Smyrna times., 1869-05-05
.MISceIIUW ~ e D II S.
POlicy-Hunters.

| There is class of persohs-too numerous
| for the credit of human na:ure-whOSe wisdom
consists ina dominant and alabsOrbing selfish
ness. They sometimes glory in being consider
ed conservative; yet their conservatism, traced
to its fundamental principal, is simply a selfish
policy.
Such people find it convenient to shun dis |
tnct and definite commitment on all questions
involving difficulty or suggesting any peril to
themselves. They never touch an unpopular
cause, however urgent may be its claims. They
never advocate measure till it ceases to be
doubtful; and hence, their services usually
come when they are least needed 1t Is with
them a matter of deliberate policy to run no
hazards in respect to themselves. We never
see them in the thickest of the fight on any sub
. iect Indeed, they never do fight till the vic
i, tory is won and then their courage generally
comes up to the mark. A splendid eulogy
= upon Martin Lu her-one of the sturdiest rad
g their eloquent lips but whether they would
= have stood with Luther in Luther day squlte
:, another question. Tell them which way the
II current of popular feeling runs, and 1t will not
a be their fault if they do not run in the same
of direction.
10 This type of character, developed in the cum
in ming and artfu politician, has for its founda-
il ton . the cohesive power OF office and public
O or plunder Nothing is so interesting to him as
ID to have the majority on his side. His prlncl-
o. Piles always depend on votes His plan Is to
,is Gi, be with the winning party. He goes against
I'M reform or for it, advocates this measure and
ee, e. denounces that shouts freedom or eulOglzeS
ire slavery, joins the temperance party or atlateS
be himself with the rum interest, according to the
e'' calculations and forecast of a purely selhst
policy. He makes it his business to study the
temper of the public mind, and always colnclde
= ., with it, whether it be right wrong. Having
1t no principle except that OF political success, HI
es frames platforms, adheres to his friends for
in in sakes them, sets up men or knocks them down
eek just as it may be necessary to meet the demand
ad ani of this single idea There is scarcely anythin
hall which he will not do, or anything which he WI
iion not leave undone, If judged essential to tn
and game which he is playing.
An honest man, with upright feelings an
positive convictions, upon which he IS accu
tain toned to act, finds it exceedingly dlthcult
ght keep his patience with these policy hunters
Il s6e these selfish and inveterate dodgers, compr
q for misers, trmmers, and mere weathercocks
sec public feeling. He has the inward satistactl(
sgg ssS of thoroughly despising them, and the GOO
sense never to trust them. Whether they W
betray or defend cause, blow hot or blow col
a.., is simply question of profit or loss to theI
and selves. Conscientious fidelity to principal
yes Of thing unknown in their creed. From all su
It the conservatives we are inclined to say, In I
ns Of language of the Episcopal Liturgy, 10
Sh,dh ms IN Lord, deliver us. "
'%Tes s%S What, we beg to know, would become Of t
fits OF -. ..-.o.o,.. oP ,oorol truth if III
u had WOflu am JuC luCSICoOo VI
been type of character were the universal mode
ne sd Who would be the advocate Of truth in the
ca sn'ss E. when it wants self sacrificing friends? w
n such "ou Xut. -o,,II toIo Tho oround of
shall strong w no WOulu taho tho S'o""I Va
monstrance against prevalent and popular ev
where would be the martyrs fol, conscien
y. ,hs sake-the Luthers, the Pauls, the perse
'..ao, ted ones who cheerfully bear obloquy,
H ,Sft the Ss even give their own lves to make this
in s;fT Ger. purer and better world? All such exhibit
sal rep of humanity would become ODSOlete Bredt.
re filed y ' - -, ,,,oroI ;ntarast of manki
The wolll wants meH-honest and strait
forward men, who love God and love the tr
cen the more than human favor. The policy
' York, il can easily spare; but true men 1T car
tves of spare without serious loss.