Alexandria Gazette

The Influence of a President.

Now, if any man has observed the influence of the head man of a corporation, he will understand and appreciate what we are about to say in regard to the influence of a President, in molding to himself the men around him. As is the president of a railroad, so is every officer and employee, by rule. The loose or the sound morals begin at the top, and run down through the whole. As is the editor-in-chief of a great newspaper, so are the subordinates. Men who stand at the head of great organizations or great interests, bring around them naturally men of their own kind, who take their cue in action, and their tone in character and motive, from them. Like master, like man—an old proverb, based upon old and mature observation. Now, it is just as impossible to have a high-toned Administration, with a low-toned President, as it is to have a high toned household with a loafer at its head. The thing is unnatural and impossible. In the next Presidential election, the people really desire, we believe, to vote for, and elect, a gentleman and a statesman—a man who will associate himself in Government only with gentlemen and statesmen, and who will send only such to represent the Government abroad. The political and social tone at Washington is disgustingly low. It does not represent the people of America. It represents the party politicians of America, and them only. They are our bane and our disgrace; and if they are permitted to hold their influence through another Administration, we shall have ourselves to blame.—Dr. J. G. Holland: Scribner for May.