Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-24
A CRYING Evil.

/ We have long been of opinion that Their"
existed radical and dangerous mistake. IN
the training Of young men in the South-or
rather in their own choice of pursuit ID lie
which called for public and plain-spoken
comment. We refer to the idea which seems
early to gain possession of the minds ot a
large elias, Of youths, that politics Is the sole
end and aim of existence--the stump or the
hustings the most distinguished post for
young man of talents and acquiremcnts.-
This fatal theory has operated TO deprive the
South, and especially Virginia, ofan amount
and variety of talent, the benefit Of which, IN
it's proper channels, would have been almost
incalculable. Our Northern friends taunt
us, with the n-productivencss OF Southern
intellect in science, literature, the mechanic
arts, and the more ornamental departments
of human etfort--and, without pauslng to dis
cuss the Justice or injustice of this accusa-
ton, we may declare without fear Of contra
diction, that we of the South have not done
what it has been in our power TO do. We
possess quantity and variety of intellectual
strength unsurpassed by any nation on the
earth-we are not destitute Vt Institutes OF
learning. as well adapted to the cultivation
and development of all the faculties ofthe hui
man mind as any in the world-large num-
bers of the most admirably endowed youths
are yearly sent forth from these colleges,
thoroughly trained, and fully armed to con-
tend with distinction for the prizes in every
department Of usefulness-and they become
politicians, and nothing but pollticians.-
The evil has existed too long, and been pro-
ductve of results too unfortunate, TO be
matter of doubt For more than half a CEN
fury, partisan politics have absorbed the en-
ergies of a large number of the most promis-
ing Youths of the Ccmmonwcalth-and while
We would not pluck leaf from the laurels
of those who have dome well for the Rcpub-
lie" in State or Federal councils-still we
would point out i'll language rs strong rs we
have it in our power to use the serious loss
to the Commonwealth, in this passionate alb
sorption of her educated youth in political
pursuits. Every branch of intellectual ei-
fort has suffered from it. Science, literature,
art-all have felt the whitening touch of par
ty. In the hot atmosphere Of the crowded
courtroom or the town hall, no flower of
philosophy or calm thought has been able to
grow. Life becomes, in these places, but
feverish race for worthless prize-and eve
~ true object of national ambition is trodden
under foot aud passed by with indifference or
contempt.
We would see all this changed. If the
South cares to match other sections in COM
merce, science, literature and art, she must
give her attention to them. We honestly
believe that there does not exist on the face
of the earth race of men more largely and
spendidly endowed for pre-cmnent success
in every human pursuit, than the men OF the
South they have but to put forth their encr-
gies and they may conquer. Heretofore
they have aimed to fill theposts of usefulness
and distinction in the public gift; and GER
tainl V they have succeeded in no small de-
gree But the great mass who cannot sue
coed in politics, because they are not gifted
in that direction, have a. useful and distl-
guished career opened for them in the arts
and sciences-in commerce, agriculture, and
whatever ADVANCES the interests Of their sec
ton. We think that great change in opln-
ion is beginning TO take place upon these
subects-may it be radical and may all the
strength and genius Of the South be directed
to the work in which she may exccl!-In'-
gjnj0 Inter.