Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-09-01

larations TO the completion OF the work.
Gov. Hayes led his party to victory last
year in the great State of Ohio in advocacy
of certain and speedy resumption. In his
letter Of acceptance Of the nomination for
the Presidency he declares that he stands
by his record on this question, and that the
Party must go forward in the performance
of..its pledges, taking no step backward.
Mr.. Wheeler's past course and present ut
terance ON this subject are free from all
doubt. 's-'
Another work OF great and pressing i'm
portance is to be done. Among the evils
entailed upon the country by the Democrat
ic Party is vicious system Of civil service.
That party introduced the maxim, ITO the
victors belong the spoils," and under its
operation the true test of qualification gave
way to the spoil system. Offices came 10 be
distributed as rewards, not only for party
services, but for personal service 10 party
leaders. The Republican Party, since its
advent TO power, has been confronted by
such stupendous dangers TO the very exist
ence Of the Government, and TO the person.
al and political rights of its citizens, that the
reform Of this evil OF Democratic origin has
necessarily been postponed. Meanwhile,
like all other evils ii has continued TO grow.
The present is favorable time for the cor
recton of this abuse, and return TO the
true method of civil service. The Repub-
lican Party now proposes TO enter upon the
work with earnestness and zeal. The Gin
cinnsti platform strikes at the very root of
the evil by declaring that the constitutional
distinction between legislative and execu-
tive functions and duties should be strictly
observed, and that Senators and Represen-
tatives should not dictate appointments TO
office. Gov. Hayes, by his letter of accept
ance, which is throughout model of frank
ness and true craftsmanship, gives particu-
lar prominence TO his views on this sub
ject. No candid man of any party can read
what he says in this respect without being
profoundly impressed with his courage of
opinion, and his perfect freedom from the
acts and practices of a demagogue and
place seeker.
Gov. Hayes promises that, ii elected, all
the constitutional powers vested in the
Executive will be employed 10 establish
this reform. As guaranty Of the complete
iulillment OF this pledge, he voluntarily
announces his inGallible purpose not to be
a candidate for a second term 10 the Presi-
dency, that he may at the outset free him
self from all possible temptation to use the
| patronage of his office for the advancement
of his own reelection. This is not the Lam
guage of an artful politician, but of an hon.
| est believer in the sacredness of the princi-
MI x,bi ba t.
with his whole public career. 1t is in har-
mony with his practices during his own
former terms as Governor of his State, and
with his public utterances before bis name
was mentioned in connection with the nom
ination for the Presidency.
The Democratic Party, attempting 10 take
advantage of the temper of the people, has
unfurled banner bespangled all over with
the word "reGorm," but earnest and sim
cere reformers will not be deceived into the
belief that that party has either the purpose
or the ability to carry forward substantial
reform. There is something grotesquely
absurd in the appearance OF the Democrat
| ic Party with "Reform" banner, and I'M
der the leadership of one who has gradual
ed in the political school of Tammany Hall.
The traditions and practices OF that party
for bid belief in the sincerity of its new
| pretensions in favor of reform. What it
| now wants is TO reform" the Republican
Party out OF power and itself in. The DEM
ocratic cry for reform would be silenced by
lis party leaders the moment it came into
power. Not so with the Republican Party.
II has proclaimed itself in favor of reform,
while ii is yet in power, and does not pro-
pose TO spare its own followers or adherents
in carrying out its promise. 1t has chosen
for its leaders, men who are fully commit
ted TO thorough and radical reform, and
whose lives and public career give unquali-
fed assurance that they will faithfully full
fiji what they aud their party have promised
the country shall be done. The Republic
can Party has achieved great results. 1t has
wiped out the blot Of slavery, and made its
resto ration forever impossible. 1t has laid
broader and deeper the foundations upon
which the fathers built this great Republic.
1t has given vitality and practical operation
| to the grand declaration that all men are
created equal. 1t has secured an indissolu-
BILE Union. 1t has done many things wise
| ly and well, and as party organization it
has not absolutely failed of the achieve
ment of anything undertaken by it. 1t was
born of the peoples aspirations for freedom,
and has shown itself courageous in strik-
ing down oppression and wrong, and set
ting up liberty and right in their place. 1t
is party of ideas and convictions, and has
ever be en- ready and willing 10 learn wis.,
4 Ion off N
vicious system of civil service, and has
chosen for its leader man conspicuous in
his own State for his well-matured ideas
in favor of the publication and elevation of
that service. Such party may safely be
trusted 10 carry out all needful reforms.
The only hope for present reform, thorough,
radical, and complete, is the success of the
Republican Party.
SPEECH OF DoRMAN II. EATON.
Dorman b. Eaton, Esq, of New York
was the last speaker. He said other speak
ers had covered the principal points of The
issues of the campaign; he would touch up
on only one or two topics. He was resi-
dent of New York and knew Samuel ].
Tilden well. When the Republican Party
gave free men liberty, they gave them
power, which not controlled correctly,
might strike mortal wounds TO the nations
health. The South might go down to- the
bleakness of San Domingo society unless
education and northern influence give d.
rection TO their vote. We must educate the
negro.
The South is in full sympathy with Til
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