Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1883-05-31
THE STARS STRUT.
YOUNG MEN IN POLITICS.
The Arrogant and Patronizing Roscoe of Our State
journalism, Squeched
{ Willidmston Ttmes.)

We have had our attention attract
ed to a piece of gasconade upon the
part of one of our State papers, who
would cast from the strength of the
Democratic party the young men and
lntlmates that they would become Lib
erat for Office
We have this to say in respose for
the young men of North Carolina if
our Government were simply patriar-
chal we would agree with the gentle
man, or if our laws were so many ira
ditions transmitted from sire to son,
then the oldest scion of the house
would be best fitted to transmit them
and the idea that influences certain
barbarians IN the isles Of the Pacific
to elect from their populations tie
most obese of their subjects to become
their king would not appear to us al
together ludicrous; the test of execu-
tive capacity in the one, being age and
in the other obesity; but education,
the development of character, the Wig
orous demands of executive magistra-
ey, the necessary administration Of
grave delegated powers, all these re-
jcCG dl llldG IL ld1idGlOuS Ill
woop and warp.
Civilization has marked out a new
departure and unsound indeed is that
theory which has no better claim upon
our confidence or credulity than that
advanced in the gentleman's PROPOSE
ton. If we desire good government,
emanating in wisdom and efficiently
administered we must elevate to power
officials eminent above their fellows
for strong intellect, cool calculating
reasons, decision of purpose with pow
er and will to execute promptly great
public trusts. That man is but slight
| ly acquainted with the rise, progress
and permency Of both representative
and monarchical governments who
states a contrast that does injustice to
our young men. We could multiply
examples in our own country to refute
the proposition that young men cannot
| be trusted with the destinies of the
State. The gentleman has bias to-
wards old men as governors and legis-
lators perhaps, because he has surviv-
ed that age when he cannot plead
guilty to the "atrocious crime of being
young man" and insinuates that
young men can be corrupted with of
fees From what false premises has
the gentleman arrived at this conclu-
sion? Has it been demonstrated in
the government Of our own State? Let
the gentleman particularize.
We believe that the clearest marks
of prudence and rectitude are stamped
ho o41a al of, lo,
been at the head Of government before
they have turned forty and whilst
such men are not altogether free from
the vice of imitation, yet there is less
of intrigue in their deliberations than
there is in the more matured office
holder. Men as they grow old are
welded to prejudices, interests and
pursuits that are not entirely in con
sonance with National prosperity and
happiness.
This is an age of progress; and ole
fogyism must give way. The era
which boasted old ideas has gone down
and brighter and more glorious fu
ture is seen above the horizon of botE
State: and National affairs and its zenitl
will have been reached when the
young men of the land shall guide ane
direct the ship of State.
We believe that young men ough
to be elected to office, first, because O
vigor Of intellect that is rarely ex
hibited in the aged; second, becaus'
both of discernment and prudenc
that is manifested in all they do; third
because of an equanimity Of tempe
that prompts them at all times to enac
conservative laws and with conserva
tism to execute them; fourth, becaus
they grow by moderate experience in
to model governors, Statesmen AM
judges and lastly because of an infe3
ible will to discharge their duties feas
lessly and patriotically.