The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-02-17
Judge Black for the Presidency.


Several western papers and some in
this State, urge the nomination of JER.
EMIAH 3. BLACK for the Presidency.
Ranking amongst theN very first of
American Statesman, If he has peer,
in intellect, patriotism and fearless in.
tegrity, he would be a President of
whom any country on the face of the
globe might we'll feel proud. But, in
view of the fact that the Presidency
has lately been held by mere politi-
clans, statesmen of second and lower
rank, by men of no other than military
ability and distinction, and even by
buffoon, as well as aspired TO by hosts
of similar ilk-in plain view of this
recent history, is 1t not hoping against
hope to ever expect to see the people
rally to the support of one so intellect
ually and morally great and of such
matchless purity and patriotism as
Judge BLACKY His nomination would
let loose every rascal of every grade
from one end of the country to the
other, every selfish interest, every evil
disposed puppy and selfish puppet,
every unpatriotic purpose and illegit-
innate money making scheme, to arouse
all the slander, and hatred, and vile
motive that can actuate humanity, TO
tester opposition TO him. Is there vir-
tue enough in the land to resist all that?
Millions OF money could be commanded
to defeat him, or any other as great and
pure as he, and against these influences
there would be nothing but pure patri-
otism and intellectual ability to oppose.
The question again arises, is there vir-
tue enough in the land to sustain the
right in such contest?
1t would be proud thing for any
party to have such candidate as its
exponent-a prouder thing still for any
country to have the merit of electing
such a candidate. But, we fear, the
American people can never make such
Il boast. Discreditable to our National
pride as it is, the fact exists, that there
is something else than high patriotic
purpose and overtowering ability neces.
sary 10 constitute availability in po-
litical contests The least offensive
amongst these something's" is COM
bination of sectional feelings and
interests, or the possession of ephem.
eral popularity for some peculiar
cause. Too often, the worst form, sell
fish interest, and bald demagoguism
control, and in the retinue come all
manner Of disreputable motive and OBJ.
ject. The man of comprehensive mind,
understanding all questions and boldly
supporting or opposing all upon the
solid principle of public requirement
and general good, who has the manhood
to oppose bad popular measures with
energy and effect, or to oppose that
which .demagogues have made popular
though wrong, or yet to support with
power measure of merit that may be
unpopular because misrepresented and
consequently misunderstood a
great honest brave man, we are COM
PEELED to admit, is seldom popular ex-
cept when he has the rare opportunity
of demonstrating his great merit in a
single brilliant act that forces attention.
Happy and honorable would 1t be to
the country if these things were other
wise. Unfortunately the truth is as we
have stated, and we all have to deal
with public affairs as they exist and
arise before us.
But in any case, we would like to see
the Democracy of Pennsylvania play
the noble part and present Judge
BLACK for the Presidency. In spite of
any subtle reasoning on the subject, we
are yet unwilling to admit that rare
fitness is not a strong element of success
even in Federal contest. At least, if
defeat did follow, we would never have
cause to be ashamed of what we had
proposed to do. ...