Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1873-10-02
THE TURN OF THE TIDE.

THE TURN OF THE TIDE.
The present year seems to have
marked an era In our political system
which historians will note with suita-
BILE comments. Great events do not
often suddenly occur, but are the out
growth Of years of experience and
the result Of unchangeable laws.
Especially Is this true Of q Repub-
lie, based like u own, on consti-
tutional guarantees and a vast
body Of educated freemcn. Except
when aroused by some powerful
aud sudden shock, We are content with
our system Of government, and dispos-
cd to passively submit to minor out
RACES rather than wage war with those
to whom from our apathy and their
superior persistence rather than tai
ent, we have entrusted the reins Of
control. But when ono aroused,
when alive to the situation and cou-
WINGED Of personal or national peril.
tho average American elector Is not
excelled either In zeal or firmness.
The late war was an example Of the
latent patriotism and sturdy persist
nee which underlle tho American
character. Its results were accepted
thankfully BY the laborlng classes Of the
world, and the people Of a united aud
successful government, so soon rs the
clouds cleared away and clear skies
appeared, busted themselves with the
national business Of money making.
Politics had few charms to the average
citizen. He saw the war ended, Its re-
suits garnered, and as he believed
honest and true men at the helm Of
our national vessel. In fact he did
not stop particularly to inquire re-
garding the honesty, cspability or
past record of the servants Of the peo-
Die for whom he cast his vote. 1t was
enough for him that they were loyal
to the Union. claimed fellowship with
and were members Of the party which
had always stood BY the old flag. So
he plowed his farm, tended his shop
aud drove his bargains, secure In a
rescued government and happy In his
own successes Meanwhile, his repre-
s~entatives In Congress and State Leg
islatures were not idle. They also
bargained aud sold. They grew rich,
aud somewhat arrogant. They built
fine houses at the National Capital and
raised their salaries to support the
new style. They gave away large do
mains of the public lands. They grant
ed bonds to vast corporations, they
conferred special privileges upon cap
ital and-were paid for It. But the ma
tional debt was being paid and the In
ternal Revenue tax was being abol-
ished. So the citizen was content, and
still let politics alone.
But IN day In Congress n resolu-
ton was introduced, which startled
even the quiet farmer and artisan.
Some one wanted an Investigation
serious charges were made against
hitherto popular, influential, loyal
and Christian statesmen. Tho Credit
Mobilier inquest was ordered. The
results were published and the peace
full citizen woke up. Soon, as II In
accord with the saying whom the
gods would destroy they first make
mad," the salary grab was passed.
And now the American citizen stood
OH his feet and looked around. He
saw many things, and the chief among
them all was the utter untrustworth-
mess Of the men whom he had 10
trusted and honored. He saw corrup-
ton In every department Of the Gov
ernment. He read daily Of defal-
cations. bribcries and all manner OF
rascalities. He heard the cry Of OPP
preston from his brethren In the West,
and he grew angry. He Is angry to-
day. The apathy has all departed.
and In Its place there Is a strong, I'm
perative and not to be denied. demand
for reform. And when the average
American citizen goes after anything
he Is not only persistent but success
full. Reform Ia his cry now and re-
form must come. Not n halfway,
haiting. compromising sort Of change,
but q healthy and honest refornrN
Good men and good measures must
take the place Of dishonesty and In
famous legislation. Congressman must
represent the people and not special
interests. Economy must be a fact
and not merely a buncombe resolution.
Integrity Of character must command
moro respect and ~venality its right
eous condemnation. Governments,
both State and National, must be con-
Quoted In the interests Of the whole
people and not Of a favored few. The
National Congress must cease to be a
mart where honor and trust are sold
to the highest bidder, and the lobby
must no longer legislate for the peo-
pie. From cvesy quarter Of this land
Of ours comes a demand for change,
both in the policy Of the Government
and the personnel Of Its managers. The
tide is setting In toward justice and
equality-toward a better and purer
political regime. Those men who
have falsiied their words, betrayed
their trusts, broken their oaths, cor
rupted their confreres and dishonored
our Government, are to be punished.
They are no longer to rule. Some by
personal favor may obtain appointive
offices, but from the people and BY the
vote Of the people they will hereafter
receive only condemnation. Its well
for this proudest OF nations, this best
of Republics, that behind all Its fuss