The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-10-31
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 81, 1865.
Personalities in Politics.

THE foundation of the original Democratic
party had among its corner-stones one OF
personality. Its appeals to the people were
either based on hero-worship, the exaltation
of man to the seventh heaven of political
party, or else by the vilest abuse of all such
leaders as saw fit TO oppose its triumphs.
If this feeling of personality existed in the
party during its best days, it is with no sur
prise that we see that it has grown with its
growth and strengthened with its strength.
Never, in the history of the campaigns of our
country, have the Democratic journals in
dulged in more gross and disgusting per-
sonalties than during the one which is now
in progress. We notice that not only is the
political and public career of the radical
leaders abused with an openness and a dis
courtesy very discreditable in the opposition;
but also their private character is assailed IN
attacks so wanton, so malicious, SO scurrilous,
and so false, that we are at loss to
account for the inventive genius OF the
auLhors of these stories We could instance
cases without number. There is, in fact,
hardly Republican leader who is exempt
from assault. A SANDER too disgracelul to
repeat is current among the opposition Jour
mails in regard to Thaddeus Stevens. Another,
almost its equal in the magnitude of the crime,
was circulated about General Butler. All
can easily remember the tale of the conduct
of General Fitzpatrick, and the gross injus-
tice that was done to that soldierby the pro-
pagation of the falsehood.
The latest object of their attack is General
N. P. Banks, who is accused of drunkenness
at Portland, and the New York World
gracefully remarks, that he "was treated as
they would sick horse, to get him in a con-
dit'on to speak, We apologize to our read
ers for the quotation, but it serves to show
how reckless and desperate the opposition has
grown. The utter falsity of the charge was
proved by General Banks, and is attested to
by the gentlemen who were with him at Port
land, and by the audience that listened to his
address. Yet, Notwithstanding his refutation
Of the wilfully concocted libel, we see it re-
published again and again, with no other
object than to injure the character of a States
man OF national reputation. 1t can do the
Democracy no good, and can only be ac-
counted tor on the ground Of malicious de-
sire to blast the fair name of an honorable
opponent.
We have quoted sufficient to prove
that such is the style of Democratic argu-
ment during the campaign, and as citizens of
a great country, who prides herself on the
civilization of her children, we regret such a
custom. We do not speak as partisans, for we
condemn it when found on the Republican as
well as on the Democratic side, but as lovers
OF decency, we deplore the prevalence OF the
habit. Why should the private character of
a man be dragged before the public because
he sees fit to express his political views?
Why should we not contest with him on the
principles be processes, and not on his per-
sonal moralityp
Does it affect the soundness of an argu-
ment in support of our national measures,
whether the speaker be religious or irreli-
gious man? We hold man accountable to
the social bar of judgment for all malteasance
in private life; but in arguing an important
issue, is it fair or is it necessary to penetrate
the circle OF personality, and test the force of
our argument by the character of the speaker?
Have the American people SO far degenerated
as to enjoy the gossip of scandal, and do the
Democracy hope to ALLEVIATE the confidence
OF the masses by maligning the domestic
conduct of a statesman?
We hope the day is not far distant when
both parties will be compelled, by the force
of moral censure, to abandon this style of
campaigning; when the great parties OF the
day will base their claims for the suffrages of
the people on principles, not personalities;
when an attack on an opposing leader will be
only on doctrines, and not on his domestic
concerns. We think that the people are get
ting disgusted with the grossness of these
personalities, and feel that before long we
will not have cause TO complain of the bad
taste displayed to-day by our opposing con-
temporaries.