Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-01-02
EmpracticabfeS.

fmprUcttcdofeSs
There is such thing as the average
sense or sentiment OF Society. which is
not to DO sighted or disregarded. 1t is
not characterized By progressive action.
nor is it devoid OF il. A we'll balanced
mind Is seldom far beyond what may be
called the common sense standard. II is
,he common make up of mankind. Then
there are individuals of erratic or origi-
nal orders OF mind, who are distinguished
for starting new theories or advancing
new ideas. The world may be indebted
10 such for its progressive actions. but
they are not, generally. persons OF al.
ministrs.ive qualities Of mind, capable
OF tilling, judiciOusly, places of power.
Every department, of life, and every or
der OF society contain these classes OF in
diyiduals. The pioneer may be entitled
to the credit OF developing county,
clearing it up and causing il to be settled,
but he gives way TO the steady settler
and pushes ahead, without enjoying IN,
fruits OF his labOrs. The inventive &C
MUS discovers new principle in mechan
les, and leaves the idea in u chaotic state
to be worked up by another, who get
the profit. while he dies 3 poor man
The moral reformer labors upon his
work Of Improving society, and gets on
~ showers OF rotten eggs for advancing
new ideas. which are, Years hence, gen
orally received The brilliant lawyer
does not always make the best Judge.
nor the most gifted preacher the best
pastor. nor the most scientific physician,
the best doctor.
Senator Sumner. of Massachusetts, i
noted tor scholarship, literary taste, anu
high moral principle. but succeeds ra,h
er poorly As a statesman. His last NOV,
is TO have the Constitution changed so a.
TO make the President eligible for ONLY
one term. He argues that no civil ser
vice reform can be complete until a Pres
ident has no motive TO use patronage 10
secure his election. He may or or may
not be correct in this proposition. but il
is pretty evident his motive for this NOV,
is hostility TO Gen Grant. Il might b..
to the discredt of President Grant thar
Mr.. Sumner opposed his administration
go bitterly. were IL not for The fact thai
he was as bitterly opposed 10 that of Mr.
Lincoln. while he has, besides. quarreled
with his brother Senators so often that b,
has hardly friend among them. Tn,
gifted Fessenden could not agree With
him, and il is very evident that he is a
man either inperiOus and exacting in hi
demands, or visionary and speculative il
bis probably little Of both,
Now as to the zone term principle.
Mr.. Summers chief aim seems TO be 10
prevent Executive patronage 10 secure
reelection. We doubt ii the eminenl
men who served q second term. such a.
Washington. Jefferson. Madison. Nun
roe, Jackson or Lincoln, secured THEN
elections by The aid of presidential pat
ronage. They were re elected becaus,
the people wanted them. and no manipu
laiiOn oil officials could procure a second
term for political schemers. If PreSi
dent proves 10 be the best man for III,
place. the people should have the right L.
MS services longer, if they desire them
Take the case OF Mr.. Lincoln. Who was
so well adapted TO hold the kelm OF Stat,
as he who had guided ii so we'll through
the dark and troubled waters Of rebellion:
1t would have been deplorable. indeed
if the people could not haze continuec
him in power. tho the consequences wer
terrible to him.
The adoption of the amendment. Will,
it might deprive the people OF the be>i
man for the position. would not DO away
with the evil complained OF Exeoutiv,
patronage or influence is an incident TO
the station, and it Is in vain to attempt
to limit it. II the incumbent could no.
use il for himself. ne could do it better
for some one else. and thus perpttuat'
his CONT OlIing influence in public affairs.
Better leave the matter open as i alway>
has been, and leave it with the people To
regulate their affairs themselves. We
might legislals as well. that the President
shall have more than one term. rs bur
one. Probably an official never tried to
secure a re. election harder than Andy
johnson, and no one has made q wors,
failure.