The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1859-12-06
Correspondence Of the Republican
Hon, Geo. ID. Prentice.
Miles, Mich, Dec. lst, 1859.

Miles, Mich, Dec. lst, 1859.
En-. LANSING REPUBLICAN:
lad the pleasure of listening last evening TO
a lecture delivered before the Young Men So
cie,v of this city, by the talented editor OF the
Louisville Journdl-Hon. Geo. d. Prentice
The Lecturers National reputation as the au-
thor of many laughter-causing, srin-proyohins
saving, was of itself sufficient TO draw full
house. The subec, of his lecture" the pres
emf aspects and tendencies OF American foHucS,
is one of such absorbing and all important inter-
est that very large and apprccaiNe audience
assembled TO greet him.
Mr.. Prentice's personal appearance can not
be called prepossessng. His voice i rfr9 bad
almost whine, particularly al the close oil a
Io,, sentence. Hi, exoriium was calculated TO
nroiuce an unfavorable impression, being very
like the familiar mariner upon the uackiess
ocean" STYLE of Gen. Cas- for which, see any
one of his numerous speeches. Soon however
warming with his subject, he dea.t out night all.
left; giving his audience to understand that he
wa, later" the small and cowardy politicians
of ali parties. Acknow leddng that he was par
tizan, he promised to speak a patriot, Right
well and nobly did he fulfil that promise.
He claimed that at least three essentials, were
necessary to the perpetuity Of government.
First intelligence of the masses. That We are
governed by the dregs of society, by an I5noF-
ant rabble, led on 10y ginser-pop politicians, he
claimed as indispu:abe. lie deplored the non
existence of a National school, wherein should
be taught the science Of government. Poiti-
clans are mushroom growth, are seliiSh-unscru-
pulous The people are made up of initamabe
material-they do not give matters OF political
importance that consideration which will enable
them 10 Judge Of their merit, bat take trr gran
ted all the assertions of the leaders.
Mr.. Prenticc's remarks cannot apply 10 that
section of the country whose political intelligence
Is so Widespread and universal a. in Michigan,
bu, are undoubtedly applicable to modern
"Egypis,' tcnanted by white slaves.
Fraternal feeling is sadly wanting among rs,
combined with an utter want of proper respect
for the opinions of political opponents. The aho-
tionist of Ohio, assails the hot-sPur of Geor-
gia-the rash NIissSsipan threatens to hang he
Jolly New Hampshire Scuator--wha the fiery
Carolinian strikes down the accomplished Scholar
and Statesman of Massachusetts,.
There is, also, a lack Of loyalty and icalty, ot
devotion to the Constitution and the Union.
Love Of country is secondary to self-aEraudze-
ment Self first, self ever, i, the motto, the
rule Of action. Our Statesmen are almost as cX-
tinct as the iacc of giants With a few honor
able exceptions, American Politics is controlled
by demacogues.
Mr.. Prentice then pressed the pertinent
inquiry, where i Tia; remedy, and how shall
i. be applied? With the people i the re-
sponsibility II Is their sacred aui imperative
duty to administer rebuke TO political trin'merS
to recur to frs, principles-to bring back the
government TO it, original purity.
cannot give complete synopsis Of thi, thu
" admirable production. Logical and couclu-
sive, oftcntimcs eloquent sparkling With VII
and glowing with The fcrvor oi true PATRIOTISM
il was worthy the distinguished ability OF its au-
thor. He was caustc and severe in comment
ing upon the leading characteristics of national
misrule, and fairly spgel the demagogucs and
wire pullers OF Locotocoism. Mr. Prentice has
no sympathy with that party-woald that h"
could see that the only safe solution Of the vcXed
question, is in the platform aud principles Of the
Republican party. With their success, hi- fears
will vanish Let there be light
Truly, a., \. g. ".