Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-16
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AU CT U 8 L "A.
sAruRDAY MORNING.. Dec. 10. 1871.
Reform MEASURES


The brisk movements in Congress for
measures of reform and economy form
noticeable feature of the session. Judg-
ing by the activity and interest manifested
in that direction. something of a substan-
tial character will be effected. When all
are for reform nothing can prevent prog
ress. unless it be division as to the methods
to be pursued.
And here is precisely the danger and
difficulty. Mr. Trunbull and Mr.. Schurz
are earnest reformers providing they can
have their way, hut if there is objection
and opposition to their measures they
manifest considerable feeling, iali 10 aous-
ing the administration, court applause
from the democratic side of the Senate,
and cast impediments in the path OF those
whose measures are preferred to theirs.
The spirit displayed by Senator Wilson in
the late debate was much more commend
able than that of the above named gen
tlemen. We think an unprejudieed reader
of their remarks could not fail to come to
the conclusion that however sincere they
may be to promote reform, they are great
" more in earnest in attacking the admin
istration; that the latter is their true objec-
tive point, while the blowing of their
trumpets for reform is only done to divert
attention from their real object.
Now the country cares but little in what
way the civil service is reformed, SO that
it be done. Whether it be in accordance
with or in opposition to Mr.. Trumbulfs
notions is of no consequence, ii the job Is
completed, or well undertaken and car
ried forward Mr.. Schurz may talk as
bravely as he pleases of civil reform, be-
fore lyceums or in the senate chamber,
but when it appears that he is moved by
spite against the administration, and that
his purpose is to use civil reform only that
he may strike down the President, his eff
forts will be vain. The position which
Mr. Schurz occupies, in his relation to
parties in Missouri. his connection with
the passive policy, andshis readiness to
WELD lance at all times against the adj
ministration, places him under suspicion
to say the least.
The remarks of Senator Morton after
the rejection of Trumbull's amendment
and the adoption of the original resolution
when he addressed the latter in the fol-
lowing language, touch one phase of the
reform movement in a proper manner.
Mr.. Morton said
/ am glad to hear the Senator declare his
devotion to the republican party, but | did
understand the spirit of his speech TO be diff
ferent, however, l accept his statement of his
position. Now as to this, in the question of
reform, there seems to be a disposition on the
part of some people in this country to become
professional reformers par excellence. They
seem to desire to monopolize that and to set
themselves up as the only men who hate cor
ruption. desire to say to those gentlemen,
whoever they may be, that for one shall not
allow them to monopolize that business.
claim to be as good a retormer as any of them,
although do not make such high pretensions.
We think the President and Congress
can be trusted 20 carry forward civil SER
vice reform The former has pledged him
self to support it, and has given good evil
dence of sincerity. The republicans in
Congress have constituency to give an
account to- But they have right to choose
their own methods, and then they may be
held responsible for the results.