The Potter journal and news item. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1872-1874, 1873-02-14

every subject discussed in its col
umns. seems inclined to let the Con-
yention make itself ridiculous over
foolish and impracticable PROPOSE
tions without let or hindrance, for it
has only criticised the action OF the
Delegates in two articles. The wis
dom and pertinency Of these were 50
able and satisfactory that it made one
wish for much more of the same. In
one of these articles the writer hit the
very kernel of the duty Of the Con
vention. | write in haste from men,
orv, but the idea was this: The pres
ent Constitution has worked, in the
main, 50 well that very few changes
in it will accomplish all that is eX-
pected or desired by the people.
If the North AmericaH will enforce
this idea by frequent articles, | am
sure it will do great service to the
State and help to restore to the Con-
vention the rule Of common sense.
The Inauguration Of a new Cover
nor, his address and appointments
are attracting so much attention that
you will pardon me, | am sure, for
turning my attention and yours for
a few moments to that subject.
The inaugural address Of Governor
Hartranft gives entire satisfaction to
all his friends, so far as your CORES
pondent has heard an expression. The
same may be said Of his appointments.
with one important eXception-that
Of Secretary Of State. The general
feeling as to that appointment is one
of regret.
Mr.. Quay is admitted to be man
Of sufficient ability to discharge all
the duties of the position to which
he has been called, but the better class
of Republicans look upon him as
smart politician rather than as an able
and upright statesman, and our new
Governor has undoubtedly disap-
pointed a large number Of his warm
est supporters.
The West Chester Americon Re
publican, in the following notice of
the Governors cabinet, undoubtedly
speaks the sentiments of the great
mass Of unselfsh Republicans:
We have no hesitancy in saying that,
with single exception, the Cabinet we
believe to he a coed enc. That excep-
tion, we regret, is the most important
Office in the gift Of the GOvernOr-the
/ Secretary of the Commonwealth. The
appointment of the individual named
! had dbeenforeshadOwed politicalcircles
/ for several weeks previous, and we know
of number of the best and most intlu-
ential members of the Republican party
who, both 10y word and by letter, ear
nestly protested to General Hartranft
against it. But they We're without avail.
1t was a part of the programme of the
men who controlled and directed the
Nominating Convention, and had to be
consummated. We regret, both for the
reputation of the GOvernOr-elect and the
future welfare Of the Republican party,
that it was 50. 1t would have been much
+ more pleasant had we been able to com
mend rather tIan thus condemn. But
we have resolved to begin with this adj
ministration as we intend to end with it
: In common with other journalists We
t gave notice weeks in advance Of what
was expected of it by the public, ant
that the responsibility of the appoint
ments-whether good or bad-shOuld be
placed where it properly belonged-upOl
the appointing power. We referred par
ticularly to the Importance of the of1ic;
Of Secretary Of the Commonwealth, Ow
! ing to the official voice that officer ba:
E in controlling and managing the public
monies in the hands of the Treasurer
The charges that had been urged against
! the Governor during the canvass, of par
/ ticirating in the profits arising from tn,
purchase of securities for the Sinking
Fund, rendered it absolutely necessary
in vindicatiOn of his own reputation, a:
well as sustaining the character of thC
\ party whose chosen leader he is. that ht
! should select some one of unimpeachabl,
. reputation to fill that Office. If he ha'
failed i'll this it is no fault of ours. L
is not necessary that we should particu
I lariZe our objections. Those who vii
0 make reasonable inquiry can easily sat
- isfy themselves whether what we hav,
Q here said was warrantable OF not unde
o existing circumstances.
WE publish this week an articl,
from the Literary Journal, pape
read monthly in the literary meet
ings in this place.
The writer thinks the liquor Law
Of Illinois, better than our own. anc
: it does appear so: but we are yer,