POLITICS AGAIN AND POLITICAL SONGS

 

McGrawville Express, Thursday, September 14, 1848.

EDITOR’S TABLE.

Politics Again.

   It is to be deplored that the political organs of the day have fallen so low—that they are even so devoid of self-respect—as to be the channels of the coarsest bickerings and the most vile and vulgar epithets that disgrace the age. And yet, persons of respectability and refinement will encourage them, because they happen to be identified with their own political creed—they favor their party. It will be remembered that we copied, last week, some of the sayings and doings of political men—not by any means the most ridiculous paragraphs to be found in our political papers, but specimens of such as ordinarily emanate from these organs. Well, some of our friends were taken by surprise, they were truly astonished that the Express should admit such "trumpery"—why, this was about "the worst selection of matter the editor could have made!" Now this is just what we foresaw, while clipping those articles from our exchanges. We were aware, that the contrast between those, and the matter which had usually occupied their place in the Express, was so marked, as to elicit astonishment; when these same paragraphs, read by the same individuals in a political paper would have occasioned no surprise—indeed, would have been passed over as a very necessary and very honorable part of the trade. Our object has been gained—our readers have seen, by the contrast thus exhibited, how infinitely superior is an independent family newspaper to those things denominated political Journals.

   We have made our political selections this week from the most respectable sources; and we do not think that partisans themselves will be inclined to complain of us— will they not rather feel proud to find their respective claims set forth in a neutral paper? It is hoped that if commenced at all, our political column may be read to THE END!

 

Political Songs.

   Among all the means resorted to by unprincipled politicians to gull the unsuspecting and illiterate, and to secure their votes, there is none more contemptible than that of rhyming. This species of literature is at this time abundant. Every one who has had the misfortune to perpetrate doggerel at any period of his life may, during the present campaign, exercise his gift without measure—without mercy. Almost every political paper must have its quantum of this nauseating flummery.—We have, at this instant, in our exchanges, an incredible amount of it.

   One editor inserts the following dignified effusion:

   Huzza for Cass! he's on the track,

   With General Butler at his back—

   They both are honest, good and true

   And whig humbuggery will undo.

   Then raise your banner higher and higher,

   And give them Cass and Butler fire. &c.

   Isn't it choice though? Doesn't it speak well for the intelligence and refinement of politicians? Doesn't it do honor to the literature of the age?

   But again:

   Now Whigs—one and ALL!

   Arouse to the Call,

   Or Cass will be plac'd in the Chair!

   And from that sad hour,

   The odious power,

   Of one man will lead to Despair. &c.

   If this isn't the "top notch" of sublimity where on earth can you find it? Byron and Shakespeare couldn't touch it; and certainly there is nothing like it in the pages of Milton, or Homer, or JOB!

   The Free Soilers, too, not to be outdone by their TAILORING and C(l)assical contemporaries, break forth into the following convincing strain.

   Tho' Taylorites and Cassites

   May jibe, and jeer, and flout,

   With "free soil" on our banner,

   We'll whip the cravens out. &c.

   It is said that Hoffman of New York has received $800 for the copy right of a single piece of this species of humbuggery.

   Dr. Holmes of the Maine Farmer has furnished a stanza gratuitously—he says he charges nothing for it, because it is not strictly original. We think the Dr.'s verse is quite as sentimental as any of this character that has met our eye, if not as poetical; and we think it as much deserves a place in political journals as the specimens above quoted—it ought to give the Dr. notoriety as a politician!

   The poet discourseth thus:

   "On Politic's' stormy banks we stand,

   And cast a wishful eye

   To Uncle Sam's little patch of land.

   Where all the spoils do lie.''

   But choice as are the gems above quoted we think they are thrown into the shade by a single effort of a correspondent of the Boston Post. Though his theme is not political, yet the style corresponds so admirably with that at which our political poet-masters seem to aim, that we present it to them as a model for future imitation:

   Suppose a tree's long reaching limbs

   Should 'gainst a window dash,

   In one of nature's breezy whims,

   And break it all to smash;

   Amid the clatter and dismay

   What think you would the fragments say?

   "Ye ministers of grace defend us!''

   Not that, Charles--they'd cry 'tree mend us!'

   But seriously—is not the sing-song system a silly operation when applied to politics? Does it become men who profess to have at heart the welfare of our country, and who mingle in the grave concerns of state, to endeavor to sing men into office? We [know] not. The practice is however in keeping with their other transactions.

 

The Prospect.

   From present indications we are inclined to believe that McGrawville is destined to become a literary place. Two elegant edifices are being built for educational purposes; and, with judicious management, we see not why these institutions may not vie with any in this region of the country. This locality is certainly romantic and healthful; and well adapted to mental culture.

   Central College, which is now enclosed and being painted, is certainly in our judgment, in point of style and external finish, the finest building this side of the city.—The very best workmen have been employed, and the building is rapidly progressing.

   The Union School House, which will be finished in a few weeks, will furnish ample accommodations for those who wish to pursue an academic course of study, as well as for pupils in the primary branches of education. We learn that it is the determination of the trustees to employ an able principal, and well qualified assistants; and to have the school conducted upon the most approved plan possible.

   A short time since, we suggested the propriety of having public exercises in this building preceding the opening of school, but we have as yet heard no response. It has been the custom in many places to dedicate school house, and the exercises on such occasions have been attended with the happiest results—why may we not avail ourselves of like results in McGrawville? Most certainly a few well directed remarks upon the subject of popular education at this time could do us no harm.

 

   ◘ Who of our subscribers, that proposed such an arrangement, will deliver wood at this office for their papers? "We pause for a reply!"

 

John Quincy Adams.

J. Q. Adams on the use of Tobacco.

   Mr. Adams, (says the Rev. Dr. Pierce in his biographical discourse,) was always ready to aid every good enterprise. About three years ago an able writer published a work entitled, "The Mysteries of Tobacco;" designed to prove the injurious effects of its habitual use. Through a friend he derived permission to inscribe the work to Mr. Adams. He gave his consent in the following characteristic letter:

   QUINCY, Aug. 19, 1846.

   I have received your letter, and shall deem myself honored by the inscriptions to me of the Rev. John Lane's work on Tobacco and its Mysteries. In my early youth, I was addicted to the use of Tobacco in two of its mysteries; smoking and chewing. I was warned by a medical friend of the pernicious operation of this habit upon the stomach and the nerves; and the advice of the physician was fortified by the results of my own experience. More than thirty years have passed away since I deliberately renounced the use of Tobacco in all its forms; and though the resolution was not carried into execution without a struggle of vitiated nature, I never yielded to its impulses; and in the space of three or four months of self-denial, they lost their stimulating power; and I have never since felt it as a privation.

   I have often wished, that every individual of the human race afflicted with their artificial passion could prevail upon himself to try, but for three months, the experiment which I have made, sure that it would turn every acre of tobacco land into a wheat field, and add five years of longevity to the average of human life.

  I am, Dear Sir, with great respect, your friend and Christian brother.

   JOHN Q. ADAMS.

 

MARRIED.

  In McGrawville on the 7th inst., by Rev. E B. Fancher, MR. MOSES G. SMITH of Oneonta and MISS POLLY B. DOUD of the former place.

 

DIED.

   In Homer on the 11th inst., Miss Sarah June, daughter of J. J. Maybury of Solon, aged 25 years 7 months.

 

To Correspondents.

   We have received a carefully written reply to the "Family Visit." The kindness of heart which prompted the writing of this effusion is appreciated—but the highly complementary style of the production will hardly allow us to give an insertion. "Diogenes'' is rather too prolix. Why will not correspondents study brevity? "Tribute to Mary" is anything but poetry. If "Mary" has any affection for the contributor, we have no disposition to weaken it by exposing his awkward verses. The pitiful rhymer "Thomas" ought to go to school awhile. The ''Short Sermon" is much too long as well as too personal! "Modern Critics" will appear next week.

 

   ◘ PROFESSOR NEW seems to be doing a good business yet in the way of taking likenesses. He has thus far we believe, given entire satisfaction to our citizens in his daguerreotype operations. He has a large class of scholars in Penmanship, who are learning finely; and he has recently taken a partner to assist him.

 

   ◘ INFORMATION WANTED.—The whereabouts of Professor Ide is earnestly sought by those personally concerned.