spection, that no man can mingle in politics without selfstultification. The primary elections having been "fixed" and the leaders chosen, and the platform set up, there immediately ensues scenes of "flunkyism," the advocacy of men known to be unworthy, and the denunciation of opponents without justice, a thing entirely too common in American politics, and almost enough to disgust all right-thinking men with the "trade of politics." And this feeling is increased after the contest is decided, when, as T. H. Benton once remarked: "We see robusterous men going through a scene of supplication, tribulation and degradation to obtain office, which the salvation of the soul does not impose on the vilest sinner."
Yet it must be apparent on a little reflection that there is no other method by which to set the machinery of our government in motion, and that the abuses of the system are the results in part of the apathy of the better class of citizens, inexcusable and unjustifiable in the non-exercise of their political duties. For underneath and covered by this debris are the great political truths which have been patiently evolved from the experience of the past centuries, and upon which our political fabric must be based to become endurable and cquitable, and to enable it to fulfill the great problem of "Peace on earth, good will to men.”
It is believed that the great political truths to which we have been referring, have found their fittest expression in the great party of Franklin, Jefferson, and Jackson, whose writings and teachings have become the compass and guiding star of the grand Democratic party of the Republic of the United States.