The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-12-05
THE TRUE ROAD TO REFORM.

The political situation of this State, and
more especially the unfortunate condition OF
this city, is attributable both to the malad-
ministration Of the dominant party and to the
really shameful Indifference, manifested by
our more respectable class of citizens, to all
active interest in politics The history OF
every State, more especially since the war,
has shown that the success of any party
pledged to reform is based on the emphatic
assistance rendered by those directly benefit
ed by the measures proposed, and no real
reform can be looked for or secured without
the participancy of those actually and directly
affected. The idea that citizen has per-
formed his whole duty in voting for ticket
emanating from his own political party, is falla-
cious and dangerous, for it often happens, and
Iamentably is it the case here, that the ticket
is framed by men who are either ignorant OF
what is required, or who are influenced by
improper motives. The primary elections in
this city, important as they are, having in
them the very essence of what is needed to
regulate and control the convention, are dis
regarded by our best people, and fall neces-
sarily into the hands of designing politicians.
The result is that political bummers of the
worst class too often find their way into con-
ventions ana hold, as it were, the success or
defeat of the best men in their keeping. A
man is not nominated so much for the integ-
rity of his character as for his influence
among the men who run the ward clubs.
The time has come when all this should be
changed, and the very people who cry for re-
form in the other branches of politics, must
set the example by complete and thorough
reorganization of this the most baneful of all
our troubles. People of sense begin to I'm.
derstand that the purity of a party consists
as much in its individual personnel as the prin.
ciples it represents. 1t is undignifed and
improper for men who have been placed in
the positions of Senators, Administrators,
Judges, etc., to continue to exercise authority
in ward clubs; this engenders spirit of in
trigue, and should be trowned upon by all
who have the real interests of the party a.
heart
Under this condition of affairs the Legitimate
love of power becomes debased into greed
for office. That they should counsel ant
direct for the good Of the State is conceded
but that with an authority conferred before
they were placed in power, they should
endeavor to control and guide the workings
of the different wards, SO as to prolong ant
consolidate that power, is detrimental to the
true interests of Republican government
Let our business men look to this in the
coming ward elections. Let them insist and
understand that in the approaching cam
paign it is the tax payers and property-hold
ers who are most directly affected, and tina
unless they are properly represented no salu
tary reform can be either expected or real
lied.
| The ward clubs can not too soon effect {
reorganization upon the basis suggested tn
gentlemen who have been highly honored b.
their party and the people, and who nov
occupy exalted positions of trust and emolu
ment, should gracefully give way to other
who possess equal qualifications. The mex
| fight will be no child's play. We must exer
our every energy to achieve success, and it ii
not too soon to be putting our house in order