Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1876-05-25

inspiring memories of our past his
tory are rising up before us in new
glow of life, forcing upon us com
parison of what the Republic wa
once, what it was intended to be, anC
what it is now and upon this WI
have challenged the judgment of civil
lied mankind, conformity with oul
own. There is much of which every
American citizen has just reason tc
be proud an energy and thrift a
power of Thought and action a pro
gressiye spirit which, in magnifcence
of result, have outstripped all pre-.
cedent and anticipation history
Astounding in illustrations of heroic
| patriotism, fortitude and wisdom a
greater freedom from foreign wars
and revolutionary changes of govern
boast of; another Republic, but a
century old, has just issued from the
only great civil conflict we have had
to deplore, so strong in resources and
organization that it stands in the fore
most rank of the great powers of the
earth. And yet, with all these splen-
did results on record, it cannot be de-
MED that, at no period during the
century now behind us, have the
American people been less satisfied
with themselves, that the Centennial
anniversary Of the Declaration of In
dependence, being in so many re-
spects to all Americans day of sin
cerest pride and rejoicing, is felt to
be in other respect not without self
reproach and humiliation. OF this,
the corruption, revealed in our politi-
cal life is the cause.
To the honor of the American peo-
pie be it said, every patriotic citizen
feels the burning shame of the specta-
Gle presented in the centennial year
there the mementoes and monu-
ments of the virtues Of the past, and
here the shocking evidence of the
decentralization and corruption of the
present-there the glowing eulogies
pronounced of the wisdom and purity
of the fathers, and here in hooking
contrast, the verdict of courts and
records of legislative bodies, illustrst
ing the political morals of to-day, and
this before all mankind solemnly sum-
moned as witness to the exhibition
and a guest to the feast. Never was
there cause for keener mortifica-
ton, and keenly does it strike every
patriotic heart.
How can we avert such dangers
and wipe off such shame p? By prov
ing that, although the Government
machinery has been corrupt, the great
body of the people are sound and
strong at the core, and that they are
honestly determined TO reform the
abuses of our political life, and to
overthrow, at any cost, the agencies
of evil that stand in the way. Only
such an effort we'll directed and
sternly preserved in until success is
assured, will save the good name of
the nation, prevent the prevailing
disease from becoming fatal, and re-
store to its old strength the faith of
our own people in their institutions.
AT the impending national election
various questions of great Importance
will be submitted to our judgment.
The settlement of the civil war as
constitutionally fixed must be con-
scientiously maintained, and at the
same time the Government strength
ened /; general confidence restored by
the strict observance of constitutional
principles and the old brotherhood OF
the people revived by policy of
natural justice and reconciliation our
solemn and oft repeated pledges,
faithfully to discharge all national
obligations, must be fulfilled, not
only by the payment of the principal
and interest of our bonded debt,
when due, but also the removal, not
later than the time provided by ex-
listing law, of the cause of our redund-
ant irredeemable paper currency,
which not only impedes the return of
true prosperity, but has also largely
contributed to the existing demorall-
cation.
These are grave questions, and
there are moro we might touch, were
it our purpose to lay down com
pIete political platform, but grave as
they are, still, in our present situa-
ton, we must, as American citizens,
recognize it as our most pressing duty
to re.establish the moral character
of our Government, and to elevate the
tone of our political life. Honest
government is the first condition of
enduring national prosperity, power
and freedom. Without the element
airy virtues of political, as we'll as
social life, decay will outstrip our pro
gress. Our discussion and struggles
about other great questions and prin
ciples will appear like mockery and
farce If we permit our public concerns
to drift into that ruinous anarchy
which corruption must necessarily
bring in its train, because it destroys
the confidence of people in their self
government, the greatest calamity
that can befall republic. 1t is
simple question OF life and death. A
corrupt monarchy may last by the
rule of force. A corrupt republic
cannot endure 1t is useless to con.
sole ourselves with the idea that the
corruption among us must be as
cribed solely to the immediate effects
| of the civil war, and will, without an
effort at reform soon pass awsy.
There is another cause which is not
transitory, bat threatens to become
permanent. 1t is that system which
has made the offices Of the Govern
ment the mere sport of party victory,
the system which distributes the
places of trust and responsibility as
the reward of party service and the
bounty of favoritism ; the system
which appeals to the mean impulses
of selfishness and greed, as a controll-
ing motive of political action the
system which degrades the civil SER
vice to the level of a mere party