Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-22
RIDING BOTH SIDES OF THE
SAPLING.

Riding both sides Of the sapIinC has
long been current phrase to describe
the course Of the ingenious gentleman
VINO tries to appear to be both for and
against any political proposition. He is
also said to blow both hot and cold: to
chase with the hounds and rim with
the hare; to look one way and row the
other: 10 be Republican in fact, but
nominally a Democrat.
The matter is not generally consid-
cred one OF much Importance because
the ingenious gentleman and the san
ling he rides are not OF much public
consequence. as rule; yet as II in
wolves not only this persons moral in
tegr1ty. but also the decision of n pub-
lie question and the manner in which
1t is determined. every thoughtful md
honest citizen must regard Mr.. Fac
ihg-Both ways" with apprehension and
grave rebuke. 1t is such men. with no
liked principles and who at all events
must shout with the victors, or have
claim on them of some sort. TINT
makes such cases as that OF Drevfus
posslDie. and breeds such parasites of
power as have conspired to ruin an
honest gentleman in the name NJ an
honorable and patriotic profession
government. profession, business So
ciety and all the varied interests that
engage and attach men. Influencing
them hither or thither do not at all
imply unworthy motives or lead mon
into dishonor This Is OF the man him
heiI' IN all things; to the pure all
things are pure: and many n nob,a
career avouches that neither mone,.
nor politics. nor both, can betrov or
degrade in his own character and
course any man self-centred in truth.
right and self-respect. Nor is 1t nos.
siole to deceive such a man bv tho
100 common suggestion that the bonds
or good faith may be relaxed in com
mon affairs and public interests. Tn.
oeed. the true man feels acutely in all
such cases that to the private and NOR
sonal obligations he Is under. he must
aod and sacredly observe. with even
higher hdelity. IL possible his duties
ana implications as loyal Citizen
ready. II need be, to sacrifice himself
to the common veal, the common
honor. or the common manhood that
has established q standard that must
be kept inTiolable.
That Is patriotism In its finest and
manifest sense. Social standing. fam.
lily connections. business success and
popular respect are worthy Of respect
full regard and attention. Some of Them
attest the most honorable career and
are merited rewards of it: but 1t Is n
vile thing to urge these, or any of them
as q reason or motive, that must he
potential In causing a gentleman to
choose his stand. OF course. or opinions.
A man should be honest and honorable
and he IS so. If he be a true man. but
1t Is to insult him to Intimate to him
that he Is, or must be so. for low con-
siderations that are really incompatible
with the lofty integrity, that should nn
q manly heart none the less. IL It
brought shame and ruin.
II am a Virginian." says one. at nm
a Southern man and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT"
boasts another. II am a Democrat"
cries a third. Still another asserts;
II am Southern, a Virginian, an ex.
Confederate and a Democrat" These
are oil proud assertions; but better not
make them. nor any of them, and then.
under that cover, do anything unworthy
OF them. If you are no longer a Con-
Sfsdafate IN faith and devotion, decently
tuEn the EAST to the wall, and do not
+ sc iI . W