Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-25
From the n. Y. Insurance Times.
Samuel j. Tillen.
A SHAM REFORNER,

y 5HAM hEFORMER.
Reformers, even those who prove effective, axe
divided into two wholly distinct classes. There
are those who are devoted to the reform they adj
vocae from purely patriotic ard unselish motives,
and there are those who take up the cry of reform
with the view Of winning the confidence and ap-
plause of the people, and thus riding into place
and power. Reform with the latter is merely the
ladder of their ambition. They sometimes intro
duce and carry forward wholesome reform with
great activity, boldness and ZEAL but yet, as their
motives are impure, and their professions iusn-
ccre, they are Enthusiastically and dangerous, for
they only await an opportunity to profit by de-
sertion of their principles and betrayal of their
cause. These designing men are unfortunately
very numerous, and, notwithstanding the brilliant
impression Gov Samuel J. Tden has made on
the public mind by the exposure of the frauds per-
petrated by certain canal iings, and the praise
have been compelled to award him for his efficient
championship of the interests of the people, we
have too much reason to suspect that even lie be-
longs to this class.
There are times when men of his stamp, if they
imagine that the eye Of the public is not on them,
will betray their true nature. We once had &C.
cason to observe Governor Tilden under tempta-
ton of this kind, and we regret to state that he
shrank and skunk away from his duty. We refer
to his desertion ofthe peoples cause when George
w. Miller, ex-Superintendent of Insurance, was
tried by the Legislature of this State for cxtorion
and malfeasance in Office. the guilt of the de-
linquent superintendent far exceeded that of the
fraudulent contractors in the canal rings. The
of thai VIZ nod q a.,
preparation of the peoples money and the i'm
moral influence which corruption always exerts.
| But George w. MiIlers outrageous abuse of his
authority and power nearly ruined one of the
greatest interests of tine country, brought poverty
| and desolation to countless hearths and homes,
and many years must elapse before its evil results
will cease to be felt Mr.. Tilden knew these facts
perfectly well, and he knew that the accused was
guilty. He felt that it was the duty of the Legs
ature to expel the offender from his office but in
stead Of fulfilling his part like an uprg ht man and
genuine refOrmer, when the vote was about to be
taken, he rose from MS seat, left the assembly hid
away in the cloak room, and did not return until
George w. Miller's fate was decided.
Iilden did not dare appear openly in the guilty
superintendent favor, for fear that his political
rivals and opponents should quote his vote against
him and expose his inconsistency. Miller had at
that time still powerful friends In the democratic
party, and was always willing to do its dirty work
Tllden was equally anxious not to excite his hos
| tilfy. TIlden was therefore trimming with his
incest skill. He had watched the committees pro-
ceeongs, and listened attentvely to the debate in
the House. and knew how necessary ii was for the
preservation of insurance companies from exhaus-
| tive oppression, and the insurance department
from utter decentralization and disgrace, that Mil
Ter should be punished with exemplary severity
and we therefore demand what right had he, a
protested reformer, to run away in this case from
his manifest duty' The truth is that he is great
ana ostentatous reformer when reform pays and
Aaa rrtaot
to the extent of securing the nomination for the
Presidency Of the United States. But we ask, is
sham reformer and trimmer worthy of that ex-
| allied position!