The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-09-27
The LETTER OF Ex Gov, ounr1v.-Ex.

IHE LErTERoF Elk Gov, CuRr1N.-Ex.
Gov. Curtin. of Pennsylvania, in his
letter announcing his support Of Hon.
Charles Il. Buckalew, Democratic nomi
nee Tor Governor. against Hartranft, the
nominee OF the Republican party of that
State, while non committal on the Presi.
Dental question, is sharp and severe
upon the subject OF corruption in poll
TICS, especially in Pennsylvania. He
says:
The bad rule that has wholly compass
ed the channels Of political adminlstra-
tive authority in Pennsylvania is not of
recent creation. 1t was the tireless but
lmpotent power that embarrassed the
action OF the government, State and Ma.
tional, during the dark DAYS of civil war.
and steadily struggled TO gather advance
1nent and gain from the bitter sorrows OF
the people.
Six years ago it attained contro! in our
State. How it was achieved is remem.
bered with humiliation by oil. Wby it
was sought and won onr subsequent lis.
tory painfully demonstrates.
The Republican organization has made
lts name illustrious in maintaining the
unity OF the Suites and redeeming q con
tinent to freedom. It was seized in con
tempt of the will of the people. and it's
victories perverted to licensed wrong.
need not recite how, under an honor
ed name aud flag, it has created vide
sprend, indeed, almost universal distrust
OF authority, and made honest men de-
spair OF integrity IN legislation, in cleo.
tons, In conferriug Legislative honors,
and even in the administration of pnblic
justice.
These terrible and steadily-growino
events In our political rule have made
the people demand the right to resume
their sovereignty, to make new safe
guards for themselves, but if the pro-
posed convention is to effect thorough
reform, it must be aided, not hindered.
by the vast power of the Executive and
other important State officials. If NIr.
Buckalew shall be defeated and o new
lease Of authority thus conferred upon
the despotic control that has long mis-.
ruled the commonwealth, it will be mar.
velous indeed if the convention chosen
In the partisan strife of q national con.
test cnn afford any substantial relief or
protection to the people. If Pennsylva-
MA is to be restored to purity, the Go
vernment III all its departments, as we'll
as the convention, must harmonize fully
aud earnestly in the work of regenera.
ton.
Mr.. Buckalew's confessed integrity and
consistent devotion to reform during
many years Of official service, gives the
best possible guarantees of honest i'd
ministration and complete restraints
upon corrupt or reckless authority, and
his election seems to be demanded by
every consideration of individual man.
hood and fidelity to the honor and ad-
vnnccment of the State. IF, as is
claimed by desperate leaders in Pennsyl-
vnnia, to regenerate our State in Octo.
Der will affect the national contest. q
cause thus to be endangered must be
wanting in the most essential attributes
Of popular confidence.
Actuated solely by sense of duty to q
people whose devotion in time pnst fur
nishes the most grateful memories of nv
life, shall vote in October for honest
government in our commonwealth, and
meet the Presidential issue, when it
comes before the people, in accordance
with my long-settled convictions. can
not afford to sacrifice grent contest for
constitutional, legislative and adminis.
trativo reform. because Presidential
election is pending. To yield the cues.
ton would give fresh victories for mis-.
rule, and mako the effort for Just funda-
mental restraints either measurably or
wholly abortive.
q - .