The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-12-16
BALTIMORE.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER &c, 1855

Though we have no doubt about the truth Of the
maxim that "honesty is the best policy" we
should not be surprised to find it seriously ques-
toned by many. He who is disposed to be scep-
teal the point, can, at this time be at loss
for the facts which apparently contradict the
adage Rufhanism enters into successful compete
ton with decent men for such work as brings good
pay calls for little labor and itpus in prior
claim to the places which private as well as public
corporations, can dispose of. Lawlessness regu-
lates the elections and determines the number of
respectable citizens who are to be permitted to
vote. The most corrupt secure the best contracts;
the most INSCRIPTIONS, have the fairest chances
for preerment and those who most shameessly
sacrifice public duty to party ends have the strongest
assurance of being retained in office. Three of the
five State Courts sitting here have been plundered
by their Clerks, who have spent and enjoyed the
embezzled funds, and are still at liberty to solicit
nominations for other responsible posts, or, at
all events, eectioneer for the promotion of their
friends; while those who now holding almost
every position of profit or trust in this CITY are
directly, or indirectly, the recipients of the fruits
of violence and fraud. With these facts staring
them in the face, it would not be strange if some
persons should find it difficult to cling to the con-
victon that what we have quoted as an aphorism is
likewise truism. 1t is not only because crime goes
UNPUBLISHED that some indifferent honest indi-
vidual might be led to think it not impolitic to
indulge his criminal propensites; but he may be
further induced thereto by considering the apathy
with which the community looks on wrong
What retribution has it visited upon those who
have connived at or openly encouraged the most
deliberate violations of the law? How much ac-
tivity has it displayed in behalf of the efforts to
effect reformation, of which few philosophical
citizens have borne the expense and the burthen?
An immense majority of our population is, we
believe, satisfied that the Court whose authority
Judge STUMP has brought into contempt and
whose power Mr.. WHITNEY has corruptly neglected
to enforce, is an incumbrance as well rs a dis
grace to the city--and that the MAYOR, and his
temporary successors, have basely abandoned
them and their rights at the dictation Of armed
outlsws-so that the authority, which should pro-
tect, as well as that which should avenge us, is
incompetent and faithess and, therefore poweress.
Notwithstan ling this, many of the people, who
franchised beaten at the polls, only now grieve
about the depreciation Of their property, and look
askance at the ruffians who control them, as
though expecting feeble complainings 10 do what
nothing but manly and vigorous action can posi-
bly, accomplish. As they have failed to forw ard
energeticaliy the plans which have been proT osed
for their relief, or to join in common protest
with that unanImity which would give it tenfold
force, so they have even hesitated to express,
individually, in fitting terms, what is con-
fessedly felt by the whole community regard
ing the many worthless and corrupt off
Gals, who have alike defrauded and dishonored
them. Angry words, uttered during spasmodIc
periods Of Indignation have been, for the most
part, the sole penalties with which society has
visited guilt. We have full faith in the fina
triumph of the right, but still cannot be surf
prised that the wrong-doer is sceptcal about the
advantages of virtue, or that some men should be
uncertain about the relative merits of dishonesty
and integrity.