The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-27
REFORM,

This term has been 50 often sprostituted, TO
give semblance Of virtue to the in,rigues of the
designing, that the employment of it is apt to
engender suspicion, in the minds ofmany, Of the
sincerity and honesty of those from whom tits
heard II has always been found the favorite
cry il every artful demagogue out Of place, who
irveighs aganst the abuses of the adminstra-
top, and promises their reform if the destinies
ofthe country are entrusted to the wisdom and
fidelity of him and his friends; it is the prolific
theme of defamation for the feeble invention of
every young sspirant after oratorical fame in our
Legislative hals-who, guiltle IS of the capacity
to acquire reputation for any other quality, yet
trusts % obtain credit for his integrity by raising
the war whoop of REFORM We are aware. it
may h perceived, of the neutrality-suspicious. to
With we may become obnoxious by saying any
thing on this subject; but conscious not only of
our honesty Of purpose bur believing that we
are in no category which should involve us in
any suspicion, we have ventured to commence
giving utterance to some Of our ideas concerning
this delicate question.
Abuses, we believe, may exist without iusti-
flying any imputation in the wisdom, integrity,
or even industry and energy of those who are
considered responsible for their existence. In a
machine of 50 much vastness and completely as
a government--especially one like ours-consti.
tuted Of so heightened chain of public officers
many Of the small parts of the apparatus may
become deranged without disturbing or arrestina
the motion Of the whole and consequently the
defect may long time remain imperceptible te
the engineers, whose attention is engrossed BY
the more important portions Of the engine
Abuses Of different grades Of enormity exist, nc
doubt, and have existed in every administration
since that Of Washington every admins
tion may claim the credit Of having reformed
some, while they must endure the blame OIL
suffering others, through ignorance or negli-
gence, to remain uncorrected. Every admins.
tration since then, may boast ofhaving reformed
some OF the abuses of predecessor, while it is
held answerable for many Of its own procreation
For however wise, UPRIGHT and patri otc the
heads of any administration may be deemed, il
cannot be supposed that the same purity of vir.
tue pervades all the ranks of their subordinate
officers. Whatever precautions may be exerted
IN tnelr selection, many unworthy Of confidence
will receive appointments. Dishonesty once in
Office will most frequently maintain its post fol
impudence in commission Of crime is most ordi-
narily associated with astuteness in conceal
ment.
While, therefore, we cannot but believe in
the constant we might almost say the inevitable,
existence of abuses, we can investigate their
character and urge theirreform, without liability
10 the charge Of imputing negligence or depra-
witty to those BY whom they were apparently toll
Grated. We treat them as matters of fact, no,
as subjects Of elimination. We would not in
dulge in vague defamation or bitter inyec-
tive against persons; but, considering the di-
sease which is paralyzing the strength and d.
mInlshing the vitality Of the body polite, as ari-
sing from causes beyond the absolute control OF
any preventiveremedy, endeavor to point out the
symptoms by which its presence is soonest indi-