True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-11-17
Politics Then and Now.

There has not arisen, since the days
our wise and patriotic sires Of the Revo-
luton established our republican form Of
government, and ordained constitution
which they hoped would insure to them,
selves and their posierity the blessings OF
civil and religious liberty, 3 crisis which
more imperatively demands the devotion
the zeal, and the frmness Of every true
hearted American patriot, whether he be
Of native or foreign birth, than that Which
threatens the peace and prosperity Of the
country, and the integrity and stability Of
the Union. ta a.r ID, ce.
In times past, under the existence OF
the old Wing and Democratic parties
before trading for office formed part Of
the political tactics of the day; when
such men as Jackson, Clay, Calhoun,
Webster, Everett and host Of others;
or, when such men as our great Wash
inglon, Adams, Ames, Madison, Living
ston, Marshall, Jefferson or Sherman,
and long list of others equally illustrious
for their abilities and virtues, honored the
high places of trust to which they were
called by The suilrages OF their country
men, political parties existed and conflicts
of opinions prevailed, each side urging
its peculiar principle or policy, without
descendingin,o vituperation and low per-
sonal abuse, with all the ability and ardor
which it could command. Yet, in these
ranks, none we're found who did not have
in view, in all they said or did, the good
of their common country, and whose
minds and hearts were not absorbed and
directed by a patriotic devotion to the
prosperity and honor of their "Forest
founded Empire" . o.'
But alas the political integrity Of
those days are we'll nigh gone-if not
quite extinct; and what is more"parlicu-
larly important to the American people,
they are characterised by restlessness-
disposition to break away from every
thing old and familiar, and useful. A
spirit of innovation marks every plan,
purpose and project.
There is now an incessant whirl and
agitation deep and permanent, more than
among other people, to elevate and mark
the great landmarks of truth and integrity
along the common highway. TO turn
the attention of crowds that press on in
the dust, turmoil and mad pursuit may
no. be easy, but it is none the less impor'
tant. How can our government control
and direct her people, except by her NOR
al powers9 If she fail here, then where
is there any other resourse but military
coercion, The necessity of political in
tegri.y is, therefore clearly Manifest
And can it for moment be questioned
but that the fund of virtue we brough
with us out of the revolution, has greatly
deteriorated as well as diminished. y.
Tis fact is seen in The characters o
many Of the men elected to fill the variou
Offices Of the country, and an entire dis
regard Of all mora! qualifications as requI
sites Of office. Real worth Of character
and true merit are no more the essential
for, successful political aspiration-mone
has succeeded integrity and genius. |
our State and National Councils laws ar
no longer made for the general welfare
but for sectional interest. Legislator
forget they we're sent there 10 provide fc
the good Of the whole, and not TO linn
their vision 10 one spot, small portion
where they and their constituents live
where their mines, factories, and Ian,
confning their patriotism by parallels
latitude and meridians Of longitude, al
county and State boundaries. In Il
good and early days Of The Republi
things were entirely different. A m
to be a candidate for any Office was m
as God made him, just, honest, and ind
peuaent in his views;-in the expressi
or his sentiments, directed by his o'
reason, and guided by bis own conscienc
Now a days it is man made by coff
house cIiques, and endorsed by corru
loe4eliing conventions, a weak and CO
templibs thing, made by dishonest a
corrupt factions, a, perfect automatic
Turned sbOut iusI as denagogues choc
TO pull the strings. 3 ies sst dl
Under the infamous doctrine that to
,,ric.ors bslohgithe spoils," sel6shne
asiusarped thelplace Of patriotism, PI
lie ofIices--political, ministerial and ju
rial--haye been sprSsitpied as rewal
tar,nascfopalous party services, 7Tp and i
SOii,u has Been put Up p at tPublic suc'ic