The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1881-01-13
cHAPLArSoIEs.

Editor STATEsNAN:
Not long since | took occasion
10 refer to chaplaincies, and while
holding TO the view that the
office of chaplain in connection
with legislative bodies is proper
in Il Christian country, | depre-
Gated that which seemed TO be
growing in custom. viz: the seeking
of the office, just as other offices
are sought by electioneering. There
are not-a few in both houses of the
Texas legislature who would rejoice
to be able To dispense with chaplain
cies altogether. whose cause is great
ly strengthened by the way in which
the office is sought. And | confess
that, while | am a Christian and
have decided convictions on such
subjects. it seems to be paving
dear for the maintenance of a
naked principle when honorable
gentlemen representing great
and Il Christian people must
have man say prayers over
their heads daily with whom they
have become personally Disguised
pending the canvass for the office.
conducted as it now is by preachers
and their church friends and per-
sonal admirers. Most members un-
der such circumstances, are becom-
ingly grateful when the prayers are
short, and in this sentiment. all de-
cent people most cordially sympa-
thiZe with them. 1t viii not do TO
say that some 3cH seek chap
laincies in this way, and that
in this way the office has been
filed heretofore, therefore good men
well worthy to ill the position, and
who are furthermore worthy as they
are representative men i'll populous
churches, whose people are here
represented, are justifiable in cam
wasting for the position, and that
falling to do so. the office will al
ways be filled by inferior men, and by
men who represent only very small
bodies of Christians, residing in
few places i'll the state. This ar@u-
ment has force. And | Judge that.
looking at the matter in that light.
good men have sometimes sought
the place. But the custom is dam
aging to Christianity, and Il stop
should be put to ii. We hear a
great deal said about the Office seek
ing the man, and not the man the
office, and am clearly of the Opin-
ion that that principle should receive
a sort of supreme emphasis in a con-
nection like this. In so much should
this be the case that il would come
to be understood, that no man who
electioneers for the office has any
chance whatever of ever filling il.
1t surely would be more becoming
if the members composing the two
bodies of the Legislature would look
about and agree upon man
every way fit for the place-a man
in himself worthy, and one who. as
a representative man would not be
II Misrepresentation in his position of
the religious sentiment of the coun-
try.
Let us suppose n stranger to be
visiting the capital of the state dur
ing 4 session OF the Legislature. the
session convrnes for business. But
before regular legislative business
begins, the chaplain is waited for ;
up comes a scll-conceited brassv-
looking man, of moderate talent.
and CRATES before the Deity for five
minutes, after the style of such men.
The stranger, at first astomshed. is
dOubly SO when upon inquiry he
finds that this man is not minister
of any considerable body of Chris
tians residing in the state, but is of
Il church in no sense q representa-
tive body, and existing in compare
lively few places in the state. his sur
prise is ten fold until he is Informed
that the man sought the Office and
-n2t-the office the man. He would
then be indicted into the mystery
of chaplain-making. as it has been,
and most likely will be until the dis
gust of the people banishes the Of
flee to get rid of this nuisance. OF
course circumstances alter cases. |
can conceive of Il man having all the
qualifications requisite for such Il
position, who by reason of infirmity
is disabled so that he cannot support
removed, by the conditions of his
dHllCIlOu, from OUScTNullOH liljJ his
claims would assuredly be not con-
sidered-especially as the legisla-
ture is not looking for men (save to
avoid having them thrust card
into their hands.) say, l can con-
ceivc of such a man, or the friends
of such man, bringing his claims
before the public in can
vass for the Office of chaplain
without offence even to the most
delicate sentiment held by any in
such a connection. What l have
said heretofore, or in this communi-
cation, can have no possible refer
ence to any such man. If either
house should have brought to their
notice any such case, they would
honor themselves, and do a worthy
action, by regarding the claims of
such worthy subject. Hoping that
we shall see inaugurated quite Il
different order of things in the
premises, l am, yours, very truly,
OCCASIONAL.