Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-02-18
cnSsIsrENcH.


With some people-politcan especially
1t is a great thing to forego honestly an old
party measure or political prejndic4. Duriug
the excitement Of a campaign, when the
heat of action is upon ua and principles are
distinctly marked ont and defined, it could
hardly be otherwise expected than that the
leading men Of party should cling with
come tenacity, to what they believe 10 be
the true course OF political action necessary
to the success Of their particular party or
its measures. They would not be- looked
upon as honest or consistent politicians il
they did not. But in time Of perfect
quiet, such as at present exists in this
state; when the great sea Of party lies st q
dead calm, without even n ripples motion to
disturb il, no such necessity exists and
men may sit down and, by comparison with
the past, so regulate and shape their princi-
pies as to make them conform in the future
IN the common wants Of the community at
large by blending with them such newly
developed elements Of the science Of gov
ernment, as are calculated the better 10
promote the happiness and prosperity Of the
people.
We hold that it is the duty of leading
men Of all parties, to SO change and modify
their political creed as that it shall from
time to time, keep step with the progress Of
the age, and harmonise with the true spirit
OF good government and if in doing so.
they should be charged with inconsistency
by the blockheads of party, they ought moi
let their courage fail them on that account
but like men, aiming for the public veal
they should press on, regardless Of the
croakings of partisan bgots, until the de-
sired results are reached.
We cannot imagine more Inconsistent
man, than one who regardless Of all conse
quences, "goes it blind" for the ticket,
and without knowing or caring to know any
thing whatever Of the composition of hi
party or its code Of measures, IS satisfied t,
stand by it right or wrong No sucl
person. however gifted in intellect, is sal,
leader Of the people nor is he tit to be ele
vated to any post of responsibility. Their,
was a time within cur recollection, when
rigid adherence to party under any and al
circumstances, was popular, and appeared I,
be the only evidence Of political consistency
then, few men gathered together in tay
ern or grog shop and manufactured part
measures and principles, which, when one
enunciated from the stump were 10 bo re
ceiyed as orthodox under pain Of e1commu
n.cation not only from the club room an,
party but also very frequently ffom th
workshop and daily employm4nis of life.-
Bu, Il wonderful and salatary change hn
b-en wrought in this re peet, within le,
year Now the people think for them elye,
and moreover they do their own ynt,ua
Politicians are only respected and followe
az they espousr correct principles, and ad
here TO the true theory Of government ii
matter 10 which party they may belone, "a
by what distinctive name they may b
known. Blind leaders. IN these times. Lay
but few blind follower and no matter vii
b" 7 or whence he comes, lie greatly Dc
ceiyes himself it he thinks 10 add to Iii
number by the employment of speciou
arguments or political irickery, under tn
iiin.g cover Of party discipline or pobtic,
consistency.
Wetlrow out these thought for thc coi
sideratinn of those in o1r own State. wl,o. I
Keep alive Their own ambitious purposes, al
now attempting 10 be leaders and trumpete
toaparty Ma'a 70 b, provided their chicanei
and duplicty can be concealed long enoug
TO enable them to jump On the strong ii,
ii the eleventh hour. We caution them
beware, lest their otJec,ice advocacy of ii
peoples interests should betray them, al
forever stand as a bar against their plea
political honesty and sincerity We mi
speak palmer on this subject at fatu
time