Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1867-03-08
Politicians versus the People

made, that in our Republican govern
ment. the selection of officers as well
rs the control of all important meas
ures is in the hands Of a very lew
scheming politicians, that 1t seems
worth while to give it some careful I
consideration. If it be true, it is a
matter of just alarm. If it DC not
true it is quite time that the public
mind be corrected. For it is unqncs-
tionabIy true, that the assertion is
largely believed. Public opinion Is
quite as likely to be formed by the re-
heated statements dinncd into the
cars of the people, as by careful re-
faction on facts. What we arc told
day after day as truth, by those who |
control ;he press and occupy the plat
form, and who ought to know, we take
to be so, in many cases, without the
trouble Of collecting and comparing
facts, and forming conclusions for our
selves. But it is often useful to Oh
serve carefully and Judge for ourselves.
What then are the facts, and the Just
conclusions to he formed from them
on the question in hand? We do not
thiaI they Justify the above assertion.
That there are a few politicians who
sce!; to put their men in Offices, and
t. control the important measures OF
state we 40 not doubt. But the qucs-
ton is, are they as successful as is
asserted? Do they control affairs
or is there really Il power in the in
tclIigcncc and integrity of the people
that is in theory and in fact control
ling? We think the latter is clear
ly true.
In the first place, the common, pub
lie, Intelligent sentiment of the people
IS recognized by these men who aspire
10 hc leaders, and TO a very large eX
tent shapes their plans and efforts
Tbs" know that many schemes which
they propose among themselves, an(
would gladly carry, cannot receive
TIC support Of the people, and for thi
reason they are never publicly pro
posed. Any one who has any intima
cy with these politicians, will recall
how frequently in all their pipe laying
and state arranging, they make refer
cree to the sentiments and disposition
of the people as an element in thci
calculations, not to be neglected, an,
whiuh is to be taken into the accoun
Of success, aud so. in determining
what plans shall be attempted an,
what names shall he proposed. Her
there is ground for di5bclieving tn
popular assertion, and for encourage
meut to those who would believe i
the worth and the safety Of a govern
men: by the people. Here is founda
ton also for those who would labo
to preserve and to perfect our fire
government. Educate, purify and Gle
vatc the great masses of the common
people, and however many, and how
ever scheming may be the politician:
these will be compelled to form ihei
pans so as to meet the popular az
prQval,
In the second place, politicians ar
by no means certain to carry thei
plans. Their states are often rutl
llsSly shattered to atoms and trodde
under the heels Of the people TIL
last few years have given some note
worthy instances of this kind. whic
are peculiarly refreshing to lovers o
free institutions, which are sore war;
ings to INSCRIPTIONS leaders, an
which ought to silence those VIII
croak about the servility of the pee
pic. In 1859 and 1860, the leader
Of the politics Of this Republic, plar
cd the division of this government
ono portion planned to accomplish i
and another planned to let it be Al
cOmp!isEed.
The people never entered into eitl
er part Of this plan. At first the
were astoundcd at it, and stood lik
those bewildcred at some huge a
fright, knowing not what to do
Such leaders in politics and law a
Buchanan, the President, and Black
the Attorney General, declared tina
the constitution made no provision t.
restrain secession. Scott, the lon,
honorcd leader Of our armies. so ia
acqulesced as TO suggest that it b.
said to the hayward sisters, 90 il
peace. Greeley the idol Of tie North
crn people as the leader of their pub
lie opinion through the press, saw n,
way out of the difficulty. and was jus
ready to acqaioscc in disintergratiol
as an accomplished fact There wer,
no leaders ofthe nation ready to poin
to any way out Of the dilemma. Rut
The people educated to love and be
lIcve IN their Republican government
soon found means to speak their con
vletions and assert their faith. Mr.
Lincoln had not been selected becous,