The Brookhaven leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1883-1891, 1891-02-19
MORALS IN POLITICS.
The Gospel of Political Inde-
pendeBce, as Preached by the
Alliance Editor of the
RAYMOND Gazette.


Politics is defined as being the sci
ence of government, and is the most
important branch of Sociology. 1t is
that which has to do with the regula-
ton of q nation to secure its safety,
peace and prosperity. Among other
things it includes, according to Web
ster's definition of it, "the protection
of citizens in their rights, with the
preservation and improvements of their
morals" In the perverted sense of a
contest between two organized politi-
cal parties for the spOils of office, pol
tiles is not worthy of respect, and
should be studied only as any other
evil, degrading in its influence and
fraught with danger to the republic.
In the true and proper sense, politics
or craftsmanship should be carefully
studied by every American citizen.
As a science or an art it is vast in ex-
tent and of untold Importance.
Moral principle applied to politics,
would rid us of two great evils which
greatly aff1ict. 1. 1t would destroy
party spirit, which is the sorest Attic
ton from which the country suffers.
It's effects are to bind and enslave its
victims. 1t feeds on prejudice, and
stirs animosities and strifes. 1t con-
serves the narrOwness and barbarism
of the past, and hinders the purer civ
ilization of the future. Our forefath-
ers were acquainted with its effects
upon other free governments, and
solemnly warned this people against
it. Washington, in his farewell ad-
dress, dwelt at considerable length
upon the evils of party spirit, and
raised his voice in an earnest and sol
emn warning. Jefferson demonstrated
against it. Even Gen. Jackson wrote
to President Monroe: "NOw is the
time to exterminate that monster call
ed party spirit"
But in the face of these warnings
and remonstrances from patriots true
and tried, we have now two vast Or
CARNATIONS fully equipped, perfected
from year to year, and from genera
ton to generation, engaged in cease
less conflict for the offices and public
money. Political leaders of to-day
are not ashamed to become beggars
for place and money. They do not
hesitate to stimulate and foster party
spirit, although they know it to be
destructive of the liberties of the peO-
pie. If man dies, he is lauded as a
great man, because of his steadfast
fidelity to his party, although it may
be that you cannot point to anything
that lie or his party has done to bene
fit mankind materially or morally.
"Man is only great as he is good" is a
true maxim and it is true in politics
as anywhere else. May it not be said
of some pious christians (P) that they
love their political party more than
they do their Savior? and that they
are more afraid of their party leaders
than they are of God Almighty, and
that they. would care less to be de-
nounced as traitors to the cause of
Christ than political turn -coats3 1t is
clear to those who think upon the sub
ject, that every American citizen
should be free and independent, un-
prejudiced, having command of his
own vote, casting that vote without
the slightest regard for the dictates OF
wishes of party bosses, casting 1t as
before God and for the welfare of the
people. When the true men of our
country are liberated from party bon
dage, and cast their votes in accord
ance with their moral convictions, it
will be a glorious thing for our repub-
lie. Then the occupation of unscrup-
ulOus party bosses would be gone, and
the position of honorable and enlight-
ened statesmen would be elevated and
their vocation more honored.
If health permits, we will continue
| this subject next week.