Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1878-02-01
"Bristowism.n "

The following is copy of secret
circular now being distributed in the
East
lConhdential,1
DEAR SR-The Republican party has de-
| Clared In favor OF reform In the civil service,
| of hard money, and Of peace toward the South.
The President has formally accepted these
new principles Of the party In his letter Of ac-
ceptance, In his inaugural and In his first mes
sage to Congress. That he is sincerely anx-
| ious TO accomplish these reforms no one can
doubt. He has practically settled the South
ern question by bold and decisive action. He
| has spoken brave words for honest money, and
all feel that he will interpose his veto should
the two houses combine In an attack upon the
| nations credit. But, in seeking to carry out a
reform in the civil service, he finds an organ
lied and vindictive opposition In the Senate,
party, in the House. Alone and unaided he
cGn do but little. He is too honorable man
to push his policy by currying favor with those
OF his party that oppose him, while the very
principles he seeks to establish debar him
| from using those methods of protecting him
self and securing support in Congress which
have heretofore been used.
Being thus left without backing in Congress
he must do one of two things-turn TO the
Democrats, or to the reform element in the
Republican party, which is strong and well or
ganized, but which will not obtrude itself
upon him. II stands ready and anxious to help
him, but its support cannot be gained by prom
ises. This influential element has been In a
great degree restrained from actively support
ing him because he has thus far given no evi-
dence that he understands 1t or wished to be
in cordial sympathy with IL. 1t is an element
strong enough, IL It once decides to go to-
gether, to make or break the Republican party.
IL the President could be induced to appeal to
1t now by redeeming his promises, he could
soon have a strong army at his back and many
influential journals, which, combined, would
make him invincible and enable him to carry
the people against those who oppose the re-
corded principles of the Republican party
The thing called "Bristowismr in 1876 raj
lied New England strongly for comparative
ly new man, simply because of his bold, hon
est, and efficient work for reform They
heard no promises but they saw brave actions,
and they heard blows dealt at corruption.
What is wanted is thorough organization
and understanding of the whole reform ele-
ment, counseling and demanding right things
In this way, before the next Congressional cleo
tion, party element that the Republican or
ganiZations cannot neglect can be rallied.
1t is desirable that Republicans who believe
in n future of their party, founded on its best
principles, should know one another, person
ally If possible, or at least by frequent cOrre-
spondence, and by combined action promul-
gate their views on this great question of adj
ministrative reform. The reform element in
the Republican party has made no sign of late,
because 1t is felt that the President should
have a chance to carry out, in his own way,
the creed of the party, according to his oft-re-
peated promises. But the time has come for
organization, to be followed by action. 1t Is
desirable that the press should speak boldly
and Enthusiastically, that 1t should call upon the
President to take counsel of the best men In
the party, of those who have no selfish ends
to subseTve, and whose only motive in seeking
to mold public affairs is that politics in Ameri-
ca may be better and purer. II is desirable
that citizens who feel an interest in this sub
ject should communicate by letter with the
Congressman from their districts, and with
others in public station with whom they are
acquainted, that their views may be known.
And it is particularly desirable that you, to
whom this letter is addressed in confidence
for its publication would not be wise at pres
ent-should, as otoyour own motion, talk with
your neighbors and friends, influence the
press so Far as you can, and in every possible
way aid in the work Reorganization.
The Executive Committee Of the Republican
Civil Service Reform Club is anxious to secure
the names of as many citizens of prominence
as feel an interest in this matter as possible,
that it may communicate with them when the
time for action arrives. VIII you not, there
fore send to the address given below, at your
earliest convenience, as many such names as
occur to youl
For the Civil ServiceReform Club.
j. F. DORSEY, Secretary,
Postoffice box 5,170, Boston, Mass.