Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1885-08-08
LOYALTY TO PRINCIPLE.

When we look over the mouldy
records of the past, we find that the
success of all governments has de-
pended upon the loyalty of the peo-
pie to the principles embodied in
their government,--that whenever
the people sacrificed principle to
pander to the personal ambition of
individuals, their government de-
scended into anarchy and confusion.
1t is therefore the duty of the PEG.
pie of every government, and espcc-
tally those ola Republican govern.
ment, who make their own laws, to
select public servants who are loyal
to the principles of the government
they represent. Whatever may be
the popularity of the man for past
public services, unles he continues
trne and faithful to the principles of
his government, it is the duty Of
every good citizen to forget the man
and sustain the principle. Never
can we expect to have honest politi-
clans and true statesmen, until our
people thoroughly comprehend the
difference between loyalty to a prin-
ciple and loyalty to il man.
Our public journals eulogize crafty
politicians from mercenary motives,
and from fear OF popular disfavor .
whatever may be the real character
of the man, so long as he possesses
political influence they are ready to
make all kinds of excuses for his
want of loyalty to the principles of
his government, if he can sustain
himself in an influential position.
Did the press of our land hold our
public servants accountable for the
faithful and honest discharge Of the
trust confded to them, honesty of
purpose and integrity of character
would adOrn the chair of state. Good
men are spoiled by being lauded and
feted for doing that which it is their
duty to do. No one ought to expect
favor from his fellows for doing
right ;-it there is no higher incent-
i've to do right than the vain desire
for popular applause, then there is a
want of integrity in the man, want
of loyalty to principle,-and in its
place a selfish and sordid mind, that
never can be trusted with the pub
lie good without great danger. Let
it be understood that the American
people have determined to select |
those for their public servants who
have capacity to discharge the du-
ties assigned to them, and who
possess a moral character founded |
upon principle, and not the SEM
blance of a moral character founded
in political demagoguism. The po-
litical contentious that now endan.
ger the future peace and happiness
of our country, will soon pass away.
When we can disabuSe the public
mind OF this mania for office, and
the idea of official honors, so that 1T
can comprehend that official position
does not distribute honors, and that
honors which are worthy to he worn
by true man can only be won by
integrity and purity of character,
and must necessarily he the result
of personal goodness and not the re-
suit OF any official position, then we
shall have honest and capable states
men, and the great trusts of our ma
ton will not be made a traffic by
unprineipled men. There will be no
bowling the knee to him who has the
greatest number of offices to bestow,
or patronage to dispense. Loyalty
to principle will be the watchword,
and happiness and prosperity the
result.