Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-08-14
LEADERS.


II has grown to be proverb, that there is no
man without his Influence and all the walks OF
business and social intercourse, the truth of the
saving is everywhere apparent. Some minds
are go constructed that they are led at pleasure
bv the more powerful will of some leading or
influential mind ;-others are born to command,
and thew move by silent power of a superior
mental organization, the views and opinions of
their fellows. The man who occupies posi-
lion of comparative obscurity and retirement
and who has but a small circle of acquaintance,
NAV vet be, in his sphere, man of consider
able influence, leader of the few minds around
him, those who have not had his advantages,
and who look TO him for their opinions he
mouds the shape of their minds, and controls
their thoughts. Thus neighborhood or dis
trict NAV have its Leaders leader whose opn-
ion is supreme and whose position is one of
influence and power. In wider circles, and
among communities where there is higher
standard of intelligence, there are men who
lead-men of large attainments and of superior
force-men of strong will and resolute action,
who lead the minds of those around them by
force of their intelligence and stronger minds.
1t is not always the case, however, that men
lead BY the same methods. Generally accom-
plished by words, it is not unfrequently brought
about by the silent force of example, and those
who are often the truest leaders are those whom
no one would suspect of moving q single mind
or controlling the thoughts of an associate
The force of example is often of great power,
and leads more than the most impressive Ian
guage While some are leaders of good prin-
cples and manly virtues other we are sorry to
say, are leaders of bad vices and worse princi-
pies. OF the latter we have already too large
number; those wanted now are of the former
elias.
The influence of evil example is of alarming
extent and those who are led by it, are OF sur
prising number. One great public want is a
higher standard of influence on the side of pa
triotc, virtuous and manly example. Quiet in
its workings, and hardly noticed in its lessons,
it is the real ledder-the great governing power.
Men lead more by their example than by their
words, and so it becomes of the first Importance
that ones example should be such as may lead
men from dleness to industry, from evil asso-
Citations to good influence, and from the grog
shop to the work shop. These are fhe leaders
wanted at the present hour But there is an
excess of leaders of the opposite class every
community is too largely represented by them
The great aim of other leaders must be to coun.
teract their Influence and remove the evil i'm
pressions which they may have been fostering
and promoting.
The great want of our nation, before the
present executive assumed the helm, was lea
der-one who by his sagacty and GOODNESS
should so govern and control the great ma
chine of government that il could perform its &C.
customed work with no jar or friction. At the
last moment, and just in time to save the ma.
ton from utter ruin, that leader was chosen,-
affording another proof of the assertion that
men of commanding capacity are specially pro.
yided by Providence, for great emergiences ir
the histories of nations. The task to accom-
plish may be of immense magnitude, but The
man called to the position will always be equa
to the trust.
We have also, large number of leaders il
our army; every squad of men, every section
every company, regiment, brigade and division
has its leaders. OF these we have enough
We now want more men less shoulder strap
ped incumbents ambitious of the display ant
emolument rather than for the true dignity and
usefulness of their position more earnest de-
voted, unselfsh patriots who have the cause oil
their country at heart, and who are only anxiou:
to do all in their power TO bring 10 an end thi,
unrighteous rebellion, leaving questions of mi
nor Importance to be settled after the grea
work shall be accomplished officers who dc
not look through the smoke and din of battle
10 the occupancy of the presidential chair bu
men who see distracted country to be restored
nation TO be freed from traitors, and a gov
eminent to be maintained These are the lead
ers which our nation wants when and wher,
shall they be hadp
There is class of leaders, who are just nov
wanted above all others. Their sphere of &C
ton may be less conspicuous, but not less i'm
portant. These are MEN In the conflict no,
pending every man is leader IA leader i
courage and patriotism. Let man of inhu
ence say 81 60" and how many will answer
1--WE will go with you" On the field of battl
every soldier is leader, and every man hero
The government has called for leaders of thi
class. BY the hearty and welcome response fror
every loyal heart, it knows where those leader
can be bad Fall in men, and fill up tn
ranks !-Maine Farmer.