The Potter journal and news item. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1872-1874, 1873-05-16
COUDERSFoRT. Pa, May 16, 1873

and the Revision of theT." The
writer goes on to say this is a omore
difficult problem, which ought to be
by the bes't, wisdom in the common
wealth. This is in reference to the
suppositious calling of a constitu-
tiOnal convention in Connecticut
but will apply perhaps as well to those
states which have made, or are try
ing to make, such Communications as
seem possible.
How to have a true, honest, self
respecting government; how to have
the offices in the GIFT of the people,
valued as positions of honor and re-
sponsibility; how to avoid and make
disreputable the scramble for office
and the needless abuse of it when OBJ
tanned; these are questions for the
constitution makers and for us ALL
But neither constitutions nor conven-
tions, as such, can do this. Their
work is with the national tree as it
stands; to trlm and top and train its
branches, but the axe needs to be laid
at the root of the tree, at the founda-
ton of society and of government,
and this must be the work of the
people in their individual capacity.
To be true, earnest, conscientious
ourselves Is the way, naturally it APP
pears the only way to be truly, con
scientiously represented. Ours being
representative government it is
probable that the masses of the people
are justly indicated by the Legislators
and other election officers. Some
good and faithful ones there have al
ways been, far more no doubt than
many Of the complainers would have
us believe, and those that are self
seeking and plundering are the fit
opponents Of the lax virtue and want
of principle of those who elect them.
Positions that should be, that were
intended to be those of honor and
trust, lose all the respect they should
inspire by being filled by very ignoble
persons. But if instead of crying out
against these unworthy servants, we
question ourselves: Are we living
truly, honestly, up to the best hight
we can attain2 Are we faithful in all
things as we think they ought to be ?
Are we teaching the young by precept
and example, the constant discharge
of every duty public and private?
Let us be assured when we are thus
Jealous ourselves, constitutions will
not need very much amending and
Legislators will not need any iron-clad
oaths.
One great cause of dissatisfaction
with our public men, is their extrava-
giant expenditure, which requires
such high salaries. But here it is
very plain that we set the example
They are but doing in their sphere
what too many of us do at home.
We reach after more and more; we
think how we can manage to expand
little here or there instead of trying
to find ways to be just as happy and
comfortable with little less.
We are displeased with the Presi-
dent having fifty thousand dollars a
year, with which to keep open house
to the representatives Of all other
governments as well as to be the
head Of nation of many millions.
But, probably one thousand dollars
or five hundred, or less, is as much
to each Of our establishments, that is,
for what is really necessary and suit
able for us, than fifty thousand is for
his.
We must learn simplicity of taste
and habits; not merely just what we
are compelled to exercise, but some
thing ofchoice before we shall have the
right to object to our employees, GO
ing to the measure of their ability in
gathering and spending. And while
the spending is the proof of the ac-
quiring and the faculty to acquire
wealth is considered the most valu-
able one to possess, there is no help
for this, we must begin deeper still to
effect reform and teach ourselves,
our children and those about us that
there are nobler faculties, worthier
occupations and uses for our minds,
our labor, our time.
It will take long to sort out politi-
cal trickery and subserviency to
money power, but probably not near
so long a time as would at first appear;
for there is % great deal of virtue and
honor in the land, both in public and
private life and as soon as the free