Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1874-03-17
LETTER FROM "KELsEY."
The song of. the Dying Office
holder
NICEELsVILLE VA,

NICKELsvILIE VA.
March 9Th, 1874
Mr.. EDITOR:-It appears from the
proceedings of the General Assembly,
that our present Township organiza-
ton, with its large number of soft pla-
ces for local patriots, will soon be num-
bered with the past. This is regarded
by our office loving citizens, as the
greatest calamity that could befall us,
and one that will cause loud hOul of
Indignation from those who will he
consigned to the more humble walks
of private life, by The proposed change
The high positions" of honor and
trust were fast becoming the acme of
our youths hopes, and were also at
tracing the attention of those neigh
bOrEOod politicians, whose aspirations
in other quarters, had become some
what checked by the negligence of all
uuappreciative public.
To cut down the number of such de-
sirable positions, may be step toward
retrenchment and reform but at this
time, when applicants are so numer-
Gus, the benefit thus derived is more
than overwhelmed by the blighted
hopes aud bitter disappoiutments of
those, who are patiently awaiting their
turn.
1t would have been far better to
have increased these luXuIies, even at
the risk of causing the poor taxpayer
one more grunt, that thus rudely to
destroy ambitions brightest prospects.
In a conversation with gentleman,
who has for some time passed, pos
sessed high political aspirations, /
learned how gloomy the future would
be to his class, should the people of
Virginia, labOrIng under slight at
tack of economy, blot out these de-
lightful retreats.
He remembered that he had been
the victim of an Unsuitable thirst for
office for a number of years, and that
with the exception of being a Com
miSsary's clerk during the war, and
al assistant Post Master i'm fifth elias 9
post Office, since the war; this ruling
passion of his life lad never been graf
flied.
He had worn his laurels with COM
meudable dignity, and borne his mis-
fortunes with steady courage, hoping
that the sober second thought of his
fellow citizens would place him in a
position to which his merits entitled
him. This long expected reaction had
just taken place and the old veteran
would probably have been rewarded
next Spring by being made Super
visor. poor Superintendent or some
thing else OF the kind; but now these
delightful hopes are all crushed, and
the gentleman referred to will proba-
bly, spend the remnant of his life
mourning the ingratitude of republics.
Twas ever thus from childhoods hour,
We are tossed about BY those in power.
Our Representative at Richmond,
who have been instrumental in de-
priving these office-hOlders of their
few crumbs, may expect the whole
army az their heels during the next
canvass; and if they would preserve
their prospects for reelection, should
i'm return for the emoluments of said
offices, give to their holders some tile
of honor commensurate with their
stations.
1t is true that military titles are
quite common in our midst, yet they
are appreciated by those upon whom
they are conferred, and by judicious
application could be made to meet the
present emergency. Captain" as a
preamble. would tickle the vanity OF
any of our civilians. whilst Major"
and Colonel" are the best molliflers
known. Let our wise Legislators APP
ply this balm to the sore officials, anu
the bitter feelings of the Geposed gen.
try will melt away in the grandeur OF
a new elevation. Otherwise there IS
gloomy period before US, and many
Virginia heartLstone, that has been
made glad by the presence of a dis