The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-08-28
Hero Worship versus Toadyism.

III another column we reproduce al
article from The Anderson IttcUigcn-
Ger condeming the dctraction Of pub
lie men--a practice much TOO prcva-
lent among newspapers OF the present
day. 1t has always been II matter of
profound congratulation to us that the
public men of South Carolina arc
treated with so much moro courtesy
and consideration than the leaders in
other States. Take Georgia for i'll
stance. She has many good and great
men in her borders. Yet to read the
comments of tho country press, or
even tho newspaper controversies Of
tho leading men themselves, and ali
outsider is at loss where to find in
the whole Empire State one truly good
and honest man. We have always, on
putting down tho column Of Georgia
comment, felt like returning thanks
that South Carolina is not as other
States are. Let us hope that she may
not degenerate.
Hero worship and toadyism arc iar
removed. The formers is cnnobling, the
hitter most dcspicablc. We believe
that hearty admiration Of good and
true man can not but have its bcncfi-
cial effect upon the admircr as we'll as
the admired. The MicMgenccr's re-
buke is well timed. AS it says, the
best and purcst citizens are beginning
to rccoil from politics because public
position subjects item to the most out
ragcous calunnics. Tho inevitable
result of this will be, if unchecked, to
surrender all offices to that class OF
placc-huntcrs end scllcmcrs who de-
serve nothing but contumcly. We
have good men in South Carolina who
arc doing their very best for the State.
In Heavens name forbcar from fly
blowing them Oh every possible occa-
sion.
Governor Hampton was entitled to
the warmcst affection Of the people OF
South Carolina. lie may havc had
many toadies and doubtless did, for no
great man is exempt from these pests.
But he had friends who admired his
good qualities, differed with him on
some points, yet trusted in his intcg-
rity of purpose all through, and who
rallied soIidly in his behalf when he
was aspcrscd, though mover going
near him to bask III the sunshine of his
favor when he had emerged victorious
Governor Simpson went into Office
handicapped. Ho was to succeed the
strongest and most popular Executive
South Carolina had probably ever had
Some honestly, others from personal
motives, predicted failure for him in
advance. Quietly, modcstly, unassum.
ingly he went to work, taking up tho
reins of government before they had
slackcncd, and causing it to move along
without q jar or jolt. What wc pre-,
dicted has been realized. lie has made
rs sgood governor as could have been
found i'll the State. Aflablc and court.
eous to all, he has not been afraid to
express his own opinions and formu.
late his rules Of conduct in accordance
with his own vicWs of right, even il
such course should bring down the
cry of "the people" upon his head
When man does his best, and that the
best for the State, ho has right to ex.
poet commepdation from tho people
2 And they owe it TO their own sense OF
Justice and their appreciation Of what
Is good to bcstow cncomiums upon
him regardless Of the charge Of boot
licking or flunkeyism. May tho day
be far distant when the elevation OF
any man, by his merits, above the
dead level Of mcdiocrity is to sub.
juct him to q shower Of metaphorical
mud. When q mountebank or charlie.
tan capers across the stage thcn lot the
dead cats and rotten eggs fly, but re.
frain from such greetings to an actor
Of merit, or in a short timo we will be
unable to distinguish truo excellence
from bare-faced fraud. Let us not Vet
destroy our idols--we know not who
tho new gods may be.