people into the foolishness of voting for
every merchant who may choose TO offer him.
self for their suiFrages,-a wise and prudent
DISCRIMINATION sho,ilJ NJ all times be exercised