The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1869-09-23
interviewing.

The practice of interviewing, which has
sprung up of late years seems to be gradual
ly becoming recognized as an instrumentality
by which prominent men can informally hold
discourse with the public and apprize them of
their ideas upon the leading questions OF the
day. 1t need scarcely be said that no inter-
est of the community requires any such prac-
tice. The country has got along very well
without it for many years, and might perhaps
survive, if it were put an end to. Many of
the characters thus interviewed are mere no
bodies, in whose sayingsan and ideas, ifthey have
any, no one feels the slightest concern. AS
an illustration of the extent to which the
practice has been carried, it is sufficient to say
that somebody has been interviewing old Jes-
see Grant, father of Simpson. IF their is a
more superlative ass in the country than this
man, Kentucky, which is interested in rails
ing that description of stock, ought to secure
his services without delay. But outside of
the mule breeders Of that region. no one is
entertained by hearing his discordant utter
ances. ~
One noticeable and disgustibg feature of
the interviewing of prominent men, is the
sycophantic and abject tone in which the
writers represent themselves as addressing
the objects of their curiosity. They arc not
ashamed to describe themselves as walowing
in the very dust at their feet. treasured BY
his nod, says late interviewer of Gen. Cosby,
/" approached" &c. &C We bit off the ends
of our cigars and he pulled his after the man
ner of Gen. Grant" Who is Crosby, and
who is this servile turnkey and bootlackie p
Can sele degradation father go? And yet
the New York. San, which employs man to
do such work, talks loftily of the indepen-
dence and honor Of the press y Statesman.
Degeneracy. a.u 9t
IF the present generation be distinguished
for anything, it is for degeneracy. Daily
events prove this. Jiaxity of morals, bad faith,
and infdelity in the discharge of defined du7
ties form distinguishing traits in the charac-
ter Of the people of this land. In public and
private life this is noticeable; but especially
is it apparent in official circles Honor is un-
known, oaths are not regarded as sacred or
binding, and men high in power are dead to
shame, decency and a proper regard for their
characters. Should these evils increase IN
the next decade, as they have in the one
about to close, what an alarming spectacle
will socetyin this country present! Love
of lucre has taken the place of integrity,
fidelity, virtue, religion, and self-respect Il
The land is full of individuals who are in
the market ready toreceige brides for the per-
Torrance Of the most diabolical deeds, and
the sworn officers of the Republic are I'M
mindful Of their oath, dead to the perform
ance of their sacred and solemn duties to the
State and to the people The land walls
with iniquity it groans under the burden
Of corruption Such state Of things may
continue for a time, but its duration will be
brief: Society will not always tolerate error
There has been in all ages, and so there is in
this age, remnant of good and true men,
capable of restoring order out of chaos. That
it may be SO in the present day, is the prayer
of all good men.
This land-a land blessed by God and ma
ture is cursed by politicians, selfish dema-
gogues, and Intriguing place-seekers. ~ Wash-
ington Times. ;' s. F'''
- Ef75tt 549-sf5N-