Phenix Gazette

Political Depravity.—To a reflecting mind the spectacle presented on the political field, appears revolting enough. Without going into the inquiry, whether we have degenerated so much from the standard of public morality in connexion with government, fixed by the founders of the Union and the framers of the Constitution, as to render the present state of things entirely natural, it is perhaps sufficient for us to know that, at this day, political depravity is so apparent that it cannot be concealed or denied, and that it puts on an aspect at once detestable and alarming: Active partisans, interested politicians, et id genus omne, cannot pause in their career long enough to see, what others, cool, calm and dispassionate, regard as portentous and menacing. The calculating hypocrite, also, may affect to disbelieve in the declension of political morality, because he is not willing that the eyes of others should be opened to the actual condition of things. But the patriot, who has nothing to lose or gain by party,—who regards the rise or fall of sects or factions with perfect indifference, so that his country is safe,—who may have his personal predilections, but is content with whatever the People will, so that the nation continues united, prosperous and happy,—sees and knows and acknowledges that the spirit of 76 is not the spirit of 1832; that we have no more Washingtons or Hancocks; and that cant and demagoguism and office-seeking, and a hundred other political vices, have taken the places of our former virtue, fair dealing, honesty of purpose, and love of country.