New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-04-01

pTeBnaDie nOncsty' n parry ou. VI "i'' w"
generally be trusted to make any amount OF
fuss about the rascalities of those who are In
power. Knavish greed may even go further,
in such investigation, than genuine honesty; ;
it may manufacture accusations or strain EVIL
dence. Mere zeal in hunting down political
opponents gives no claim whatever to puDllc
confidence. The question which the people
ask, and ought to ask, is whether the Demo-
cratic party can be trusted to break up the
system which causes corruption.
Thus far, we are bound to say, not parti
Gle of evidence to that effect has been given.
Party spirit, personal favoritism, seem quite as
prevalent among Democrats as among Repub-
lcans. Disregard of public interest i'll the
fierce strife of partisanship has been quite as
often and clearly shown personal greed has
been quite as Extensively indulged; the dispo-
sition 70 conceal misconduct of party friends
has been quite as manifest in one party as IN
the other. Where is the proof that Democracy
is animated by that grand old spirit OF patriot
ism which surrenders without question to the
public good every hope of personal or partisan
advantage There are Republicans, and there
are also some Democrats, who earnestly urge
measures which they know will not benefit
their party, because of n sense of public duty;
but is there the slightest proof that Demo-
cratic leaders generally are governed by such
a feelng7 Is it not notorious and undenlaDlc
that the course of that party "a whole mas
been shaped by selfish calculation of the
chances of success! so true is this, that ninc-
tenths of the politicians in both parties think
and openly say that it is quxotic and stupid
to push any investigation or any reform by
which the prospects of party success Will DC
lessened.
The most conclusive evidence that the Dem
ocratic party is not better than the Republi-
can, in this vital respect, is the treatment which
genuine reformcrs receive from party man.
ayers. Mr.. Tilden is the most conspicuous
rcformcr on the Democratic side. is lie not,
also, more persiStently abused and hated by
Democratic leaders than any Othcr2 Through
ont the West there are heard threats that the
party would not support him heartily If nom
mated, while from his own State n contesting
delegation is to be sent to the National Con-
vcntion to cut his throat, if possible. such
is the spirit shown, not by all, we are glad to
know but by very many of the Democratic
leaders toward their rcformcrs. The people
wait to see whether the masses OF the party,
through delegates in convention, Will show the
same spirit, an honest hatred OF corruption
and desire for reform.
On the Republican side however, there are
seen reformers who are Jealous to cx-
pose not only Democratic but rs well
Republican misconduct. The more cor
rupt politicians object, of course, but Mr..
Bristow, the most conspicuous Republican re-
former may justly claim that he represents
not only the best but very large element.
The President sustains him; Republican MEM
bers of Congress rejoice that his fidelity cna-
bles them to reply with great effect to hostile
taunts Republican State Conventions indorsc
him and whether he is preferred to all other
candidates or not it is at least certain that he
will he one of the very strongest candidates in
Convention. In brief, there il rs yet no evidence
whatever that it pays to be reform"r among
Democrats. But among Republicans, the one man
who has been most active III fighting corrup-
ton. though he had no position or possibility
"a candidate before, and though ne has been
compelled to make war rather upon Rcpnb-
lican than Democratic knayes, has 10y that
single act been pushed to the very front of
Republican candidates is it strange if, in
view of these facts, Republican and independ-
cnt voters are in 30 haste to conccdc that the
Democratic party, and that only, can be
trusted 10 break up that system which causes
corruption I