The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-04-14
THE SCHOLAR IN Politics.

A great "hue and cry" was a few
years ago raised to force scholars into
politics. Politics was, and still is for
that matter, very corrupt, and it was
thought that by inducing men of brains
and culture to take hand in the af-
fairs Of the nation and mingle with
the caucus and secret conclaves of the
various political parties, that corrup.
ton would be rooted out, legislation
improved, and the best interests of the
people subseryed. The suggestion
proved popular. Nathaniel Hawthorn
long served his country in public ca
pacity to the entire satisfaction of all
parties; Bancroft had resided abroad
in the interests of the nation. and
there never was cause to regret his ap-
pointment; and other equally well
known HteTdti had occupied positions
of trust and profit. ever maintaining
the character of the nation abroad,
and retaining the confidence and re-
spect of their constituents at home.
Honesty and integrity pervaded their
every action, and politics as a profess
sion was considered honorable. 1t
was hoped and believed that the affili-
alton Of men accredited for honesty
and virtue, as we'll as reputed for their
learning and wisdom, with the various
elements of parties, would restore the
lost honor of the wanton maiden.
Accordingly Taylor, White, Lowell
and Harte, three poets and one scien-
fist, were given positions at foreign
courts. Of the learning and scholar
ship of each of these men there was and
could be no doubt; each had already a
reputation that spread over two con-
tinents. Taylor died, White resigned
and came home to resume the presi-
dency of Cornell, and Lowell has Sc
cured no small amount of unfavorable
comment. 1t may be that he is CEN
sured unjustly and needlessly. But
one thing cannot be disputed, and
that is that he has failed to give that
high degree of satisfaction expected of
him.
AT home, Curtis and Godkin and
others have descended from the throne
where they sat apart and above the
commonalty, and mingled promis-
cuously with ward politicians and the
rabble of the ranks. What has been
the good effect2 Has there been any
perceptible change for the better? If
not, why notY
Giants in intellect and Goliaths in
thought, but entirely ignorant of the
maneuvers of professional politicians
who, "for ways that are dark and
tricks that are Yain,' are very "pecu-
liar" the scholars and savants found
themselves handicapped at every turn.
They were honest and earnest, but
they have not thus far proven them
selves capable and efficient. Charles
Francis Adams has learned by sad ex-
perience-a ard it was dear lesson to
hm-to respect the old adage of
Never try to beat man at his own
game. The bunko steerer" proved
more than a match for the eminent
statesman; and the tricksters of the
party have thus far proven more than
a match for the brains of the nation
when it comes to packing conyen-
tions" and "setting up the pins The
presence of these able and loved men
has added dignity and responsibility
to the transactions they could not
otherwise have secured, and when
these men learn how to work, where
to work and when to work, the
scholars in politics will be able to
do some good in the direction they are
aiming. At present they are great,
learned infants, plastic as potter's clay