, 1880-04-26

the latter follows the former, rs effect
does the cause. Consistently, they are
ins. parable. Earnest convictions induce
corresponding earnest action. Humanity
is so constituted that it loves or ut least
admires earnestness. The earnest man is
regarded with favor and the inert one
with disfavor. All along the ages such
persons have made their impress in any
department: they have been called upon.
or permitted IT, act. Even an open,
earnest enemv, we arc boun.I to respect.
as we know where to find him. Unlike
the willy and covert, we can confront him
and his movements, as we know his
whereabouts. This fact is so obvious,
that to state it. is to make it apparent.
The fact is, these complaints are the
merest cant and sre self cOndcmnatOry.
The partisan believes in and acts upon
the principle of organic and organized
life and forces. The history of ur Gov>
ernmcnt is evidence and illustration of
this thought. and the history Of the world
as we'll Like forces in some form ARE.
and have to be, consolidated. Journal
ism. that assays to he non partisan or
neutral, is usually feeble in its forces and
moral tone, or betrays by an undercurrent
in publications., the party bias OF the
manager or editor. This whine about
partymen OF some prominence, is hecom
ing too clearly understood t0 be longer
of much force tor evil-the upbuilding
"f opposition to the Republican party
the constant foe of rebellion and misrulc."
Webster's definition of the noun parti-
san, is: IAN adherent to party or fac>
ton; one who is violently and passions
ately devoted to a party or interest. y
The adverb: Inappropriate to one who
is unreasonably devoted to his party or
interest; as partisan efforts; partisan
feeling" This is idcn:ically the thing
and sentiment which Brother Bagley
commends and advocates. He says
g The partisan is man Of positive ac
tion. as well as of convictions" So is
the bigot and zealot. Positive action as
we'll rs conviction, united in the partisan.
are elements nf intolerance and pcrsecu-
ti"n which have produced all the social
and political disturbances which have
ever existed. Differences of opinion are
bound to exist and when both are obsti
nate, intolerant and unyielding-in other
words, partisan, conflict is inevitable or
freedom Of opinion is at an end. The
man who believes strong convictions are
an infallible test of truth, is necessarily
partisan, with no federation for adverse
opinions. Of such are those who deem
their party immaculate. and that the
end justities the means" in any measure
that may be resorted to to overthrow
their opponents. This Is illustrated in
the closing sentence OF Brother Bagley's
dissertation.
To illustrate tine difference bet ween the
partisan and the patriot; the party min.
lister and the Christian Statesman, let us
turn to what George Washington say in
his Farewell Address to the American
people, which reads like inspired pro-
phecy:
81 have already intimated to you the
danger OF parties in the State, with par
ticular reference to the founding OF them
on geographical Determinations. Let
me now take more comprehensive view,
and warn you, in the most solemn manner.
aoains, the oaneful effects Of the spirit of
party generally.
Tins spirit, unfortunately, is insepa-
rable from our nature, having its ro't IN
the strongest passions OF the human
mind. 1t exists under different shapes.
in all Governments, more or less ,titled,
controlled, or r-pressc,i; hut in those "t
the popular form it is seen in its greatest
rankness, and is truly their worst enemy
"The alternate domination OF ohe fac
tion over another, sl,arpened by the spin,
OF revenge, natural to party dissension,
which, IN different ages and countries,
has perpetratcd the most horrid enormi
ties, is itself frightful despotsm. But
this leads, at length, TO more formal and
permanent despotism. The disorders and
miseries which result, gradually incline
the minds OF men to seek security and
rcpose in the absolute power OF an indi>
viduaI; and, sooner or later, the chief of
some prevailing faction, more able or
more fortunate than his competitors.
turns his disposition to the purposes Of
his own elevation on the ruiOns OF pub
lie liberty.
"Without looking forward to an ex-
trrmtv of this kind, (Which, nevcrthe>
less. ought not to he entirely out OF
siyhtJ tie common and continual mis-
cl,iels OF the spirit of party are suffic>
lent to make it the interest and duty IT II
wise people to discourage and restrain it.
1T serves always to distract the pub
lie councils, and enfeeble the public adj
minlstrntion. 1t agitates the community