Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-01-17

We admire good poetry upon any sub
iect. but when its sentiments accord with
our own it is especially grateful to our
feelings. When we read poetry we like to
have the author throw his whole soul into
his verses. When he does there is natu-
raj eloquence and pathos in the effort which
calls up a responsive echo in the hearts Of
his readers
With such feelings we re-published a dayor
two ago the beautifullines written shortly af-
ter the death Of Mr.. CALHOUN. by Governor
II olden, as a tribute to his memory. Not
only in an artistic point of view does this
effort possess high merit, but also as an
evidence OF a sincere and earnest apprecia-
ton of the distinguished statesman-the
"Southern STAR" whose "guiding rays :"
were gone forever. It's author was then
the respected exponent of a great party,
his heart as yet untouched by the greedy
aspirations which since have burnt out every
vestige Of truth and honesty and left but
the blackcned and charred remnants be-
hind. Then the friend and associate, or the
honored opponent, of the leading men OF
the State, and the choice of many for the
highest office w thin the gift of the people
of North Carolina, lie is to-day the Head
Centre Of the Loyal Leagues, and the e&-
ponent OF all that is base and ignoblo i'll
political and social q Generalization.
In his new role of unmistakahle 10y
atty" Holden will doubtless become Father
Confessor to the Convention just assembled
in Raleigh, and as the majority Of the
white members are ignorant boobies, or
Northern adventurous whose own people
never appreciated, and consequently never
rewarded, their Legislative abilities, are
probably ignorant of the poetical talent
and the fire of genius which rankles in his
breast, and has in it's uncontrolled and I'M
comfortable scintilations given expression
to thoughts not altogether orthodox, We
have seen proper to introduce him to
the delegates as poet as we'll as politician.
Since the development of ''moral insanity"
in PiersOn, the editor of the only paper in
Raleigh the claims of which were superior
to the Standard for the printing Of the
Convention-Holden r0bs men Of their
good names, while Pierson only steals their
purse--we suppose the new born loyalty of
the Governor will be still further rewarded,
and who knows, since we have displayed
his ability in the "poetry line he may
not be elected Poet Laureate to the body
also. Justice can hardly be done to the
shining lights Of the Convention within
the duh provincial restraints of prose; their
names can better fill the sounding trump
of future fame" within the license permit
ted to the poet.
But seriously. Nothing SO forcibIy re-
minds us of the better days Of the Repub
lie than by contrasting the Poet with the
Politician; by placing in juxta-poaition the
noble sentiments Of an honorable author
with the ignoble efforts of a dishonorable
politician. Temporary success Of lawless-
ness, present overthrow Of decency, the
transient obscurity of good influences, en-
able this glow-worm to emit feeting light
"a morbid fungus imbedded in the moral,
social and political rottenness of the times.
But the fangs of the reptile have been ex-
tracted The Northern masses cry out to
the Southern people,
g be not affrighted
Fly not; STAND still :-ambition's debt is paid