New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-12-19
SELF REFORM,

can be effected by any organization out
side of itself THEREIN the patient must
minister to himself" The organization
Of third party has always been forced
10y the failure Of one of the two great
parties on principle to redress some
grievance complained of by some OF Its
members, who complain of administrative
details. Had Pope Leo listened to the
complaints of conscientious priests, or the
established Church of England to the
reasonable reforms suggested by Wesley,
or the minister Of George III. to the re-
monstrances Of Massachusetts and Viz
ginia, each OF these naughty powers would
have appeased a dissent which has founded
great and an antagonistic system.
The Republican party is in the situation
of a great authority, which is as liable to
subordinate abuses as others. If it should
defend ali wrong-doers who may employ
its name as q warra Mt for fraud, then it
can expect no other fate than has beiallen
the obstinate examples to which we have
adverted. Already has this party had its
monition. The Liberal scheme of 1872
was based on the complaint of such Repub-
lican leaders as Carl Schurz and Horace
Greeley, that abuses existed in the admin
istration of subordinate offices. Perhaps
in the conscious innocence, political in
experience and grateful devotion of the
President, he could not believe the impu-
tations worthy investigation. A more en-
larged experience, with more pronounced
proof, has convinced him that the Repub-
lican party is no more exempt from impo-
sition and ingratitude than any other
party. With that individual courage
which has always distinguished General
Grant, he has determined that the Repub-
lican party will institute reform within
itself, and he has issued that gen
eral order, "Let no guilty man
escape" which marks the mex
orable integrity of the Republican
President. 1t is bold and original
movement, and should be followed by all
Republicans in responsible authority
throughout the Union. The Republican
Governor of South Carolina has thrust
the thieves who have defled the Republic
can record out of trust, and into prison.
His Excellency Governor Kellogg has
pursued and is pursuing the Presidential
policy with an equally uncompromising
ardor. He has instituted reforms in
finance, in official administration, and has
stricken terror into the hearts of those
selfish men who may have thought the
only use of protesting Republican prin-
ciples was to accumulate private fortunes.
One latest painful example of this course
has been to subject Republican official
of high standing in the moral and politi-
cal world to rigid investigation. The
prima tacie blush of this scrutiny would
impute to this official neglect of duty,
official incompetency, an alliance with
dishonest men, or facility and
ignorance which have made him dupe.
Large sums have apparently been lost to
the taxpayers, and ruinous liability cast
upon the official principal and his sure
ties if innocent. If guilty, there must
have been large amount realized by the
fraud to cover these liabilities in good
money at the current discount of State
warrants. We say such is the first blush
of this case. 1t proves the fidelity with
which Governor Kellogg follows the foot
steps of the Republican chief. Do we
say this prima facie showing will be made
good? Have we asserted that this high
Republican State functionary is guilty?
So far from having done so, we sincerely
hope for the honor of the Republican
party this much trusted functionary may
be proven innocent We should not like
to see one who has accepted high Office
dismissed in disgrace, with ruin impend-
ing over himself and those who confded
in his capacity to administer his official
duties.
Yet if this high functionary were the
Babcock of Governor Kellogg, he must,
under the general order, be prosecuted.
If innocent, the Republican press and
party will vindicate and honor him. If
guilty, the Republican party will have
shown its impartial administration of the
law. All these are cases of self reform.
1t is proof that the innate and curative
vigor of the Republican party, like the
functional energies of Charles O'Conor,
the other great prosecutor OF thieves, can
react and reform its own abnormal de-
rangements without the outside aid of the
political doctors. With this capacity for
self reform, why should there be any
necessity for o third party to effect the
objects of the Republican party?
We can see none. If the Republican
party should assume to protect its own
defaulters how could they be reached by
any outside reformers? Could any party
be expected to assist in its own convic-
ton? Let all, then, who accept the simple
and established tenets of Republican
principle accept also its name. What
man, North or South, dares say he is no
republican? None, except he be mon
archist, an aristocrat, or an ecclesiarchist.
Democracy itself is but republican sect,
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