Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-08-29
The Republican Party.
ITS RECORD AND CHARACTER.
Senator MOrt0n's Speech.
Every Voter Should Read 1t

The achievements and character of tn,
republican party fairly stated are enough
to sustain its claim to public confidence
These are candidly represented in tn,
speech OF Senator Morton recently made
at Athens, Ohio, answering charges which
are made by the opposition. 1t is so tell.
ing and truthful an exhibit that we can
not forbear copying from it at considera-
BILE length. After all that has been said
about the corruption and dishonesty and
Encouragement of the republican party
it has noble record, which its members
may well be proud of. 1t requires only a
respectable opposition worthy to excite
earnest discussion, to make its real merits
appear. Senator Morton's is the first
speech of the season in which any notice
has been taken Of the assaults upon the
party. The opening of his speech was
review Of the history and record of the
democratic party after which he continued
as follows:
ACTUAL STATE OF AFFAIRS
In answer to the general charges of corrup-
tion, and the allegation that everything is 90
ing on wrong, and that the country is on the
highway to ruin. present the actual state of
anairs--the general and unparalleled growth,
ueveiopement, and prosperity of the nation
Ihe peace, contentment, progress, and eleva-
ton Of the people.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE.
In further answer to their charges, refer
10 the tact that since the inauguration of Gen.
uIant on the 4th of March, 1869, 1880, OOO.-
OOo OF the national debt has been paid off
Within that time the taxation of the country
has been reduced by a republican Congress
sl5o,oOo,OUO. Within that time the credit of
the nation has been improved and established
throughout tne world: Within that time our
difficulties with England have been se,,,sa
upon an honorable and advantageous basis INV
which England pays to us SIS 800, 900, and re-.
eognizes arbitration between nations as a sinh
stitute for Wharf.-The grandest triumph in the
history OF diplomacy, ancient or modern
Within that time our chronic difference with
England in regard TO the northwestern bound
airy has been settled in our favor. And |
make the general statement that the Govern.
ment, in its various departments is now adj
ministered more strictly 10 accordance with
law, and with more system, than ever before.
And when we take into consideration the mag
amounts OF money now collected and disburs-
ed, as compared with former times, believe
it may be truthfully affirmed that there are
fewer defalcations, less malfeasauce in office,
and more fidelity to official duties than at any
former period 10 the history of our Govern
ment. The vast enterprises that have been
projected and executed within the last few
years, the enormous expenditures OF money
for military and civic purposes, and the neces-
sary multiplication of Offices and public agents
growing out of these things, have presented
opportunities and temptations for corruption
and peculstion such as never existed before
IN the country, and it is the subject of CRATE
iul surprise that there has been so little, and
mat the public virtue, instead of being dmin-
nhed, has been strengthened and increa sed.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM
The clamors of the opposition for civil SER
vice reform, which were heard so persisten,Iv
Tor the last two or three years. are now ii.
most silenced. The President has gone fur.
Their in that work than all preceding Adminis.
trations, and has introduced great chances in
the administration Of the civil servioa T. |
the departments at Washington clerks are an
puinteu only after thorough Competitive sr.
animation az to their qualifications. and arc
afterward promoted from grade grade unon
similar examinations. This has had The Of.
feet to divorce service in the departments
from political influence and the current poll