The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1876-10-21

.ured by lis own members. l have shown
that its latest action evlnces no disposition to
reform itself, and if the evils of government,
are to be cured at all, they are to be cured by
the only organization placed now in the field
by the Democratic party.
The better part of the Republican party
cannot object to its aid because they are es
topped by their own example. Four years
ago, when the Independent Republicans re.
voted, they cuurted its alliance, and their
leaders and their newspapers, with the Iri-
buRe at their head, commended that party to
the confidence OF the country. The Demo
cratic party Is not to be judged entirely by
It's past record. Ii has been merely an irres.
ponsible opposition, but it is now fully or.
ganized under competent leaders, with the
aid of numerous body of the best men
OF the old party, and under pertinent, dis
| tinct and beautiful creed of doctrine. Those
declarations at st. Louis are marvellous for
their penetration, their comprehension, their
justice and their efficiency. That platform
regard as the wisest and best expression of
political faith that has been made by any par.
iy in the latter days Of the republic. 1t pro-
claims its adhesion to the great constitutional
and social changes effected by the war; it as
serts the equality OF all citizens, without re-
gard to race or condition, before the law; it
denounces the Capitalization which is our
greatest danger il denounces the paternal or
fostering theory OF government, which is the
parent only of injustice and evil ; ii denounces
that spirit CT petty interference on the part
of authority which ultlmateS in Sumptuary
and inqulSitorial laws; and then it demands
in explicit terms, the most sweeping, yet ne
cessary and salutary reforms in every direc-
tion-in all branches of the civil service as
in finance and expenditure. Read it your.
selves. Every word seems to me pregnant
with meaning, every woru breathes of change
and progress. 1t is impossible for any earn
est ear to mistake the ring Of that sound and
sonorous metal. Those great ends, particu.
larly, for which We retormers of old date
have SO long cUntended, are here made the
rallying cries OF Il vast and powerful organi.
cation; and for us not to accept heartily
would be as foolish as it would be for gen
eral fighting fororn hope, 10 reject the ALI.
ance OF corps ddlmee on the eve of victory,
and go over to the enemy.
Let Governor Tilden be elected and should
look with as much confidence as it Is possible
10 contemplate events that are future to these
most desirable results. | should expect, first
"a rigid retrenchment in the expenditures,
which the House of Representatives locking
from an outside point and striking in some
what of haphazard way have already re-
duced by S3OOOU,0OO, but which a reforming
President, taking an inside view, might easily
raise to double that sum- | should expect,
secondly, a regenerated civil service, which,
according to the definite yet comprehensive
views of Governor Tilden's letter of accept
ance, would comprise (a) the elevation of the
standard OF appointment; d. conscientious
fidelity IN the exercise Of the power to re-
move; (c) the abolition of unnecessary
offices, I'D and the organization of system
under which competency and ability, not
mercenary political services, should become
the tests of eligibility. should expect,
thirdly, the restoration Of our finances, in
GLIDING both taxation and the currency, by
series of clear-sighted, wisely devised and
nicely graduated measures, which would
bring us speedily to normal condition with.
out injury to trade and commerce, and with
an assurance of movement that would enable
every interest to adapt itself to the change :;
and, finally, l should expect the complete
paciiication OF the South by a return to equal
rights and home rule under the guaranty of
impartial legislation, and by the vivifying in
huence Of streams OF now stagnant northern
capital, which would, flowing over these
parched and barren deserts, create a prospect.
ty without parallel, rendering all hands
too busy for any deeds but deeds of useful
work