Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1872-09-20
Sincerity and neoisinn.


eepted than this "IIe is sincere" And,
believing in a mans sincerity will induce
us to behold or .conte mplate his course,
however erratic, and listen to his words
and schemes, no matter how utopian, with
greater consideration. If we are only con-
vinced Of his sincerity, he may perpc ctrate
many things detrimental to our intercsts,
incurring our displasure and perhaps
evoking our ire, but rarely without elicit
ing our pity--pity for his ignorance, his
misguided judgement, or the semi-insane
views he may entertain.
But it is not healthy sentiment. For
a man to be useful member Of society, it
is essential that he should be intelligent, as
well as sincere. The most virulent ene-
mics Of the human race have, doubtless,
been actuated by sincere motives The
fanatics who controlled the Inquisition
and the Auto-da-fe were probably as sin
cere as any who seek, at the expense OF
others, their own aggrandizement or that
of the party to which they belong.
If an individual is fanatic, society
smiles at his Irregularities, and commonly
deems him harmless; and SO long as his
whims and oddities does not effect our in
terests, we can afford to laugh and be
merry at his expense. Men do not care to
inquire by what ratiocination he has be-
come convinced OF his dogmas, nor will
they manifest much concern as to the prob
able or certain consequences of his theory
to himself; but only let it become appar-
ent that his views are inimical to our in
terests, and we Immediately feel it incum-
bent upon US to prevent their being carried
into practice.
Here both sincerity and decision develop
into action. Indeed, the latter quality is
almost inherent in the former, for when
ever ideas assume a tangible form, or
eliminate results which we deem prejudicial
to our welfare, decision becomes the parent
OF active measures, with determination to
counteract such results, or prevent their
future elimination. Although evils may
and do arise every day, owing to lack Of
decision, its absence is either attributable
to an inadequate knowledge, or only par
tial apprehension OF the real circumstances
in the case. Decision is the natural off
spring of sincerity, but affords no proof of
its existence, and is often exercised where
sincerity is not involved.
Perhaps there are no sentiments which
take and retain so firm hold upon the hu-
man mind as those of religion, and none
in which sincerity is so apparent. But the
very reverse of this is the case in politics,
or at least among politicians. This is not
necessarily so, but the desire for power and
patronage has become so strong, and the
| contest for its possession SO fierce, that
people have come to look upon their at
tainment as the legitimate elimination OF
the strife, and OF first Importance.
Who expects the politicians OF the pres
ent day to be sincere? The parties out of
power spare no pains IN 6:nunciation of the
government, rendering vigorous defense
on its part necessity; and in this war OF
words principles are ignored or lost sight of
In the political assemblage of the present
day do we hear the aspirants for Office expa-
tiate upon public measures--the tariff, the
currency, the foreign or domestic policy oi
the country? Do the masses who attend
such gatherings ever listen to one reason
why they should vote for certain men only
as they are the nominees of the party? Are
not the views and political tenets of every
candidate merged into the policy OF the
organization to which he belongs9 He
pale. No matter what his convictions are
he must act with the party or he is counted
among its opponents; hence, many men
are led by party tics to adopt or sanction
political acts with which their views dc
not fully accord, and of the wisdom oi
which they are not convinced or satisfied
Are they sincere?
We believe that HORACE GREELEY is al
well satisfied to-day as he ever was, tha
the accession of the Democratic party tC
power would be attended with disastrous
results to the welfare of the country. Bu
he is being lured on to ruin by the igni
fataps OF Presidential honors. He cannot
, in the nature OF things, be sincere. A mar
truly so, and anxious to promote the wei
fare OF the people, could not, and woulC
not, accept office through such question:
BILE means as those resorted to for his elec
ton. But ii he we're elected, and surround
ed, as we believe he would be, by treason
able elements, his insincerity would b
co-existent with his term OF office, az proc
of his fealty to the party which electe,
him; hence he would have no decision
worthy OF the name, but would present t.
the world the anomalous spectacle Of al
Executive, essentially Republican, bow
ing down before the moloch OF Democracy
and subservient tool in the execution @
its behests, and the enforcement of il
measures.
Will the intelligent voters OF the countr
elevate to the chief magistracy of the ma
t;on so insincere,so undecided and so truck
, ling a candidate? We think they kno,
better, and will not be thus sold and be
trayed.
The Republican party need not discus
measures OF public policy. Their recor
, and their fidelity in the past afford a sui
fcient guaranty OF their course in the fu
ture. We do not claim perfection for til
party, or believe all the memlers immacu
late or even sincere; but we do claim tina
its administration of public affairs has bee
success; that the progress of the natio
| from condition bordering on chaos, hu
{ been rapid and substantial, and that tn
fragrant abuses which, under Democrat
: rule, was so notorious in the various de
partments, are being corrected as fast 8