The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-08-21
INDEPENDENTIsM AND PRACTICAL
ISM.

The Pcavm.te has one OF Its stereotyped edI-
torials, set up about forty years ago, and re-
produced every year since, on the eve Of some
campaign and the commencement Of political
agitation and discussion.
The purport of this old acquaintance is that
the people must not permit themselves to be
disturbed by these too frequently recurring
elections and political contests that they are
dlsquieting and unfavorable to the proper
conduct of business, and interrupt the peace
and natural slumbers Of good citizens. To
mitigate these evils 1t is most desirable to
abridge tho campaign, to reduce 1t to the
limit to which Seward fixed the rebellion
to wit. Sixty days.
Ia that time the people must SEQ to it that
they make good choice Of their political
agents, and determine all the reforms in po-
litieal affairs-in administration and Iegisla-
tion-which their present situation requires.
Only the most deserving, wise and vrtuous
must be selected as candidates for Offices aIK,
they must represent the declared will of the
people. The best classes must govern, con
troll and direct our political affairs. 10 oil OF
which we enthusiastically subscribe. Such
sentiments, though by no means novel we
have read them In Aristotle, In Clceros Re-
public aud In Sir Thomas Moore's Eutopia
command our earnest approval.
The great difficulties which We encounter
In carrying them into effect and illustrating
their truth and efficiency arises from the de-
linquency and inertia OF the very classes to
| which we the picaHoae and the DEMOCRAT,
are willing to refer the direction Of our poll
ties
The Iicapssne rather encourages this iner-
tia by mlnstering to this indolent reluctance
and disgust for political discussion and the
dlligent, active and vigilant performance OF
the duties incumbent ON all citizens taking
any interest in public affairs.
1t is from this withdrawal and indifference
On the part of our so-caled "best citizens that
our politics fall under the control Of tho more
active class who do not shrink from the re-
sponsibilites, labors and excitements Of
political contests and controversies. A large
class Of excellent citizens regard such activity
In the discharge of duties incumbent on all
good citizens In a Republic as beneath their
dignity, and compromise Of their conserva-
tism as bringing them within that hateful
class styled politician" as Ii every freeman
and republican must not necessarily be a
politician; as II every man who bears his
share In the choice Of the public agents who
are to represent him, must necessarily be a
spoil seeker, an Office aspirant, a hummer, in
triguer or political manager.
That there are men Of that class is unde-
niable. 1t is equally true that their success
and their power are due to the deserton OF
their posts by the honest, well-meaning and
patriotic citizens But for these deserters and
skulsers to denounce, as Of that class, those
who zealously perform their duties, who In.
cur the responsibilities, labors and excite
ment Of political contests Is discredtable to
the manhood and honesty Of freemen. And
when the result of the conflicts in which they
refuse to take their part does not please
them, and they take refuge In the ambush OF
IRdepeplentism, and assume to complain OF
Vheso AApIo SSoh sS~--,
respect or sympathy. w@mz@5M@.