The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1866-01-17


There are two methods of getting along
with a SIN all amount of brains and still
making considerable noise and show in
the world. 1t is strange how successful
they both are while 80 opposite in their
character. One is by wholesale abuse
and the other is by wholesale fattery.
Let the low and ignorant deal in scurril-
Gus abuse and vile adulation, but for the
intelligent we say the former is unjust,
the latter cowardly. Both methods are
Incorporated in the tactics OF unprincipled
partisans, but the former is honorable
when compared with the latter.
We have observed with disgust the
low subserviency, the fawning, palavering
policy of the Democratic party. 1t is
almost too despicable for comment. We
have supposed the President too sensible
TO be pleased with such transparent fattery
as he is receiving, but it is astonishing
how complacently he receives it. The
''soft soap" is continually daubcd on
thicker and thicker. and still his compos-
ure is undisturbed. Any expression Of
disagreement with hisj policy is seized up
on by his pretended admirers as an oppor-
tunity for the worst personal abuse.
Men Of influence and character in the
Republican party also-we blush scarlet
and write this in a whisper - give
President johnson the doubtful compli-
ment of approving every act and shouting
''bully" at every u%tterance. President
johnson, though perhaps a great and
good man, is neither omniscient nor infal-
lible. If he is a man of refined sensibil-
tiles, such maudlin batteries must be dis
tasteful if a man Of sense, he must per-
ceive that they are far from compliment
airy to him as a man. We expected such
fulsome iattery of the Democratic party
we expected it of the Chronicle and of
some other journals which make policy
the rule Of their conduct but we did not
expect it of the advocates Of moral re-
form.
1t is not strange hat voorhees, offered
carefully worded resolutions endorsing the
president, that in all the 9Th of
January celebrations the name of Andrew
Johnson was associated with that of An
drew jackson, and that the former was
regarded as the exponent of the views of
the latter" that the Tunes characterized
Senator Summers honest difference of
opinion from the presidents policy of re-
construction, ian attack upon the presi-
dent" that the Chronicle waits for the
indication OF the presidents policy and
then strikes out boldly, but it is strange that
a independent paper, the earnest advo-
cate of moral reform Oh all subjects upon
which the opinion Of the executive is eth
er not expressed Or coinciding with il,
should hesitate and keep back their convic-
tons of right and endorse his action in
other matters, out Of sheer fear Of injuring
the prospects of the Union party, or dam
aging their W personal hopes Of position.
This vaccilating, fawning policy 6nds
it's share Of admirers among the smaller
fry which follow the lead of the moro Inv
iuential spirits, quoting, haggling. endor-
sing Unfortunately, they hardly know
what, only following the safe rule, of
committing themselves to no very decided
policy. This is not as it should be. We
should endeavor to right that which is
wrong even though it is entrcnched in
prejudice and backed BY power.