Middletown transcript., 1871-04-01

Tho Republican Reform movement
which has been initiated Mt Cincinnati by
such active Republicans as cx-Secretary
Cox, Judge Stantly Matthews and others.
fairly reflect the great change in senti-
ment, in regard TO some ofthe main points
Of Radical legislation, which has been ap-
parent, for some time past. among the pco-
plc the Of West aud Northwest. The de-
ulara,ion Of principles cnunciated by the
Reform Republicans Of Cincinnati covers
the snme ground that has been occupiad
by Democrats and Conservatives for sever
al years past. II is only recently that the
points at issue have made any impression
upon men Of the opposite party. They
arc:
LIST. The removal Of all political disa-
bilitics imposed on account ofparticipation
In - The rebellion
ID. A system Of import duties for rev.
cnuc exclusively. aud not, MS now, 10 boil
stcr up spccial monoEolies.
3D.. A thorough reform in the civil
service.
4th. The immediate passage of n law
providing for gradual but certain return
to gold and silver us the only true basis Of
specie currency.
All these measures Of reform. it is claim
ed by Judge Matthews and those acting
with him. should be carried out under the
auspices Of the Republican party. But
here is where the troubles between the
Republican rcformer and their Radical al
lies commerce. The latter are avcrse from
granting comprehensive measure OF am-
ncsty. and. indeed. from touching in any
way the question Of political disabilities
They are also--and the recent action Of
the Senate is conclusive evidence Of the
fact-dccidcdly opposed TO any serious
modification Of the duties on imports. -
They are jealous advocates Of high pro-
tec,ive tariff, and consequently, Of special
legislation for the benefit Of certain classes
Of miners and manufacturers. They might
possibly sanction Civil Service Reform
bill, IL they were sure it would perpetuate
the holding Of Office By members OF their
own party. Fearing that it would not,
they have simply agreed to put on Gener-
al Grant the responsibility Of the fitness of
candidates to fill the various positions to
which they aspire. Further than this,
they do not appear disposed to GO
!, is evident that the party, as a, pres
cnt organized, cannot work harmoniou.y
with its two wings entertaining views Of
public policy so completely an,ipodal
Even on the income tax the Radicals. by
the casting vote of Vice President Colfax
carried their point, When i, comes to the
question Of holding the South in subjcc-
ton, and Of "irusting to the ordinary
means TO establish justice and enforce
the rights Of citizens "--as one Of the
Republican journals advises agreement
seems to be impossible One wing insists
on the removal Of political disabilities, the
other on prescription. So also the West
crn and Northwestern Republicans demand
reduction Of the Import duties to rcve-
nue. standard, willis, the Noihcru Rndicas
stand by the policy Of protection and the
support Of iayorl,c monnpoiics. How i, il
possible for snch differences to be recon
eilei? Party cxigencies may. indeed in
dnce temporary cohesion, but We ARE dis
posed to regard the Gineinna,i Reform,
movement as another, and striking eyi-
dcnec Of the process of disintecra,ion
which is nnw going on In the Republican
ranks BAIT Ga.eHe