Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1870-04-01
An Honest Administration.

THE vigor with which the admlnistra-
ton is pursuing the investigations into
the frauds and populations of Collector
Bailey, of New York, is additional evil
dence of the fact that the pledges of the
Republican party in respect to honesty
and reform in the conduct Of national
affairs are being faithfully, honorably and
emphatically carried out.
When General Grant was inaugurated
President, corruption was the rule, hon
csty the exception, in the different depart
ments aud bureaus of the government,
The most thoughtful men of the country
had for months well nigh despaired of the
republic; the most intelEge friends of
freedom and America in the Old World
had feared that, though we had success
fully met and put down a gigantic rebel
lion, the ship of state, rotten as it ap-
peared to be, might founder in calm
This despair and this fear were not the
mere creatures of imagination, or of the
croaking spirit. The integrity of the
body polite was not doubted. The sacri-
fees the people had just made, the noble
patriotism the men and women of the
land had just shown in ten thousand
ways, were proof positive as to the ele-
waited spirit and true nobility of the body
polite at large. But the greatness and
honor of the people were in marked con-
trast with the littleness and corruption
of the office holding set. The nation was
glorious; the government was burning
shame.
Every candid person must agree that
we do not exaggerate the ills of govern
ment which prevailed during the closing
months of Andrew Johnson's administra
ton. From the Executive Mansion to
the post offices at cross roads there was
fawning, there was peculation-fraud,
bribery, stealing, corruption reeking ev-
erywhere. The raids on the Treasury
were perpetual, but this was not the worst
phase of the gloomy situation. Corrup-
ton was honofed. VIGOROUSLY corrupt
women distributed the offices of the gov
eminent and the brides of the fortunate,
in broad day light, and men of reputation,
so far from scorning the lasciyious favor
ties of the Chief Executive, did what they
could to give them power and honOrS.
The most corrupt "rings" were politically
omnipotent. They contro led every
branch of government. Their ramifica-
tions extended all over the country, and
their effect in demoralizlng politics was
great, and most unfortunately becoming
greater. It is not to be doubted that the
government could not have endured the
ills of the era of which we speak year
longer. 1t would have fallen to pieces of
its own corruption.
How different the situation to-day
There are those who dispute the states
manship Of President Grant, but these are
not among the most thoughtful men of
the country. There are those who COM
plain over the distribution of the public
patronage, but these are mostly those who
have personal grievance and biased
judgment. The integrity of the President
is beyond dispute except by those who
would dispute against the sun. Every
charge of want of integrity against him
has fallen to the ground. The shrewdest
men of Wall street we G interested in de.
flaming him. The most rigid scrutiny jus
titles him, and leaves them little if any
better than felons in the popular belief
And this well-grounded confidence in the
Presidents honesty is not only worth mil
lions to the people of the country in the
prevention of stealings, but it is worth
even more in the trust in free institutions
that it restores to the minds of thoughtful
men everywhere. IF we think about
what it has done, is doing, and will surely
do in the future, we cannot help conclud
ing that the unquestionabie integrity OF
President Grant is of no less value to the
country now than was his surprising mill
tary genius, through whose comprehensive
plans and tenacious and sublime pluck
the great rebellion went to pieces, aud the
republic was saved Chicag0 Post, Ma1'cA
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