The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1895-05-16
overreaching Ones Self.

Z IOM JIG DditiuOIo Ouu
Men are orten led to overreach
themselves, as the phrase goes, by
unwonted zeal for the attainment of
an object or rather by zeal which is
not guided and controlled by good
conscience. The saying that "every-
thing is fair in love and war; is not
only extended to disputes which fig
uratively represent war, but is taken
with too great literalness. It is used
to excuse underhand work in politi-
cal as we'll as in social affairs, even
to the extent of treason to party
principles and to personal honor
The widespread results Of any
leaders loss of reputation always
present an impressive lesson on the
subject of the influence of good char
acter. A man may lose character,
retaining reputation, as some have
done, for a time; he may lose repu-
tation, retaining his character, as
men justly accused have done. But
treason to a party, like treason to
friend, can not be committed save
By deceit and all the false practices
that deceit gives rise to, and both
character and reputation must in
evitably suffer. The knowledge that
trusted leader has descended so
low is such a revelation of secret
character as must rob him of the
most essential factor of leadership,
the perfect faith of his followers
No amount of bravado eau ever re-
store to him the same degree of con-
fidence and power that once was his.
He might truly exclaim with Cassie:
30, I have lost my reputation! l
have lost the immortal part of my
self, and what remains is bestial."
1t is often said that sin is sin by
whomsoever committed, but there
are circumstances and conditions
that sometimes aggregate the offense
of wrong-doing. It is wrong to
steal, either much or little, from any
one, but the offense is aggravated by
ingratitude when one steals from a
benefactor, or, by inhumanity, when
one robs cripple of his only means
of support. So, also, offenses of all
kinds are made more grave when
committed by those in high places,
whose fall involves ruin and disgrace
to an innocent family, an association
or party. Men who stand at the
head of affairs are under special OBJ
legation to maintain the truth and
bring no scandal upon themselves
or their associates. A great leader
occupying such a position cannot
fall by himself alone. It is inevita.
BILE that he shall drag down with
him his party and its cause, tempo
rarily, at least, and perhaps leopard
the aspirations of a nation. Men do
not always think of these things
until it is too late, but it is lesson
all should read between the lines
that tell of q leaders sacrifice of a
party's interests. Character and rep
ntation going hand in hand make
possible the political and social
union Of large bodies of men, for it
is impossible for men to unite in any
cause unless they put trust in each
other and in their leaders. They
may have blind trust aud be de-
ceived they may allow their leaders
a great latitude in deceptive practi-
ces upon opponents, but they cannot
and should not tolerate false play
with friends and associates, which
breaks down the bond of union. The
successful leader of men must be a
trusted and trustworthy man.
1t is illogical to judge cause by
its chief advocate or leader, but it
is inevitable that when the leader
falls the cause shall suffer. Hence
the self-imposed duty upon q leader
in any cause to maintain his charac-
ter and reputation beyond reproach.
But it is not only great men who
should be earnest in guarding their
characters and regulations. All, in
greater or less degree, have other
interests than their own in their
keeping. They cannot do a wrong
injuring their own regulations with
out bringing reproach, often unjust,
upon their families, their'friends, the
religious and other organizations Of
| which thew are members. Their