St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1896-08-28
The Office-Holding Craze.

plain statement, and If true, may account
for many of the worlds strange actions,
political and otherwise.
In thinking over the above declaration,
| have thought it might somewhat apply
to many of our political maneuvers in
this country; Tor certainly it is becoming
an astonishing thing to note how
many good citizens, even, are looking
for office, important or otherwise.
These citizens do not seem to take into
account very much their qualifications,
but mostly their availability. l know
that in this country all citizens may as
pire to the highest and the best the peo-
pie can give; but we all know that many
aspire out OF reason, which makes it
appear more like craziness than sanity.
Generally, the people can be trusted as
to who they want to serve them. The
only thing apt to be in the way of the
people is the managing politician, who
may be, aud often is, INSCRIPTIONS in his
methods, and may thereby defeat the
true wishes OF the people. When, there
fore, sovereign rights are interfered with,
we at once say it is unreasonable and
wrong And whatever is actually unrea-
sonable and wrong cannot be consid-
cred in the light Of true sanity.
The greatest wonder about office-hold-
ing is, what does one want it for? Are
most men paid for their efforts to get it ?
Really, how much greater is man after
holding Office than before? Does he
think he is singled out above all his
neghbors to receive emoument and
honor? DO people generally pay him
any greater reverence after 1t is all over
with than before? Isn't he as likely to
be unnotced and rgotten as other men? ?
What, then, is he apt to get for his
scrambling for a little office, the honor
OF which, at best, is but skin deep? Why,
in large number of cases the seeking
for office brings unpleasant complca-
tions- sometimes it estranges friends,
and we doubt not many things are said
and done that would most gladly be tor-
gotten. All the honor" gotten from
the holding of office does not always
balance unrghteous methods. Now,
how foolish all this office seeking is, not
to mention its close resemblance to in
sanity The man of right thought will
never seek or connive for office. His
good sense will tell him that public Office
is public trust. and that it iutrinsically
means sacrifice and toll of mind and
body and purse.
Office is honorable when honorably
gotten and honorably administered. No
man should desire office for any other
purpose. 1t does look little as though
man was crazy when he will compro-
mise his manhood for few brief months
of office.
know Of no greater "honor" that can
come to any man than to be true
American citizen. know OF no modesty
more becoming to any man than the
desire to be called plain MIR. as title.
Aud know OF no office among men to
be compared with that of the private
citizen happily LIVING in the bosom of his
family. f. V. POWERS.
st. Johusbury, VT, Aug. 90, 1896.
Big Democratic Rally. - The local
democracy have arranged for big rally
i'll Music hall next Monday evening and
have engaged for their speaker Col.
Stephen W. Nickerson of Boston, presi-
dent of the Massachusetts Bi-metallc
League and treasurer OF the Boston
Financial Bureau of Information. Col.
Nlckerson is also the author of the book,
"Relative Values of Gold and Silver" He
will give presentation OF the free coin
age side of the financial question, and an
opportunity will also be given TO ask the
speaker any questions regarding the
currency problems. Music will be fur
nished by the band, and large ou-tof-
town attendance is expected. Every
body is invited to this rally to hear the
other side Of the great question of the
campaign.
A Report Denied.-C. 5. Chalmers
wishes it stated that the report crcu-
lated to the effect that the Vermont
Press has been discontinued is untrue. A
temporary suspension is necessary in
order to complete a re-organiz alton OF
the management, after which the papers
headquarters will be in this town.
Those who have prepaid their sub
scriptions will receive their papers full
year, extra numbers being allowed tor
the time of suspension.
Look at the Check List.-The last
opportunity to get your name on the
check list is at the meeting of the board
of civil authority at the town clerk S
office tomorrow morning. The meeting
, is called at 10 o'clock and if your name
is not on the check list you should attend