The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-10-29
OUR CLEAR DUTY.
A Clereyman's Reasons for Voting the Demo-
cratic Ticket.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN--Sir. There
nre crises In the history OF every nation when II
is the duty OF those who are ordinarily silent
about the conduct Of public affairs TO speak
openly. The present moment affords such an
emergency. Wobchold on every side depression
in business affairs, and want I'm many house
holds. We ind widespread corruption among
Government officials, extending to members Of
tho Cabinet at Washington. We SEQ States, on
whose successful commerce the nation rclcs
largely for Its support and prosperity, declared
to be in an insurgcnt and rebellious attitude (;
although the strife OF civil war ceased within
their borders moro than eleven years ago.
Those startling facts (Which no one can deny).
lead tho thoughtful mind to consider whether
the present administration Of our government Is
indeed the best possible for orr welfare "a ma
tion7 and whether II would 10 well to continue
II In power for another term2 Tho present o.
nancial distress Is wholly due to the burdens Of
the war, a tickle and senseless financial policy,
and the grossest extravaganza and corruption In
he management " the public affairs. The bur
dens OF the war cannot he avoided-but look at
the condition Of Francel Six years ago she was
regarded by other nations as bankrupt and Grip
pied beyond hope OF relief Now, through n
porous nations OF Europe. We, on the contrary,
have been sinking In the miry slough Of our own
folly aud extravaganza, until our present Cond-
ton threatens the gravcst social and political
evils The country swarms with men out q en-
work N they could find rcmunerativc labor. An
economical administration, by reducing the
burden OF taxation, would gradually bring about
button OF the good gifts Of Providence.
But have we such an administration now
The shameful disclosures Of fraud and Official
corruption at Washington testify loudly In the
negative. An administration has ruled the
country for sixteen years; and. whatever may
have been Its services In the past II certainly
does not now merit well Of the republic. We are
told that MIR. HAYES is a good, honest, and mp
=
known outside OF ohio. No one claims that he
Is man OF strong executive power and great
Ring he would prove to he indeed but clay in
the hands Of the potter" Contrast with him
has overhrown more than ore dangerous Ring,
and has reduced the taxes Of this state one-half
by wise and vigorous policy. A few years ago
the Ntif lOfk times was not weary OF sounding
his praises. Probably when the election IL over
i will again DO complimentary, and at the same
But there Ia stlll another topic. which II Is
dihcult To approach without the hazard of
stirring up again tho smouldering embers OF
burnt-out passions. IL would certainly seem
that dozen years OF peace ought to have re-
stored friendly and fraiernRl feelings between
Have not the Conquered States been punished
sufficiently 10 crafty even their most determine
ed and malignant enemy2 Ia this Centennial
year OF our existence as nation fitting time
TO revive old quarrels, and kindle anew the ami
mosities OF tho pastI Yet this seems to be Just
now the favorte policy OF those who advocate
the claims Of Mr. Hayes to the Presidential chair
Hut there Ia a practical a. well as a moral and
sentimental aide To- this question. The financial
ruin Of the South implies the financial poverty
and embarrassment Of the North. Like tho
foolish boy In the fable we are irving to Kill the
fowl that laid tho golden egg Restore conf
dencc and industry to the South and the result
Will be relief and prosperity TO the whole cOun-
try. Contrast Georgia with South Carolina. 1t
IL needless to add that the nrst Is under Demo
cratic control, while the second l. Chamberlain's
province. In lass. and again In 1872, the Repub-
lican party promised that their success would
restore peace and prosperity. IL has not done
so. Let US try the Democratic party now, and
see whether new physician is not an improve
ment on venerable quaok. let us inaugurate
a new reign OF economy, purity, and Justice,
brotherly love toward those who many years
ago our enemlesl are now our friends and fellow
citizens, entitled to just share I'm the response
bilities OF government as well AS the burdens Of
taxation.
These reasons lay upon my conscience the
moral duty of advocating the claims Of better
Administration than that which We now pos
sess. | shall. therefore, use my voice pen. and
vote In support Of an electoral ticket pledged
To carry out the principles set forth In the Demo-
cratic platform. J. A.
Is DkEkMAS PLACE, N Y.