The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-17
cIryyIAND,s MORAL EXAMPLE.

In this age. when there Is "a growing DISPOSE
ton among those in active political life to
subordinate principle to success. and 10 lean
towards the popular side simply because it is
the popular side. it is refreshing and encour-
aging to possess in such an illustrious public
man as Grover Cleveland an eXemplar Of hon
esty. frmness, unfaltering devotion to con-
vction. and complete disassocation from self
in adherence to the dictates Of conscience,
whom all men can initiate not onlyin political
affairs. but in the general affairs Of life.
Differ rs men may in their views as 10 the
correctness Of the principle embodied in Mr..
Cleyeland's silver letter OF as 10 the opportune-
ness Of lis appearance, nevertheless, all whose
minds are not warped and distorted in
moral sense must admire and respect the
manly and Independent spirit in which it was
written Here is a point on which every true
American can agree in passing Judgment upon
this last great public utterance Of the eS-
President.
1t is an incalculablo advantage to the moral
sentiment II this country that we should have
at least one statesman whose whole course
il go plainly so conspicuously governed 10y
the highest impulses Of principle that he ex-
forts admiration even from his enemies, and
praise from those Of his own party who differ
with him most radically The acts of such a
man rs this, being part Of the history Of the
country. elevate the character Of the people.
inspires confidence in the permanence of our
institutions, and assures complete triumph
over that school of politicians who believe
with Mr. Ingalls,. of Kansas. that questions Of
morality should not enter the arena Of practi-
cal politics
Among the worst features Of the present
day is the ready enthusiasm with which trick
cry and suppleness IN political life are not
only condoned. but also warmly admired.
The great example of Cleveland is a con-
domination Of all such methods. the siguih-
canoe Of which it is impossible even for the
most indifferent or the most INSCRIPTIONS 90
overlook Men may seek 10 dcprcciatr his
influence, and may attack him for differences
of opinion, but deep down IN their hearts they
admit that he stands upon o rock which is i'm
movable, because that rock is principle. which
no promptiugs OF selfintereSt can shake and
no tempest Of hostile sentiment can over
turn.
This is true devotion 70 party. for " he
serves his party best who serves his country
best" The excitement created by the recent
letter Of Mr. Cleveland with reference 90
silver, although be Is only private citizen. is
an evidence Of the strength of his position IN
the general esteem Of the people There could
not be a higher test Of the beuctcencc of his
political career than the enormous influence
which lie now exercises upon the minds
of all who are not blinded by
purely partisan dispositions. 1t speaks
we'll for the masses Of the American people
that they should hold him in such honor, not
so much because they agree with him IN bis
political opinions, but because they admire
manly honesty. incorruptble integrity. deyo-
ton Z duty and disinterested patriotism.
Such "a man rs this is not likely to be kept
permanently IN private life merely because lee
differs from members Of his party in a matter
which should not be a subject IF party diyi-
sion.