Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1870-02-05
SOCIAL VIRTUE.

Virtue Is the earnest and continuous
approach of an individual to perfec-
ton. 1t consists of two parts: the in
ternal meditation upon good leading
to good resolutions, and the external
action, which converts them into a po-
tent force. The first may flourish in
solitude, but the latter is dependent on
society for existence. Alone, we may
reflect OH the beauty of honesty, cali
dor and ~self-sacrifce, but if these re
Elections are ever to develop into vir-
the, it must be by direct contact with
mankind. All virtue is thus eminently
social, and no one can ever be indie
pendent of the character Of those that
surround us. Every individual Is con-
stantly either contributing to the stock
Of social virtue, or diminishing it, and
is, in his turn, either improved or de-
graded by his Intercourse with others.
Mo man liveth to himself" IS n great
law of nature, which, struggle as we
may against it, will ever maintain it
self. As one foul object Will faint the
air of 4 whole room, so IN vicious
member of 4 family or n community
may corrupt the entire social atmos-
phcre. In countries where poverty
and degradation exist in certain
classes, other classes who may fancy
themselves far removed, are really
contaminated. Even nations bring
their characters to bear upon
each other, in proportion to the
nearness of their intercourse. Every
new invention of science, which facili-
tatcs communication, also aids In diff
fusing moral character. Each indt-
yidual is then personally interested in
the virtue Of every other individual,
every nation in the enlightened pro
Srcss of every other nation. The
| elevation of all benefits each, and the
Onward progress Of each assists all.
| Evils in social life seem to deepen OH
examination. This d~iscourages many
from attempting to uproot them; but
the truth is, the more hideous they
appear the more chance there is for
their eradication. When the corrupt
substance that is poisoning the atmos-
phere is brought to light, its offensive
character seems to be greater than
before, but its manifestation quickly
leads to its Punishment. Vices flourish
best in darkness; the light that is
thrown upon them is the beginning of
their destruction. Their exposure and
abolition are obligatory upon all good
citizens. This may an herculean
task, but il each one put his shoulder
to the wheel, manfully and ~resolutely,
the change in public morals would
soon be manifest. Interest and prtl-
dence alike unite in enjoining this
duty. and all combinations having
such ends in view demand the aid and
support of all. Every citizen shares
the responsibility of the public morals,
aud none cal with any justice cast
this burden upon another. Especially
Is this the case in this country,
where so much Of the real governing
power lies In the votes of the people.
If it is the special duty of the states
man to enforce public morality, it Is
equally that of the citizen to elect
only those to offices of trust and power
whose character Is above suspicion.
Honesty and t%ruthfulness should at
least be required, and before these pri-
mary essentials of good government,
every party feeling should disappear.
In a despotism the people, while suf-
fering from the lack of virtue in the
governing powers, may be unable to
prevent this misfortune, but in q free
country like ours, where the power is
all delegated by the people themselves
to the rulers, the responsibility is
equally shared, and every citizen is in
his own degree accountable for the
character of those whom he has helped
to raise to offices Of trust. 1t is only
when the worship of wealth is dis
placed by the worship Of virtue in tile
hearts of the people, and when integ-
rity is valued above partisanship, that
the organs Of Government will ac-
knowledge as their first duty the estab-
lishment and protection of public and
social virtue. Meantime, the duty is
incumbent upon all of protecting our
national virtue. 1t is q subject that
demands the keenest scrutiny, the
wisest ~deliberation, and the most zeal
Gus and determined efforts.