The Shasta courier., 1859-07-09
Calling Names.

IL mas become quite popular with certain edl-
tors to- deal in epithets- humorous,
oftener ill-natured-when speaking of candi-
dates whom they are opposing Now, while the
practice of applying to our prominent men nick
names,-which may be supposed in some sort
to illustrate some feature OF their personal or
political character,-may serve to raise laugh,
1t cannot, on the other hand but have tenden-
cy to lower the standard by which the people
are in the habit of gauging their political lead
ers. If this be true, and we think it will not be
controverted,- then the practice Of which we
speak is an evil worthy of severe animadver-
sion.
Let US illustrate. One side, in speaking of
Broderick, will talk of the Shoulder-hitter,'
the "bully," "King Dave" D. Cataline Brod-
erick," and so forth. They also love to use the
term "Cayote-hole Jo,' when referring to Nc
kibben. Another side, with peculiar gibness,
as if their tongues were creased with the oil of
detraction, speak of" Lime Point Gwin," " Mail
Steamship Gwin,' " Garden Seed Scott" Cork
Oak Tree Scott" "Charles Lackadaisical Scott, y
" John Confused Burch,o John Chinaman
Burch," and so forth and so on.
Now, pray, what effect can such nonsense ac-
complish, except to create habit in the mind
of the public of looking upon our leading men
as unworthy of that respect which should al
ways follow such worth as is essential to obtain
prominence among men.
And here we will take occasion to say few
words relative to the candidate whom the Con-
vention selected from the northern portion of the
State-the Hon. John c. Burch Knowing that
the u Great North" contains an immense Demo-
cratic majority, the Opposition appear to deem
it a wise strategic move to attack it through Mr..
Burch. In pursuance of this policy, they have
struck at him il manner (which we last week
exhibited to our readers) that exposes a degree
of vrulence which shows how very important
they deem it to the success of their ticket that
inroads shall be made upon this Democratic
stronghold.
We presume that no one Will charge us with
a disposition to deal in fulsome adulatous of Mr.
Burch. At least he will acquit us of any such
charge. Nevertheless we have few words
which justice TO him and the party demands of
us to say now and here. We do not claim that
Mr. Burch, as logician, is a Webster We do
not claim that, as an orator, he is Clay. Nor
yet do we claim that, as a statesman, he is
Jackson or a Calhoun. We are guilty of no such
arrogation. We do moi claim such pre- -eminence
for any of our candidates. Unfortunately CAL
ifornia is too youthful State to have grown
such men-and we very much doubt if she will
prove equal to the task of bringing forth such
men even in mature age. Therefore, that editor
who spoke of Burch, and Webster and Clay and
Calhoun. by way of contrast, exhibited degree
of unfairness, which he may comprehend by
drawing the same contrast between McKibben,
or Booker, and the immortal tryo of statesmen
just named.
Those who have had an opportunity of OBJ
serring-and we are among the number-will
not refuse to admit that Mr.. Burch, while he may
not be an orator like Clay, has exhibited talents
Of marked adaptability to the performance of
the work of legislation. In committee, where
that work is principally done, he was ever found
efficient No member, during his terms, really
worked harder than Mr.. b. He is man of un-
usual energy and industry. And in Congress
these traits will render his services infinitely
more useful to his constituents than, for in
stance, the wit and brlliancy of Ned Ma:shall.
One thing is very certain, like Denver, Burcli
will be working member-and the State, in
him, Will have Representative at the Federal
Capitol who will not neglect her interests, or
suffer them to be injured through lack of
attention. Another most important requisite
Burcb will be found to possess. his constitu-
ents, humble or high, will find. if they have oc-
casion to address him upon any matter, that he
will not treat their communications with " elo-
quent silence" No bushel of unopened letters
from his constituents will ever be found on the
floor of his room-as was the case with Ned Mar
SHALL