The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1873-03-08

The great Tammany exposures and later
those Of the Credit Mobilier, and cf
Pomeroy's bribery reveal picture of
a want of moral principle among men
high in honor and position, that is per
fectly appalling.
Corruption, the amassment Of sudden
and aiabulous fortunes, committees of
investigation and ruin is, briefly, the
career of alas too many of the most
trusted and honored servants of the
people. e.ss,.. r..
Indeed, so common is the evil, that
universal stigma is thrown upon politics
and Office. Every candidate is suspect,
ed : ever Office holder condemned.
What is the cause of tins prevalence
Of crime in high places
eNot to put too emo point upon it,"
it ssi6iply the aari sacra fumes, the
accursed love of gold.
Too many men seek office for pelf and self.
Partisans on either side ascribe this
political immortality to the platforms
audaorganizations of the different par
ti6s.iTb, i.
How absurd Political principles 80
called have no connection with individu-
o.; integrity. The one is matter of
opinion the other matter of moral
perception duty. A may believe
in the doctrine of State rights, B may
not, yet both be equally honest.
No political dogma has tendency 10
make it's disciple steal
Tie cause lies in temptation. The
remedy, of course, is either to remove
tho temptation or to expose only those
who can resist it, to its influence. The
former is rather beyond the scope of this
article, The accumulated and glittering
piles Of public money fused aud mixed,
wherein, nc. man knoweth his own, must
be handled by some one The tempta-
tion is strong. How to Increase the
responsibility, accountability aud secur'.
.ty; how to make the punishment of
embezzlement, more certain and terrible,
are themes for future political phicso-
phers and subjects for Legislative study.
ShroTheilatter is more practicable and can
:. be accomplished.
Men can be found with the moral
nerve to withstand the presence of temp
atation in its most voluptCous and subtle
ti form, and not fall. How to get these
men! 1t is said that this is nation of
politicians. Every man is politician.
Every man, however ignorant on other
subjects he may be, can tell you all the
political parties, platforms, principles,
: doctrines and prospects. This is what
q is. said OF US as people. Certainly
every man Is anxious to define his po-
litioal position. Who has not been
victim, in daily intercourse, of this dis
position to define exactly.
The farmer in bargaining for his land
accurately and deliberately defines ..his
political outlook. Almost every wit
ness. who oscends the stand keeps the
Court waiting to hear "what he knows
of this case" until he defines himself
politically as 'snot one of these men,
who," &c.
i2i I'VE, are all political philosophers,
(and astronomers, too).
'''' But yet the keen crafty few beguile
nation. They, whose business is poll
tics, whose trade is Office, whose aim ia
plunder, know how to cater to and
. hpmor this political knowledge aud how
Hto make it pay.
: a IF this people were less politicians
/ sand moro practical, better day would.
dawn.
Never was there greater falsehood
than the political maxim, Measures, not