The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-10-05
Attacks upon Mr.. GARFIELD.

"Death loves shining mark k"-and SO does
detraction. How often are the truly gified
and deserving made the objects of envions
attack. and slanderous reproach-how hate
ful to some is the honorable fame won by ex-.
bibitions of unsuliied integrity, and by com
mendable achievements. These bad phases
iu human nature are just now being exhibited
in regard to our candidate for the State Sen
ate.
Mr. GARFIELD is q gentlemen of more than
ordinary natural endowments, and his high ed
ucationai cultivation, adds to his power and
efficiency, All the yearstof his maturer man.
hood have been spentin the seclasion of scho.i
larly pnsuits. and hence his true worth as a
high minded gentlemen and as a man of
breadth and vigor of intellect, has been tho
roughly known TO but few, and these, his most
intimate personal associates. ..a-s.,-
tits not to be wondered at, then, that hav-
ing been called from his retirement, by the
voice of his fellow-ciiizens, with fattering
nnaninnity, bis appearance in the political are
ma, fresh, unhackneyed, sincere. able, we'll in
formed and eloquent, should strike the people
with equal surprise and admiration. In every
place where be has appeared and spoken, he
seems to have carried away the hearts of the
people, and the most glowing accounts of his
performances come up to US verbally, and by
written communications from every quarter.
His candor. his dignity, his sincerity, his
ability. bis mansfestly carefully studied inform
alton, at once commend him as champion
aud an advocate of unusual power one to be
trusted. cherished and sustained. si7a Il -'
He is true man. honest, capable aud faith
lfnl-true to intelligent conviction. independent
in taking positions which he conceives to be
right, and fearless in maintaining them, and
reliable. everywhere. He wears no Janus face
what he seems, he is--what he promises he
performs-he smiles not to deceive-be fiatters
not to betray like too many demagngical pol
iticiaSR; he is devoted as friend, firm, deci
ded, but courteous as an opponent-he a.
tempts no vulgar witticisms, he induIges in no
low, vtuperative invectives against men who
differ from him. he manu- factures no facts. for
current use, as the manner of some is, but like
a man of conscious strength and power, he
grappies with great truths and principles, and
with an energy and zeal worthy of all praise,
throws himself into the great cause of human
freedom. prepai ed to act no subordinate part,
in the fierce eoufict nov going forward be.
tween freedom and slavery.
Such man, such champion. so worthy of
the confidence of the people, and so capable
If serving ,hem with efficiency, should be cor
daily supported, AID his reputation protected
from the assaults of the carrion vultures of
'etracrioa, that hawk at it,-his virtues should
be known, published. and acknowledged, and
his fidelity rewarded. His private character
Is without spot or blemish, and we confidently
predict that his public record, when he shall
have entered upon the discharge of official
duties, will be but the reflex of his private
virtues and personal integrity and worth =
His public and private character will grow
"p, massive and symmetrical. A brilliant fu
lure, doubtless, awaits him-a future of use
fnlness and of honor-despite the carpings
of pretended friends, and the detraction of
bitter political opponents.
| We make these remarks, becaise we are
set, as public journalists. not only for the de-
itense of our principles, but also, for the de.