The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-02-14
Cabinet Making.

ton for the labor it imposes. There is
an infatuation in political activity that
is as nearly irresistible AS anything That
affects the emotions. II inspires cour-
age to brave all kinds of weather, either
sunshine or storm; to endure every spe-
cies of hardship, from travelling horseback
solitary and alone, along mountain hog
paths, swimming swollen streams, ira
yersing plains and climbing hills: repos-
ting on shucks or sleeping in fierce Ger
ner; dandling t he baby on the knee, or
pla, lag gallant to the cock: facing Tie
fierce frowns of political opponents. defy
ing wrath's thunder bolts. or enchanting
listening hundreds by The magic of i'm
FASHIONED eloquence
There is an indescribable mystery about
the influence of political life-an Influence
that once admitted is never absent. Good
resolves may be formed never again to en'
ter another contest. But no sooner is The
tocsin of political warfare nded. than
the old warrior pricks up his ears, smells
the battle from afar. and then PUSHES 10
the fray with old time enthusiasm, conf
dence and determinations. And when in
the course of events aud the vicissiIudes
of fortune. the people are no longer moved
by familiar appeals ard are NJ longer the
willing Ietinue in the trail OF the once
conquering heI 0, We know Of no more pit
iaGle sight, when. pOweTleSS to stir the
the old stager is compelled to
take back seat as a locker on. 1t involves
an instructive lesson, and tells the story Of
the changing currents which sweep Oil one
generation 10 make room for another, ard
the methods which have to give, way to
new demands and new conditions. to COM
port with the fresh impu lses and varying
phases of political events and political
life.
There is storm and sunshine in all these
changes and compens aticn for the hour OF
disappointment. in the realiZ 4, ions Of the
honor of triumph. But when the battle is
over and the victory won, then comes the
business, the perplexing and harrassing
part of it to the principal figure. W lille
The rank and the file and the local ard "a.
tional leaders are exchanging mutual
congratulations, the central character in
the whole arrangement realizes til at 'un-
easy is he head that wears The crown. ="
With honors come responsibility. ard the
shaping of policy for sixty million PEG
pie. with foreign and com este relations
to be adjusted to it, and the foundation
lad for the financial and Industrial pro-
gress and prosperity of a great nation. 1t
is In selecting constitutional advisers who
accord in views and sentimen MA bar
monious official family. in sympathy with
the purposes aud ideas of the Chief Ex-
ecutivp. that care and discrimination
m ust be observed and responsibility ass
sured. 1t is here that the greater embar-
ras sue nts AZ d difficulties are 0 be con-
frcn ted. With the whole nation as a field
for selection. the solution of the prob EN-
would be comparatively easy. were the
President permitted 10 quietly and ST
diously compare the qualifications of that
class of statesmen, whom the public
would readily recognize as available for
these exalted services. His knowledge OF
public men and their relations to tn cen.
trail and controlling questions uppermost
in the public N! nd, would readily guide
him to the proper selections. But a mi sta
ken judgment, or want of judgment, does
not take in the higher necessities and OBJ
legations of the situation. Each State has
its fayorite son, anG sometimes several CT
them, whom to over look, they all declare.
would be the first step TO failure IN ad
Factions are formed, i'm
petuOus and clamorous friends arrange
themselves into delegations, and marching
in columns besiege the home of the Pres
ident elect; rehearse their prepared pieces,
lauding the virtues and maghlf.iu ing the
claims of their fayCrite, exhaustirg the
resources of the English language in de-
picting the marvellous and exceptional
qualifications of The object of their solic-
itude, aud presenting the national neces-
sity for favorable action Oh their petition.
Reiterat ion follows iteration, until fatigue
itself is exhausted and the silent prayer
must go up, good Lord deliver me from
my friends" The worry and annoyance,
borne with simulated patience ARE punish
ment com mensurate with all the honors
hat cluster around the high office Of Pres
dent, and raise the question whether the
yame of President. hunting is worth the
candle. Certainly if considered from a
standpoint it is not, If
measured by il sense Of duty to country
and the obligation to recognize the popular
will, perhaps there is Ill adequate reward
somewhere to be found amidst the tur-
noil and clash and CHATTER Of official pc.
'ition. But it is trying ordeal through
which the Executive OF the nation has to
pass, and in meeting its demands and ex-
actions, the sympathy of the country
ought TO accompany him.
1t is strange. too, that men, who are
careful in the observance OF the amen-
les and courtesies of ordinary life should
10 far forget themselves, as to persistently
)btrude themselves into the presence of the
President-elect, for the purpose Of forcing
heir choice into his official family. 1t is
is III UGH as to gay, I'VE mean to enter there
whether sc are wanted or not. We do
lot intend to wait for an invitation. We
Helped to elect you, and We have right to
rave voice In the selection of those who |
ire to be your constitutional advisers.
whether it be in accord with your wishes |
" not" This is an indelicacy, the |
.bseEce of refiued notions of the proprie-
les which pei tain to such matters, thai |
S we'll calculated to offend. If not dis |
ust: but this is not counted in The game |
# politics. and the hunt for spoils. The |
overeignty OF the people is misapplied in
UGH instance and The power and equality |
t the citizen perverted to the use Of the |
rasping politician. intent upon self as
aramount to the success and efficiency of
he national administration.
Not True.
The following statement is made by tie