The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-26
POLITICIAN AND PHARIsEE.

Whatever may Dc thought OF tho pollllC"'
principles and practical methods of Mr..
Clarkson it is impossible to charge him with
a lack Of tenacity in his convictions, or an IN
willingness TO pursue his political faith to its
logical conclusions
In an article in the May number Of the
North American Review, entitled the Poll
tician and the Pharisee." the late First Assist
ant Postmaster General discusses at length
his own views of political affairs, the general
influences now in active operation in political
life and the different personal factors who ex-
ercise controlling power in National and
local administrations. The language Of Mr.
Clarkson is marked by characteristic plainness
and candor. II is evident that be Is smarting
under the significance which is popularly APP
piled 10 the word politician. political species
of which, in the American mind, he IS the
most consummate exponent.
Politician" he remarks, lis good word,
although the Pharisee would make it m
epithet Our accepted dictionaries make little
difference between politician and Statesman"
Unfortunately popular opinion and the die
tionaries are not in accord here. According
10 Mr.. Clarksons definition, politician is the
opposite of Pharsee, a word which in his
view describes very accurately the political
spirit Of the Mugwump. The Pharisee came
TO teach that partyism or love Of party or &C
tivity in politics was peril to the Republic;
that constant political agitation was hurtful
to the nation, that the political caucus in the
township was a menace 10 the Republic, and
that activity and politics made a man danger
Gus to government"
The mission of the politician, in the opinion
of Mr.. Clarkson. is 10 attack the opposing
closest contact with the people and to renew
his life at every caucus and in every conven-
ton and at every election. Above all the
politician considers it to be his principal duty
TO inculcate in the American citizen the spirit
Of rapid rotation even in clerical offices.
The politician" says Mr.. Clarkson, "is
eminently an honest man. | know OF no
politician" he remarks, who has become
rich as politician. have seen more Of gen.
crosby displayed in politics. more of self
sacrifice. than in anything else. BY what
right does the Pharsee sneer at the politician.
by what right does the professional moralist
sheer at politics. is lie not the man who in
each neghborhood does for his party what
the class leader does for his church? He
keeps his political lamps trimmed and burn
ing
Mr.. Clarkson further declares that he be-
leves in practical politics, and this involves
frequent changes for tho public good. He
expresses himself as i: be thoroughly dis
proved Of the retention Of even few Demo-
Gratis in Office under Republican administra-
ton. The Republican party, he says, cannot
continue 10 live half Mugwump and half Re-
publican. 1T must be fair to itself and to its
people in 1899 if il cares for its life. and must
declare plainly an( boldly for one thingor the
other, for the full acceptance of the Mug
wump theory and arcsolute adherence TO it
when in power and no pretense OF Republican
preference or for an open and fearless Repub-
lcan theory and preference l am for the
latter"
1t is at least to the credit Of Mr.. Clarkson
that he leaves no one in doubt as 10 where he
stands.