Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1868-01-15
Political Trimmers,

The position Of Blondin slowly balancing him
self above the rapids Of Niagara Of the Hanlons
perched upon pinnacle, is nothing compared with
the miraculous feat which certain Of politicians
are attempting 10 successfully perform The task
Of riding two horses trottng in different directions
may be physically possible, bat tho endcavor to
lead two political parties IS moral impossibility.
Yet this is the present aim Of not or two but
very large proportion Of American citizens. In
every republic there is class who seek 10 DO the
winning side. III the current of popular opinion is
flowing so decidedly in direction as to leave all
doubt Of victory out Of the question: then they yield
TO The tide, and cheerlully swept along with it.
But if the ebb seems about 70 be commencing, and
it becomes difficult TO tell whether the rush will re-
cede or continue TO advance, their piteous uncer-
tainty certainly lacks moral dignity and cannot
claim much sei-rospect
Yet there are many Of our citizens in this deplo-
rabe condition to-day. They deem it possible that
the Republican party will continue TO be in the as
ccndant. They feel pretty sure that il will make
desperate and decided struggle 10 make its prnci-
pies succeed They have the assurance Of its lead
that it needs but q correction of its errors TO
mark out for it a course Of future greatness which
will out-rival all its past triumphs. And they
have for years voted with IT, they are 10th to leave
it now, when its end may not have come. On the
other hand, the reverses of the past year seem to
imply its waning power. The defeat looks like
reaction. trifling change of voters would not
have intimidated them. But here is the loss Of
thousands So they waver between the right and
the left They stand hating between two opinions,
envying the course Of the vessel which is able to
sail against the wind yet seems TO be but following
its direction.
II is, indeed, pitable condition for a man en-
dowed with intellect to be watching to the tide,
and not braTey battling for what he considers
right. The question whether not the Republican
party viii succeed does not enter into the consider
ation Of an honorable man IN desgalintnE his &C
ton. Success and defeat are but relative terms !;
right and wrong are immutablo. 1t does not mat
ter whether our doctrines receive the votes Of three
or three hundred thousand citizens Of Pennsylvania.
The number Of supporters does not alter the laws of
justice. II is the only manly course for each to
firmly settle his convictions and then stand by them
through victory or disaster The trimmer and time
server loses that keen consciousness of satisfaction
which is vouchsafed 10 one who has exercised his
right as an American citizen in the way which is
best calculated 70 promote, in his opinion, the ma
! tional good Those whose views are changed by
every changing breath of popularity are not worthy
of the namo Of men; they are but animated wealth
| ercocks
We are led 20 these remarks 10y the fact which
daily appears to us that the land is filed with po-
/ liticsl wav erers. Chameon-lile they are ever
ready TO change their hue. When we see a mar
shake his head wisely when others are expressing
their earnest convictions, and say nothing, we dis
trust him. IL may not be proper for public maj
in difficult position to declare his views on the is
sGeS OF the day, at tlme Wnen MS declaration
calculated 20 do no good but much harm. But W
like to see private citizens, who have RESPONSE
bilty but their own votes TO account for, speaking
boldly what they deem right, and not stand watch
ing to change the moment the popular mind veer
round. For ourselves we arc for the Republican
party hrst last, and always; and we oppose alik
the fanatic who would ruin il by precipitation ant
the political trimmers who would desert il at tn
first threatening cloud. The place which both prin
ciples and policy dictate all its members TO be in it
ranks following its banner 70 future victories
Philodeipbis Tetegrapa