The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-10-30
POLITICS AND POLITICIANS.

At the present day we frequently hear
the subject of politics secuted by men of
character and standing, and politicians
spoken of with contempt This is not
much to be wondered at, considering the
kind of politics, which this country has
been cursed with ever since the advent and
reign of the Radical party, and the corrupt
politicians who have advocated and sus-
tanned it. But politics, properly under
stood and fairly and justly carried out, is
noble science or art, worthy the study
and consideration of every citizen of free
country. We give the definition of Noah
Webster, taken from the unabridged edition
of his dictionary. ''Politics-the science
of government; that part of ethics which
consists in the regulation or government of
a nation or State, for the preservation of its
safety, peace and prosperity; compre-
hending the defense of its existence and
rights against foreign control or conquest,
the augmentation of its strength and re-
sources, and the protection of its citizens
in their rights, with the preservation and
improvement of their morals. Politics, as
a science or an art, is subject of
vast extent and importance" There is
the comprehensive definition of good old
Noah Webster, and, viewed in the light in
which he places it, will it not be admitted
that there is something noble in the subject
of politics, worthy the serious and earnest
consideration of every good citizen of this
republic. Instead of ignoring politics and
trying to bring discredit on the subject and
everything connected with it, is it not the
imperative duty of every man to feel and
take a deep interest IN it, and endeavor, as
much as lies in his power, to make it just
what the old photographer declares it to be,
Subject of vast extent and importance?n
We think so. Let all our people, who say
they are sick and disguised with politics and
viii take no part in them, ponder over this
matter well, and see if they do not come to
the conclusion that they are wrong and act
accordingly.
Well, if politics be what it is represented
and defined to be, why should politicians of
the right kind be spoken of contemptuouslyg
We know there is class of so-called poll
ticians, who are making living by politics,
such as are now to be found generally
throughout the country, who deserve
all the contempt aud OpprObrium which
could be heaped upon them. But
these do not deserve to be called poll
ticians in the true sense of that term. They
are dirty, nauseous vultures, preying on the
rotten portions of the body polite; they
are thieves and plunderers, without any re-
gard to the public veal, Without spark Of
patriotism in their foul bosoms. Let these
be driven away from public life and forced
to keep themselves -within their own dens
of pollution and infamy, and let real poll
ticians, men Of heart and brains, take their
places, and then we shall witness reform
and a genuine progress at which all viii re-
joice and exult. This can only be brought
about BY ell good men taking an active part
in the politics Of the country, and making
them what they really mean and should be.
Win every Texan, who has concluded not to
register and vote, think over this matter
and do his dutyl We trust sos it is not yet
too late