New-York tribune., 1875-11-26
THE NEW REFORNER.

1t is related OF Il distinguished puolc HAIL.
now dead, that he was a street drunkard untu
some of his friends saw fit, i'll season OF
peculiar political complications to run HIM Tor
an important Office. TO the great surprise OF
the candidate himself, he was elected. From
that day he began to comb his hair and drink
water. He never Telapsed into his old habits,
and in a very few years he became one OF the
most prominent men of his State dying gen
eraly respected after he had served with
honor in u great many positions OF trust. lie
had been sagacious enough to comprehend
when fortune offered him the golden oppor-
tunity which was not likely ever to return,
and he was not too far gone TO seize it.
We are reminded OF this story by the re-
mort which comes from Washington every few
days that Secretary Chandler has turned re-
former aud is sweeping ont the Interior De-
partment with a vigor which makes Washing
ton gasp for breath. Mr.. Chandler has hitherto
been known as a favOrer of all those transac-
tions In politics out Of which Department
Rings and corrupt pecunlary dealings are
naturally developed. He has been what Is
called a practical politician, that is to say
politician who understands the uses OF rasca!ity
in carrying on the business OF party govern
ment. and is not such visionary m0iallst as
10 expect that conventions can be managed by
archangeIs, and campaign funds collected
without taking little patriotic advantage OF
the weaknesses and peccadillocs OF the con
tributors. Ii for example rich cor
noration against which the Government had
a valid claim for unpaid taxes had proposed
to nay handsome sum to the Republican
Executive Committee for election purposes, OH
condition that the claim should 9e COM
nromised on easy teTms-Ot course we are
only stating hypothetical casc-we can
imagine that Mr. Chandler would have recon-
mendcd the acceptance OF the offer without
anv hesitation, and thought that he only full
filed his duty to the party in doing So lie
ALWAYS ridculed the idea that honesty and
efficiency ought to determine the tenure OF
Office, for he frankly avOwed the doctrine
which other politicians, less bold but not bit
more scupulOus, habimally practiced, that
natronaco WAS given to Presidents, SecTc-
taries and other high peraonages principally
for campaign purposes, the public service be-
inc a minor consideration altogether. Judging
Mr.. Chandler therefore from his own decla-
rations. he is about the last man III the world
whom We should expect to turn refolmcr
But NOBODY ever UtlcipOh -kl' tht'H'ti'A w.
4 fool. ana it is not impossible that he sees
his last chance. He lost his reelection to the
Senate because the people of Michigan were
djsgusted with the sort of politics OF which he
had been conspicuous practitioner, and the
public desire for purer methods OF govern
ment and some degree OF respeciabliity ana
busines, tact in the Departments Is constantly
moving stronger. Mr. Chandler is fortunate
in having an opportunity which comes to few
men at his age of retrieving the mistakes of
lifetime. The previous incumbent of the
Office left it in fIightful condition, and
the process OF cleaning it ont is likely
TO stir up great deal of dirt and
commotion. Mr.. Chandler promises to
20 at il with a will He has taken OFF his
coat so to speak, and barred his brawny arms
The people stand around eXpectant, ready to
applaud whenever he gives them chancc,-a
little incredulOus perhaps-and who can blame
them ?-but not disposed to judge the ancient
hero unkindly. Let Mr. Chandler keep his
promises and whatever good work he does Will
6nd the promptcst and heartiest recognition.