Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 August 1880 — Truth the Substratum of Morality. [ARTICLE]

Truth the Substratum of Morality.

The New York Observer, in commenting on the morals of West Point, says: “Falsehood or fraud is punished bv dismission! This last feature of moral discipline was much discussed in connection with the late Whittaker case. It was said by some of the officers that the sense of obligation to teil the truth is so strong in a cadet that ho would not deny a ciimo if he were guilty of it.” Ido not believe that. It implies a contradiction it not an absurdity in itself. Tor if a man is capable of doing a base action, he is ex necessitate rev capable of another: and the lie is as easy as the othercrimc. But tho doetrine is taught here (West Point) as it should be. everywhere, that truth is the substratum of right morals: while cowardice and all rottenness pertain to tho man who will lie.” If the position here, assumed be correct, as it undoubtedly is, what must bo said of tho man who, when elevated to one of the most honorable and responsible positions that can be conferred upon an American citizen, betrays his trust, submits to bribery, and then, to shield himself from exposure, adds the horrible crime of perjury! Yet, strange as it may seem, such is (he record of the mar brought for ward by the Republican party to fill the most responsible and illustrious position that can be conferred by a people claiming to be eminently intelligent and virtuous. If the record of Garfield admitted of any doubt as to the extent or nature of his moral turpitude, it would be a mitigating circumstance, and would, to some extent, free his supporters from the responsibility of endorsing his crime; but such is not tho fact. No testimony could be more conclusive or more convincing.

Letters have recently been addressed to Judge Poland, in the hope he might say something to soothe the asperity of feeling which so goneially •effects the public in reference to this matter; but, notwithstanding his partisan zeal and Republican predilections, he will not’ deny the charges. He endeavors, it is true, to palliate and destroy their force by expressing the opinion that* they should be overlooked, inasmuch ; s they relate to a matter that occurred eight years ago, and is wholly of “a personal nature.” No one will be deceived by such logic. It any excuse can be offered in mitigation of crime, it must bo on the side of ignorance and poverty, to which vicious influences so commonly attach. The enormity of crime is nevermore glaring or"reprehensible than when developed in the higher walks of life. He, who despite of education, refinement and honorable associations stoop i to falsehood and treachery is of all others the best deserving of favor or confidence. The peculiar attrocity of Arnold’s tieach ery resulted from the fact that it involved a compromise of the highest qualifications of manhood—his courage, his patriotism, his honor, his obligations to fidelity. All wore prostituted for a consideration. Can anything less be said of Ga^eld’s? Be it understood that these remarks, though of a political nature, are not made in the interest of party They s.mply express feelings that should stir the soul of every true man who feels that insulted, and his country disgraced, by the presentation of such a man for the most responsible office in the gift of the nation, There is but little doubt as to what will be the fate of Garfield. The opportunity is presented when the peo pie may by their votes signify their respect for probity, by choosing a good man to preside over the nation.

J. M.

Ypsilanti Sentinel: Garfield—Ames can you let me have a small sum this morning? Ames—Willingly, my boy; how much do you want? Garfield—Well, I don’t know, what can you spare? Ames—All right, I can work out that sum. There are ten shares Credit Mobilier stock, Dr. 80 cents on the dollar, Cr. by rise in value. Ditto by dividend, 80 is 80; 97 is 97; SI,OOO, $1,400, $2,400; stock all paid for; balance of dividend due Garfield, $329; there, sir, that is just what you want'. Throe hundred and twenty-nine dollars. Here is your check. Garfield—Thank you, thank you; but mind, this must be considered a loan. Ames—Ob, yes, and as fast as the stock rises and dividends accrue (which, between us, you can help amazingly by voting right in Congress,) I’ll lend you some mere. You never took a bribe. No. sir! Garfield—Never, never! Ames (aside)—Hardly ever. There will be no service at the M. E. church next Sabbath evening. The appointment announced for Rev, Lewis will be continued till one week from Sabbath eve. A. W. Wood.