The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-09-21
WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER q, 1864.
PATRIOTIsu AND POLITICS.

If one of the wise men of Greece were able
TO walk in front Of our State House before and
after a municipal election, unaccompanied By
contemporary of this generation, what
strange thoughts would I'LL his mindl He
would behold before him men who are
so absorbed in the welfare Of our city that
not even considerations of interest can keep
them at their trade or business; men who in
behalf Of the interests Of politics, forget all
personal comfort; who toll with their tongues
under burning sun, without the pleasure Of
the MONDAY meal or the prattlo of their chi!-
drcn who, with all this,are unappreciated; men
whom the passer-by makes a Jest of, or frets
at for obstructing his way. Such a sage
would surely exclaim -" Here, indeed, 1
behold disinterested patriotism; surely this
country is safe and lasting when its citizens
so eagerly watch the Acropolis Of its power.
" o Greece never in thee have seen such
things"
But If 1t were explained to the resusciCated
Athenian that these patriots loved more their
own than their country's welfare; that they
watched not over the citys liberties, but for
opportunity either to cringe and bow before
some petty official In power, in the hope he
may drag them TO his own elevated position,
or were seeking industriously recommenda-
tons for offices of all grades and kinds, we fear
his raptures would turn into the just indlgna-
tion such procedure so richly merits but so
rarely receives. Yes, these thirsty seekers OF
Office carry on their contemplate practices in
the face of the world and excite only vapid
joke or passing sneer, instead of a healthy
scorn that would at least show them that the
great majority Of our citizens cannot even set
buch base selfishness in others without re
esbuke. AS for reforming the ofIlce-patriot
tthemselves, the idea Is chimerical. They VIII
Acan descend to the tricks of the trade of poll
tics are too far gone to be changed in charaC
"A Der and might as well be abandoned as incoi
i rigible.
The widespread practice of ofilce-seekin
inficts three-fold injury-hrst, on the chit
who Is to appoint; second, on the appointe
10 Office; and lastly, on the rest of the CON
munity. 1t is thought necessary, when one
elected to power that he must draw after hir
u host oil his own party to all the minor Office
whose control he holds and hence it is not tn
best man who is elected, but the party man
and well-meaning chief is thus encumbere
with knaves and dolts, when his intention
are really just and good. While we are o.
this subject, we would like to know why
man who has honor magnanimity, and nerv
cannot break the chains of custom, and wher
duty is merely ministerial, retain an efflcien
incumbent, let bis party be what it may. Thi
practice would raise howl of denunciatiOr
from the lobbies at Washington, at Harrisburg
and in front of the State House, but it woul,
be a noble herculean deed, which woul
crush the modern Hydra OF office-seeking, an
be embalmed by the thanks of all whose pos
tion would render the commendation valuable
Upon the appointee or office-hunter tn
effect Ia blasting to morals, no less than
business. The tricks, articles, and shams
which he has TO resort are derogatory fro
all manliness, and are without number. Mo
Offices in the United States, whether und
Federal, State, or municipal disposition, rare
exceed three or four years as respects Il
term of service and us the incumbent know
that after his term is out his business is sha
tered, If not ruined, he endeavors to supp
the deficit by species of indemniflcatio
wnked at by those in office, but styled Ell
bezzlement by outsiders.
1t is impossible that city or State shou
be filed with such officials, with their pra
tees now and then leaking out, and the effeC
constantly beheld by its citizens, and not
tainted by the pollution; and such we fear
the influence Of such patriotism and polite
A heartfelt popular interest in the affairs
nation is undoubtedly It's best security, Al
. guarantee Of its prosperity; but when {
interest felt Is a coveting Of the latest Ofli
10 be held, and a concern as to what party
most likely 10 be in and what out, and t
Ike. 1t Is undoubtedly a sign OF corruptt
In a community, which will cause every re
pa riot the deepest shame and apprehension