Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-24
Dignifying and Besmirching.
observations Of Philosophical Friend
OF Ours)
Nolo Episcopa,

| observations of a Philosophical Friend
OF Ours)
| Nolo Episcopari.
MY brethren, be not many masters. "
James.
One of the old philosophers used to tell
his disciples that they ought not to wish
to be honored by philosophy. but rather
to honor philosophy by their good sense
and good behaviour. If philosophy failed
to make good men Of them, philosophy
would be discredited and they would be
acknowledged failures.
Honorable places are dangerous to
their occupants. Places of honor are
places Of trust and responsibility, and
prima facie, when a man Is in an office
he is presumed to have the qualifications
for ii. An office is only honorable to a
man when he has shown himself fit for
it, and has advanced by a natural process
and come into its occupancy. 1t is a great
misfortune for a man to be put into
position for which he is unfit. He dis
honors his office and disgraces himself.
Modesty in accepting Office Is wise and
sensible. as well as creditable. Modesty
always has been, and always will be, a
high and safe virtue. however 1t may be
run down and viihed by its enemies.
One of our statesmen has helped his
fame By propounding that Public Office
is a Public Trust" IL seems little re-
markable that any one should ever have
worked at the matter in any other way.
But plainly the people have fallen into
another way of thinking. Years ago
politician announced that in our popular
government. ITO the victors belong the
spoils." And since his time politics has
become for the most part a great battle
or game for spoils. Political platforms
have become nothing but traps to catch
voters. And results of elections have not
meant the elevation of high and excellent
men into places OF the highest impor-
lance. but merely the dividing UP OF
spoils or. as they are familiarity known,
''plums" Skill and success In working
elections have become the qualifications
for office, while the very skill and sue
cess that commend the lucky establish
their unworthiness.
What this vicious perversion of popu-
lar government is to cost us remains 10
be seen.
Queen Elizabeth was a woman of many
high and excellent virtues, and of a
large and strong mind, though full of
faults. Her long reign helped greatly to
establish the government and national
character OF Great Britain. General
Washington was an embodiment of splen-
did manhood. and in his great soul were
the germs and ideals of American gov
eminent and citizenship. Both of these
great officials dignifed their offices, and
magnified their governments Their per-
sonality has been lost, as their names
have become identified with the highest,
broadcast. truest principles and views o.
constitutional government for the public
good. The gigantic features of their
characters have passed into great states
manship.
Spanish civilization has burlesdued all
human greatness and heroism in the per-
son Of Don Quixote. and their history
has illustrated Quixotism.
A name that at once suggests and i'm
virtues is a gift to mankind. Fame and
notoriety that suggest nothing but luck
are the idle rewards of the selfish, and
are cultivators of selfishness and amb-
ton, and good-for nothing; vanity and
vexation. History Is crowded with
names that are only notorious-that
mean nothing good.
Our time abounds In places and titles
and honors, and regardless OF fitness the
world goes after them. The evil Is cur
ing itself largely. There is no office,
however high and honorable in its mean
ing, that is not besmirched and discred-
tied by unworthy occupants. Titles for
the most part mean nothing but luck or
skilful management. IL is rare thing
for an office 10 seek a man in public life.
Parties seek him for availability and pop
ularity. Character and real worth are
hardly considered. Administrative and
manipulative qualifications and luck are
the thing 10 be desired The result Of
this state OF things In politics Is driving
many men utterly out OF politics. and Is
sickening the people OF the vice Of ambi-
ton. 1t is making the very attainment
OF the objects OF ambition discreditable,
casting their idols OF the common great
down to the ground. To be in Office is
something to be explained.
Meantime private business is becoming
more and more governing power. The
organizations which interest and self
defence bring into being are compelling
the safety and assurance of our country
Character. fidelity. wisdom and skill are
sought after. are in constant demand In
business. and high business regime
promises to be our safety Bushes aas
no empty titles. 1t rewards faithful SER
vice. and to an honorable discharge OF
duty gives good name and reputation
more to be desired than grea, riches
above popular caprice or the chances OF
election. Our people are becoming more
and more familiar with the fact that
permanent. lasting success In business
requires the cultivation and exercise OF
virtue.
One man may occupy high ofiice and
hesmirch 1t and make II odious. another