No reasonable answer to such an inquiry as this will suit “smart, capable and trustworthy” boys, one of whom “is fond of politics,” and whose father is disposed rather to favor than to discourage their misguided ambition.  We venture to hope, however, that their father has lived long enough to become convinced that nothing pays so well on a farm as common sense and hard work, and that the rule holds equally in force in other fields of industry.  Our friend seems to have forgotten that although the Democratic party is a very grateful old party, yet it has so much to be grateful for that, it has hardly enough gratitude to go round.  He and his two sons can best keep their reverence for the grand old Party undisturbed, by remaining on the farm, aloof from the few millions of others who confidently believe that patriotism will be sooner or later rewarded by a postmastership.

We promise him that if he neglects to follow our wholesome counsel, and instead shall go on, to Washington to seek political gifts, he will return home mad.  If he then will look about him, he will understand how this kind of madness works.  There is a great deal of it just now.

Farmer’s boys should not seek political gifts.  For them there is no occupation so demoralizing as office-seeking, except office-holding.  At the best, as a rule, they could become only Government clerks, liable to be turned out after they had served long enough to be spoiled for any other occupation except of a routine character.

The Democratic Party shows its gratitude best when it faces the infuriated office-seeker in his mad career and tells him that there is not even the smallest post-office open for him.  It chastens but to save.  Even though of Bourbon mould it has profited by experience; it has noted the demoralizing effect of office-holding on the Republicans!  If it now and then gratifies the unruly demand of a Mugwump, it is because it knows,—­and secretly gloats in the knowledge—­that the Mugwumps are liable to rush to destruction during the next four years, and it therefore chooses the lesser evil.  The Mugwumps are the guests of the Democratic Party.  What a world of consolation for the farmer, always “a sturdy and uncompromising Democrat!”

A final suggestion to our friend,—­write to some of the clerks in the Washington departments for information, and learn wisdom from what they say in reply.

* * * * *

The statue of Commodore Perry will be unveiled at Newport, R.I., on September 10th.  Colonel John H. Powell will be chief marshal, and Bishop Clark will officiate.  All the local societies and military companies, as well as the military at Fort Adams, have been invited to be present.  The Secretary of the Navy writes that all the vessels of the training squadron will be here before that time, and that their officers and crews will be in line upon that occasion.  The monument will be presented on behalf of the State and city by ex-United States Senator Sheffield, who will make an elaborate address.  Governor Wetmore, on behalf of the State, and Mayor Franklin, on behalf of the city, will accept the gift.