"The paramount issue of the present campaign,"...

"The paramount issue of the present campaign," we are told, "is moral rather than political," and "the whole question hinges on the moral character of the presidential candidate." If these words are true and the coming election is to be decided in accordance with them, how much encouragement is given us to go on, hoping all things, enduring all things! If the great clan of politicians are forced to admit that a man cannot be nominated and elected to office on account of public services or ability, unless his private character supports his candidacy, a great step has been gained. Not only does it involve growth in the character of the nation as voters, but those who start out in life aiming at political means will be taught that, in the future of their hopes, no charges can be so damaging to their prospects as those made against private character. Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, in a letter to the Woman's Journal, Aug. 9, voices this thought, when she says: "A man whose private character would exclude him from decent society should not be the standard-bearer of the American people, should not be installed in the White House as the host of the nation and the dispenser of its hospitalities." In ringing words, straight from his heart, Mr. John A. Creswell, editor of the Buffalo Telegraph, proves conclusively, in a letter to the same Journal, Aug. 16, that one candidate is not the fit man for such an honor. Courage, friends! the day is at hand when moral worth must be the first test for all who seek our nation's honors!