The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-25
REFORM.

This term has been so often prostitu,sd to
give semblance of virtue to the intrigues 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 it is
heard. II has always been found the favorte
cry Of every artful demagogue out ofplace, who
inveighs against the abuses Of the administra-
ton, and promises their reform if the destinles
Of the 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 aspirant after oratoreal fame in our
legislative halls-who, guile. Of the capacity
to acquire reputation for any other quality, yet
trusts to obtain credit for his integrity by raising
the war whoop of REFORM. We are aware, il
may be perceived, Of the neutrality-suspicious. to
which we may become obnoxious by saying any
thing on this subject but conscious not only Of
our hon. sty Of purpose, but 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 justi-
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 SO much vastness and completely as
especially one like ours-const-
tuted OF SO heightened a chain Of public officers,
many of the small parts Of the apparatus may
become deranged without disturbing or arresting
the motion of the whole, and consequently the
defect may long time remain impercepuble to
the engineers, whose attention is engrossed by
the more important portions of the engine
Abuses of different grades of enormity exist, no
doubt, and have existed in every administration
since that of Washington-and every admins
tion may claim the credit OF having reformed
some, while they must endure the blame Of
suffering others, through ignorance or negli-
gence, to remain uncouected. Every admins
tration since then, may boast ofhaving reformed
some of the abuses of predece ssor, while it is
held answerable for many of its own procreaton.
For however wise, upright, and patriotic, 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 their selection, many unworthy of confidence
will receive appointments. Dishonesty once in
office will most frequently maintain its post for
impudence in commission of crime is most ordi-
nsrily 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 10 those by whom they were apparently toll
Grated. We treat them as matters of fact, not
rs subjects Of elimination. We would not in
dulge IN vague defamation or bitter invec-
tive against persons; but, considering the di-
sease which is paraIyzing the strength and d.
mnishlng the vitality Of the body polite, as arr
sing from causes beyond the absolute control Of
any preventive remedy, endeavor to point out the
symptoms by which its presence is soonest indi-