National Republican., 1877-01-29
Tho ordeal OF Fire.

The Ordeal OF Fire.
We have recently adverted to the fact thai
10 times of great civil commoton the crown
ing danger is the weakening OF trusted leader
at the critical juncture when unanmity ant
undismaycd action would carry triumph TO tn,
side of the right, and that the surest test o
character is found in the crucIble holding the
residuum OF such occasions. It Is at such
times that controlling spirits soar into the
realms OF discovery, to ascertain some untried
remedy for unprecedented ills, and strive to
outdo themselves in patriotic deeds, seeking
concord and peace through the agencies OF
concession and Cancellation. And Just when
this aspiration most possesses such souls, and
this impulse most impels them, is the precise
moment of the supreme ordeal of fate for the
country whose destinies depend upon the result
OF their counsels. II In the processes Of Inven.
tion, extraction and adoption they have the
wisdom to throw aside everything but the
right, all is safe; but If any part Of the prln.
ciple at stake is resigned or discarded by the
peace concluded, its existence is short.liyed
and heetine. Justice will not slumber long on
the bed Of sacrifice, and men who barter away
her jewels, dispose Of that which is not theirs
to give, and will not escape an accounting for
tle sacrilege.
There would be comparatively small cause
of fear In such emergencies II the genius OF
the mind could remain unlnfuenced and un-
infamed by the fires Of ambition. But, un-
fortunately, the economy of man miugles
power and passion, making one the product of
the other, and uniting both In every great en-
deavor. Ambition stirs and judgment deter
mines, or judgment suggests and ambition
decides, just as the man happens to be pa
triot or a politician. Ambition Is omnipresent,
and ever begets the faint of selfishness by
charming the senses with visions of promi.
nence and power. And so It is that one who
would undertake to foretell his own action
under given circumstances of extremity must
confess to ineNperence or lay claim to greater
familiarity with his own endowments and re.
sources than has been evinced by any who
have gone before him.
In view Of all this the position OF the Hfth
Justice of the Electoral Court, to be selected
by the four whose circuits are named in the
law, is one not to be coveted, and beyond the
reach of envy; for 1t Is one which will be more
trying to human character and decisive of It's
merits than any hitherto occupied by an
American citizen since the days of the Royo.
luton. Not that he will be In fact more re.
sponsibie for his conduct than any other of
the high tribunal, but because being chosen BY
an equal representation Of both parties, pre-
sumably on account of his eminent jucIclal
fairness and accomplishments, known to his
brethren on the bench, he will be regarded as
the man Of all others whose voice and votes
will sustain the right, and give equilibrium to
fha eralaa n instina
member will be considered so far removed
from the suspicion Of prejudice as he, and so
well qualified to render impartial Judgment.
And this fact will be occasion of great emb,r-
rassment to him in the discharge of the duties
OF the position. Supposed to be the choice of
both parties, by reason of the manner Of
his selection, and therefore uncommitted, he
will be subjected to the courtesies and caresses,
the chidings and complaints, and, perhaps, to
the curses Of both. And being pure man, of
honest convictions and upright purposes,
anxious to promote the public welfare, these
natural exertions of partisans will subject his
personal sympathies-which, being human
withal, he must have-to the severest strain
which they could possibly undergo. The eyes
Of all people, at home and abroad, will be
turned upon him with searching scrutiny, and
his every act or utterance will meet with
hypercriticism and the inevitable condemua-
tion of large portion of the people of the
United States, whatever its character or COM
plexion. But the opportunity is great one
In the interest Of the country, and If his ambi-
tion is to be impartial, and his conscience in
structs that fidelity TO the right is the strictest
impartiality, and his fearlessness enables him
to heed the admonition and act upon It,
future generations twill rise up aud call him
blessed" But II he allows himself to be
turned aside by the wiles or wishes OF evil
men, having partisan purpose to serve, he
will live in years to come "the melancholy
mark Of universal scorn." It Is with him to
choose the highest or lowest niche In the
temple Of fame, and the result will prove the
wisdom or folly of the man.
t. g. n-tG-