Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1869-05-26
e oRREsPoND ENcE
imperialism VS.. RepuhIicanism.

Editors appeal: While speculation
Is rife concerning the merits of Impe-
rialism, as contrasted with Republi-
canism, may it not be possible that
some are hastily concluding in behalf
of the former? 1t is well to consider
whether it were best to bear the ills
we have, rather than fly to others we
know not of. There is, naturally, a
good degree of the mercurial element
In the American character. Progress
|-or change, which is, perhaps, in
many cases the better ternl-threatens
to run riot. The spirit of innovation
seems like the mild fire of the prairie,
to sweep irresistibly along over the
social end political domain. The
morbid fancy or appetite for transfer
nation, a changing of pictures in the
Governmental Kaleidoscope, Is much
like the sick patient to whose palate
nothing is acceptable. The thorough
arrangement of the physical organ
ism, may be susceptible of cure,
but not probably by violent
remedies. The abnormal con-
dition of the body polite, superin-
duced by violent causes, is well calcu-
lated to give alarm; but amidst the
dire apprehensions of its dearest
friends, surely hasty eDunsels and
doubtful ~restoratives should not OBJ
tain. The rashness of pulling off ones
nose to spite the face, may be serious
ly illustrated by a people whose face
should have a comedy appearance, de
spite the Affections and cares that
compass about.
All the resources of science and skill
should be exhausted, and the most
earnest and patient nursing brought
into requisitiOn, before the subject is
given over to death. Sonae peopleare
allowing their disgust to get the better
of their Judgment. In all candOr and
honesty, let Us review the situation
| and see whether all the means have
been employed, and in vain, to repair
the old ship of state. Are there not
many idlers standing aloof, indif-
| ferent as to her fate? Many
of great pretensiOns, deeply
| deploring but seemingly utterly in
sensible to the duties of the hour?
] There is a degree of dignity or ercIu-
sireHess with a certain class, that is a
sad reproach to patriotism, and al i'll
| omen to those who anXiOusly struggle
to rescue the lost treasures of liberty
| given in sacred trust by the stern
moral heroism of '76, to be perpetu-
ated as a lasting estate through the
sounding ages.
Where are the intellectual and
moral forces that should be operating
in the direction of constitutional gov
eminent? They appear not upon the
arena. Their light is hidden under a
bushel. If the essential constituents
| of good government are ignored or
held in allegiance, what hope is there?
Thefact is, there are too many jockey
politicians figuring in the ring. Party
hacks should be abandoned per force,
by the uprising Of the moral sentiment
Of the country. Let the professionals
be spectators for a time. It would
be refreshing, now and then,
to have a committee i'll which their
prominence was not suggestive OF
" cut and dried" not evidence of Off
ciOusneSs and alarming indications of
defeat. Lay aside squeanliShness, gen.
tlemen of character, of business tact,
who have really the greatest interests
involved, and come to the 'front.'
Think, talk and act in the interest of
reformation, and defer fer a time the
consideration of Imperialism, which
may be an igpis fdtuJts, leading its de-
votes through interminable political
marshes. Ihave been thinking of the
judiciOusness, practicability and eff
cheney Of a citizens party. More anon.
SPECTATOR.