Max O’Rell on Politics.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 285, 11 April 1889, Page 2

Max O’Rell on Politics.

In America the pursuit of politics is a liberal profession—very liberal for those who tak< it up. In America, as in England, there are twe great political parties; instead of being called Conservatives and Liberals, they art called Republicans and Democrats, The difference which exists between these two parties in this : One is in power and tries tc stayin'; the other is out of it and tries tc get in. AU that is done by one is condemned in advance by the other, whichever the other maybe. It is part-iotiem. Good society keeps prudently aloof from politics and politicians. When a servant announces a politician, his master whispers in his ear: ** John, lock up the plate, and take care there la nothing lying about ” Jobe faithfal to orders, stands sentinel m the hall, and, while he is showing out the politiolan, keeps an eye on the umbrella and overcoats. For that matter the American democracy is no exception to the rule. To become s chemist, you must study chemistry ; to be. come a lawyer, you must study law ; but, iu a democracy, to be a politician you need only study your interests. Enlightened, educated, well-bred people have no desire to be confounded with the heroes of the stump, and stand back; the rich financiers and merchants are too busy to take up politics | the Senators and Congressmen are more or less the chosen of the common people, and good society says : “ No, thank you, I prefer to stey at home." Thus It is that the ground remains clear for the noisy medio, crltes, and that a gentleman has only to mix himself up in politics to become a deelatu. We must reach the White Houee to inspire a little respect. The American gentleman has not the least ambition to see his fair name dragged in the mud, to hear himself nicknamed “ Honest John, " "Jolly Roger," or what not. He takes a joke as well is another, but if you were to call him “Senator" or “Congressman,” he would have you up for defamation of character. The President himself, capable and upright as he is, does not altogether escape the contempt which the politician inspires in the man of refinement.