Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1874-05-14
Political Morality.

(The following article, from Serb
ner's Monthly for May, should be read
by every American citizen.)
We hear great deal now -a-days
about the rule of Second rate men; :
and there are many good people who
fancy that the country is suffering
from the lack of great craftsmanship
among our lawmakers and the execu-
tive officers of the government. There
isa measure ofjustice in this judg-
ment, without doubt, but it does not
cover the ground. There is, at least,
ability enough among these men to
carry their policy, whatever it may be.
There is no lack of ingenious subter-
fuge, fir reaching intrigue, bold and
powerful leading, and personal inhu-
ence and public eloquence, to compass
any end desired. There is no lack of
instrumentalities to push any approx
ed party scheme; to forward any spe-
cial interest; to advance any sectional
policy; to secure the personal ag-
grandizment of any pet of cabal.
From the low standpoint Of the pre-
valent political morality, there seem
to be abundant intellectual ability to
carry any desirable measure. 1t is not
the brains that are at fault it is the
heart. It is not ability that is want
ing; it is morality.
Have we at the head of the govern
ment a man of heightened morality?
"a man whose supreme desire is to
do right ?-who, above all personal in
tcrest, above all party policy above all
the influence of corrupt men is exer-
cised by the dominant purpose to
keep his conscience clear and his hands
clean, and to serve his people with
answering integrity? Are the lead
ers of our national councils and the
men of influence there trustworthy
men? Are they men who take the
straight path of duty and follow it, if
respective Of all the brides which pow
er and wealth hold in their hands, and
regardless of all the threats ofunprinci.
pied DULLES and intriguers? We are
called npon to answer these questions;
but all those who feel compelled to
give them negative reply hold in
their hands sufficient explanation of
the evils from which the country sut-
fers to-day. 1t is not necessary to
point to the Credit Mobilier, or the
Salary Grab, or any of the corrutp
schemes by which these men betray
themselves. A low morality among
our Legislators and rulers gives, all
though, by fatal necessity, immoral
Legislation aud immoral administration
1fthis low morality exists, every inter-
est of this great country is at,s mercy.
All the national questions that arise
must be settled by it. 1t vitiates the
national policy; it poisons every polit-
ical measure; it narrows everything
down TO the limit of its own party
and personal interests.
The people Of America richly de-
serve the infection of all the evils from
which they suffer. From the time OF
General Jackson to this day there has
been practically but one rule In the Sc
lection Of a chief magistrate, and that
rule has been mainly followed in the
election Of our national legislatures.
This rule is known as Availability"
Each party has put forward tor its
leaders, little and large, those who fol
any reason seemed likely to get the
greatest number of votes. In no in
stance during this period have we had
in the presidential chair a first class
man. Some ST our presidents have
been good, but weak some have been
old political trimmers; some have
been Doors who were the laughing
stock of the nations; some have been
mulish and ignorant. Certainly no
one has stood upon an equality with
Washington, Jefferson and the Ada
mes. The question Of morality is not
one with which OUR people baw COZ.