The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1880-09-22
= Z 2 NIV-Ns5
Principles and Men.

I
The popular political faith of all parties
is expressed in these oft repeated words
principles, not men" As party shib-
boleth it is plausible and attractive, but
after closer analysis is found lacking in
force and sound political philosophy, If
this was an ideal epublic-if every citi-
zen was controlled by solemn and imper-
ative sense of right in public affairs-it
could be adopted without qualification or
amendment But with our heterogeneous
population-holding widely differing svs-
tenn of morals and standards of rights
may be and has been fraught with danger
and disappointment With the substitu-
ton of Only one word | could commend it
/ TO the theory and practice of all partiea "a
a maxim of soundest wisdGm instead of
reading, principles, 4ob men," let ii be
principles end men"
AS a citizen, clothed with it's solemn
privilege of suffrage, with responsibilities to
meet which can neither be neglected nor
relegated to others, l am interested not only
in the principles formulated, but in the
men put forward to represent them There
Is not more common and sadder fact in the
history of American politics than this, sound
political principles hare been represented bv
unprtncipted men. TO subscribe TO certain
platform IS & very simple matter, but, in
perilO1s times, to defend, advocate, illustrate
aud i"cGrRate that platform, demands man
hood of noblest type. Changing political
creeds, with some people, IS as natural and
easy as foC She ehamelion to vary his color
L do not inveigh against parties and party
organizations. They seem to be necessity
In Republican governments But the greatest
watchfulnesS and care should, be observed
~ the nomination of candidates. Both of
the great political parties should not only
be careful in the enuncation of principles.
but discreet in the selection of n1en-men Of
character-men of untarnished honor-men
whose influence is never put on the market
like sheep in the shamblas-Iatn who love
country better than ill-gotten gain and
good conscience more than suspicious sue
cess. Platforms are but as dust undes our
feet, if their advocates gaa representatives
are wanting Ia manly honor and scrupulous
fidelity. Two facts deserve consideration
and remembrance
l. Parties and PeQEbe& ere typed By
men as 1ceN "a platforms. We are studied
! and measured not only by political
formulas and platitudes, but by the men we
entrust with our sutfrages and leadership.
An able Writer has thus expressed this idea:
/ "Given the men a people chooses, the people
itself, in its exact worth and worthlessness
is given" The same truth finds illustration
and application in the old French proverb,
! According to the worth of the man is the
worth of the land" Parties may appeal in
vain to their declaration of principles if
unworthy and uuprincipled men have
schemed themselves into candidates for
popular favor. They are millstones about
the neck of our body polite, This is also
true in the ecclesiastical world. The pulpit.
in its puFlty and power, types a church
rather than creeds and catechisms. "Like
priest like people" 1t is poor credit to the
electors OF certain district in England that
they supported the blatant infidef, Charles
Bradlaugh, for narlMment The morals of
people are unmistakeable, when bar-room
| candidates and pOthouse demagogues are
foisted into place and power.
2 Unless regard is had sor men as we'll as
principles, Christian citizens eanaot uote.
However wise and ssatesmanlike the party
doctrlnez promulgated, if a drunkard,
gambler, debauchee or other immoral mon
ster is nominated to represent them. he
cannot command christians ballot or
support without compromise. In exercising
the functions of citizenship he cannot
subordinate morality to party, conscience
to formula: Among all christians prayers
are offered for good and wise rulers and
public officers. After such prayer, to vote
Tor candidates Of notorious immortality is
shameless sacrilege. No fiat of caucus or
convention can bind or unbind chris
tian's conscience. To support a man for
Office who is a moral leper in society is to
sin against God and country. Piety and
PATRIOTISM alike lift up an eternal, thunder
Gus protest. This is not designed to unsettIe
political convictions or disrupt party ties
put to sound note of warning and entreaty'
Pubic morality canast be disregarded or
lnsulted and any party long survive. The
conscience element must find expression at
the ballot-box as in private relations.
Christmas must vOte as they pray