"I am a farmer, and I own my farm free and clear. I also have two sons,
both smart, capable and trustworthy. As I have been a sturdy and
uncompromising Democrat all my life, I think the party ought to do
something for at least one of my sons, who is fond of politics. Any
appointment in one of the Government offices would suit them. Now, how
shall I _apply_ for a position, such as they want?"
No reasonable answer to such an inquiry as this will suit "smart,
capable and trustworthy" boys, one of whom "is fond of politics," and
whose father is disposed rather to favor than to discourage their
misguided ambition. We venture to hope, however, that their father has
lived long enough to become convinced that nothing pays so well on a
farm as common sense and hard work, and that the rule holds equally in
force in other fields of industry. Our friend seems to have forgotten
that although the Democratic party is a very grateful old party, yet it
has so much to be grateful for that, it has hardly enough gratitude to
go round. He and his two sons can best keep their reverence for the
grand old Party undisturbed, by remaining on the farm, aloof from the
few millions of others who confidently believe that patriotism will be
sooner or later rewarded by a postmastership.
We promise him that if he neglects to follow our wholesome counsel, and
instead shall go on, to Washington to seek political gifts, he will
return home mad. If he then will look about him, he will understand how
this kind of madness works. There is a great deal of it just now.
Farmer's boys should not seek political gifts. For them there is no
occupation so demoralizing as office-seeking, except office-holding. At
the best, as a rule, they could become only Government clerks, liable to
be turned out after they had served long enough to be spoiled for any
other occupation except of a routine character.
The Democratic Party shows its gratitude best when it faces the
infuriated office-seeker in his mad career and tells him that there is
not even the smallest post-office open for him. It chastens but to save.
Even though of Bourbon mould it has profited by experience; it has noted
the demoralizing effect of office-holding on the Republicans! If it now
and then gratifies the unruly demand of a Mugwump, it is because it
knows,--and secretly gloats in the knowledge--that the Mugwumps are
liable to rush to destruction during the next four years, and it
therefore chooses the lesser evil. The Mugwumps are the guests of the
Democratic Party. What a world of consolation for the farmer, always "a
sturdy and uncompromising Democrat!"
A final suggestion to our friend,--write to some of the clerks in the
Washington departments for information, and learn wisdom from what they
say in reply.
* * * * *
The statue of Commodore Perry will be unveiled at Newport, R.I., on
September 10th. Colonel John H. Powell will be chief marshal, and Bishop
Clark will officiate. All the local societies and military companies, as
well as the military at Fort Adams, have been invited to be present. The
Secretary of the Navy writes that all the vessels of the training
squadron will be here before that time, and that their officers and
crews will be in line upon that occasion. The monument will be presented
on behalf of the State and city by ex-United States Senator Sheffield,
who will make an elaborate address. Governor Wetmore, on behalf of the
State, and Mayor Franklin, on behalf of the city, will accept the gift.
* * * * *