The weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 186?-1869, 1868-10-21
Eandalism.

II there Is one sort OF vandalism worse
than another, it is that which disregards and
tramples under foot the rightsof reputation
and character. 1t is worse than vandalism
upon property. liberty or life. These may
be destroyed and the victims may notwith-
standing be respected and enjoy the conf
dence OF their fellow men. But reputation
and character oyerslaughed. blackencd and
blasted, the victim becomes the scorned and
despised of society-none will trust him. all
despise him; it is a yeritable crucifxion.
This is the design of this kind of vandal-
ISN'T is malicious, barbarous and devilish.
Nevertheless it is very much in vogue in
these days. and we are sorry to say very
much in vogue in these parts.
Political speeches and partizan papers
TEEN with assaults upon personal character.
Their object seems to blast, burn and cruel
fly their opponents through their reputation
and character 1t is not difficult to see that
these assaults are grounded in malice, not in
reason and truth
Many instances have come under our OBJ
seryation where the writers and speakers
have no personal acquaintance whatever,
with those whom they are assaulting, and in
some instances no acquaintance with their
friends Or their history. Yet all manner of
opprobrious epithets are hurled at them
o,,1 of fho hloclynct III
are charged upon them. This for the pur-
pose of destroying their reputation with
hearers and readers-more than that to rem
der them odious. Now, we submit that no
decent apology can be offered for this proce-
dure. As far as the speaker and writer is
concerned it is down right lying and n.y.
pocricy. The vandal trusts to be believed
because he processes to utter what he knors
to be the truth. Whereas he knows nothing
about the person he is slandering-
times knows him not by sight. The hypoc-
risy and rascality of this conduct it is i'm
possible to properly characterize. In the
language of Scripture, such are Pharisees,
hypocrites, worthy of the damnation of hell.
We disclaim the latitude of Inspiration, and
will not venture to employ its invective.
Though we are well persuaded that the van
dals richly deserve to have it poured upon
them.
This course of conduct is unwarrantable-
is an invasion of sacred right. because every
man can clearly demand that his accuser
shall know, or be able to prove his assertions.
If he cannot prove what he asserts human
law holds him to be slanderer,-ifhe does
not know that he utters the truth, Divine
Law holds him to be liar.
Again. These assaults upon character are
made in many instances when the victim is
known to be, and for long time, has been
thus known to be person of probity, of We
racity, believer in Christianity in not a
few instances, efficient members of the Chris
tan Church and sometimes a minister of the
Gospel, bearing 'clear papers, from the pro-
per ecclesiastical authorities of their denom-
nations, against whom no man of honest
purpose would dare to prefer charge of de-
reelection or crime.
Judged by any principle or precept of Di-
vine or human law, this is SANDER of unpar-
alelled turpitude. This is species of false
hood of which Satan himself ought to be
ashamed. 1t is hardly creditable that Satan
ever resorts to this wickedness.
1t is difficult to conceive of any plausible
palliation for this vandalism.
1t is unmitigated villiany. He who prac-
tises it should be held as beneath the con-
tempt and scorn of honest people. He
should be excluded from virtuous society
be shamed on the highway and Kissed at in
the public assembly.
Truth and friendship have no abiding
place in his soul Personal ends, and parti-
ian zeal will lead him to act the traitor and
the scorpion with regard to the wife of his
bosom.
He who attempts to destroy the reputation
of, or attempts even to inspire the public
mind with suspicion towards one whose
character is beyond reproach, places himself
beyond the pale of charitable consideration.
These are our views on this matter,and all
we have to say on the subject at present.