The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-10-02
SPIRIT OF TIE PRESS.
r,d,,orinI Opinions of the Leading Journals
ITnon Current TOpics-COmDiied Every
Dny for tho Evening Telegraph.
THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE RE-
PUBLICAN PARTY.
From the N. Y. Times.

PUDLlOAN IhhL l.
From the NJ Y. Times.
In endorsing unreservedly the course of
General Grants administration the Syracuse
Convention has but followed the example of
everv Republican Convention that has yet
been held Not one has evaded the subj ject or
dealt with it ambiguously. They have, with
out an exception, applauded its fidelity to
principle, its efficiency in the performance of
arduous duties, and the rigorous economy
which distinguishes every department. Their
approval is valuable because it is discriminat-
ing and manifestly just. 1t is emphatic be-
cause the Judgment pronounced by the vari-
Gus conventions expresses the known convic-
tions of the party everywhere.
The standard by which the acts of the ad-
ministration have been tried is high and un-
yielding. Under the rule of General Grants
predecessor the country had been famiiarized
with corruption and extravaganza. Power
was interpreted to mean license to misuse its
functions. The expenditures were maintained
at the war point. The departments were
filled by men who employed their opportuni-
ties to plumber the people. The revenues
were uncollected or squandered The Execu-
hive employed his influence to thwart the
operation of important laws, and to obstruct
the restoration of the Southern States.
Minor officers, encouraged by displays of this
mischievous spirit in high places, were noto-
tions of knaves, by whom great interests
were ruthlessly trampled under foot. The
spectacle was scandalous, and its effects were
most disastrous.
The advent of Grant to power, and the
formation of an administration on the basis
prescribed by the Republican party, was fol-
lowed by immediate and large reforms The
Congressional committees found ardent CO.
workers in the business of retrenchment
Tha infiu ho,J
been exerted to perpetuate extravaganza,
under Grant were arrayed on the side of
economy. The appropriations were cut down
at the instance and with the help of the de-
partmental heads. And promise was given
that the change thus begun should be pushed
forward faithfully and well.
The promise has been fulfilled Economy
is the order of the day wherever the autho-
rity of the Government prevails. The reduc-
lions contemplated by Congress have in many
cases been exceeded. The departments have
been purged of idlers; their duties have been
systematized, and the cost of their perform
ance diminished to an extent not yet fully
appreciated. the ''rings" which were pre-
viously supreme in the Treasury have been
broken; the devices which made robbery safe
and even respectable have been destroyed.
Honest men control the approaches to the
strong box. The revenues are zealously col
with strict reference to the terms of law.
As mere fduciary agent, the administration
has discharged its trust with an energy and
Integrity that cannot be too loudly APP
plauded.
But there has been more than mere faithful
Service. By its financial policy the adminis-
tration has brought the country nearer the
stage at which reduction of the burden of
The debt will be practicable. How this re-
Il ha of tha
party has again and again indicated. The
funding of the debt at a lower rate of interest
is the only method compatible with honor,
and the process will be possible only when
the public credit shall have been greatly i'm
proved. Not the least meritorious of the re-
suits achieved by the administration is, there
fore, the higher standing which it has i'm
parted to the national credit in the money
markets of the world. Opinions differ in re-
gard to the excellence of the precise means
employed to produce this result, but the re-
suit is gratifying and unquestionable. The
public credit is higher, stronger, than when
Mr.. Boutwell, began his task, and by so much
the country is nearer the relief it greatly
needs. 1t remains for Congress, after calm
consideration, to revise the plans of the
Secretary, and to provide means for proftine
by the good he has accomplished. An i'm.
proved condition of the debt and reduction
of taxation are the two objects which will
test the financial capacity of the party. They
are not irreconcilable.
The confidence expressed in the conduct OF
the administration has still further iustifica
tion. The better position of the South gene
rally, and of the three excluded States in par
ticular, is largely due to the sound discretion
and wise lberality which have distinguished
the action of the President. He has combined
adherence to law with generosity which ha
disarmed opposition. Order prevails. Th'
authority of the Federal Government has beer
upheld. At the same time the exercise of
just and conciliatory disposition has brough
into play the better instincts of the Southern
people Cooperation with the Government
has taken the place of resistance to its au
thority. Great strides have been taken to
wards the completion of reconstruction
Virginia is virtually restored now, and ther
are good reasons for hoping that Congress
on reassembling, will find Texas and Missis
sippi in similar situation. The fact will b
triumph for the administration, and sourc
of reasonable pride to the party whose prir
ciples it sustains and whose policy it nobl
Vindicates.