The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-09-15

change in them or under them.
1t is now abundantly evident that had not
a Democratic House been elected in 1874, II
would have been impossible TO unearth the
various instances of maladministration that
have come to light, and it is equally clear
that until the Government passes into the
hands of the Democrats, we shall never
know the whole truth, whatever it may be-
and we need to know the truth as 10 the
past, that it may serve to guide US in the fu-
ture.
Believing, as | firmly do, that every con-
sideration of honesty and sound statesman
ship, every true national and individual
interest, demands the prompt Inauguration
of policy which shall, in the briefest prac-
ticable time, reduce every Governmental
expenditure to the lowest point commensur-
ate with honor and efficiency; regarding the
reform of the civil service in it's broadest
sense, and with it the enforcement upon
oficeholders Of the conviction that their on
ly business is to perform their public duties,
and not to manipulate party policies, as an
inherent part of this reform; satisfied that
it must be accompanied by financial meas
ures steadily directed towards the resump-
tion of specie payments within the shortest
possible period, l cannot for a moment doubt
that these all-important ends will be best,
and in fact only, attained by the election of
the candidate of the Democratic party.
But questions of finance and reform are
not the only ones which affect our present
and future. The recent war settled forever
certain vexed questions for example, the
asserted right of secession has disappeared
in sea of blood; slavery has been abolish
ed, never to reappear to the negro has been
given the rights of citizenship and suffrage.
We have nothing more to do with these re-
suits, except to .ccept them frankly, and
watch that they remain intact. After many
trials and tribulalions the States not long
since arrayed in arms against the general
government have re-eslablished their rela-
tions with the Union and regained their
autonomy. .. .. 5t
| Generous courtesy toward fallen but
most gallant foe, and selfish policy alike de-
mand that we should leave no just thing
yndone that will restore peace and we'll
being to the South, re-establish fraternal
feelings in the hearts Of all our people, and
cause our recent enemies to be proud of and
love the government of the Union and its
flag. The welfare of the North is insepara-
BILE from that of the South, and our country
can meyer attain its full force and vigor un-
I'll peace, prosperity, and kind feeling reign
throughout its broad domain. believe that
tins end can best be reached by respecting
the autonomy Of the individual States, 50
long as they respect the obligations of tho
Federal compact Allowed to govern them
selves, public opinion, self-respect and re-
gard for their own interests will certainly 3
suffice TO induce the Southern states to place
good men in Office and to enforce the laws.
While OF the opinion that Federal interfer-
ence should never be resorted to except in
the cases provided for in the Constitution, I
also think that, if any outrages are commit
ted upon the rights persons, or property of
any citizen, whatever his race. whether
white or black, and the State authorities ne
gect or hesitate to do their duty. the gen.
eral government should urge and aid them
\ IN every legal way to enforce order and JUS
tice, and should use all legitimate influence
in that direction.
| But have sufficient faith in the honor
and ability of our Southern brethren to be-
lieye that, when lett to themselves, they will
well know how to enforce just laws, and
secure the rights Of the humblest of their
| fellow citizens. l..
| In Mr.. Illden | am confident that we have
a candidate possessing all the requisites that
| the exigcncies of the times demand. Ina
long career he has given the surest proofs of
ability and integrity. II is a very easy thing
to preach reform to an opponent, but very.
different affair to carry it out in ones own
| party. - "' 70
| This Mr.. TildeD has had the rare courage
and ability to do. Against great obstacles
he commenced and carried through the her
! culean task of fighting corruption and pur-
suing the plunderers in his own party, and
| it is almost superhuous to say that the cour-
age, energy, untiring perseverance, and acu-
men he displayed in those memorable con-
tests prove that he possesses in most emf
nent degree the qualities so much needed in
our Chief Magistrate in the present crisis of
our affairs.
In regard to all questions of finance and
reform, we have the sure criterion of his
past life to enable us to form positions as to
his future.
In his hands may be safely left the task of
awarding liberal justice to the South, while
jealously guarding the rights of the North,
and the issues decided by the great struggle
ended, trust and believe, forever. ...
When elected believe he will enter up-
on the duties of his high Office with the sim
gle purpose of serving his country faithfully.
and with no lower ambition than that Of
devoting every faculty b the glorious task Of
rendering the nation prosperous at home,
honored and respected abroad. 1 would like
to appeal to those who in civil life have
honored me with their friendship and sup
port, and especially and most earnestly to
those men to whom have never appealed
In vain-my comrades of the war-and to
ask them to stand once more with me in our
country's cause, in civil contest now, as
formerly in deadlier struggle and support
to the uttermost the election of Mr.. Tilden
to the Presidency.
l believe that the issues now at stake
are similar to those for which we fought
the honor and well-being of the nation.
am very truly yours,
GEO, B. MCCLELLAN.
- ~
WONDERS OF SLEEP.--It is related that a
man fell asleep AS the clock toled the first
stroke of twelve. He awakened ere the echo
OF the twelfth stroke had died away, having
in the intarval draa mod IA at h.