Daily globe., 1878-01-22
REPUBLICAN REFORMERS

IN Effort fO7. Organization to Sustain
Hayes-MOce,nemt of the Brist0tc Men ia
Massachusctts-A Circular Setting Forth
Their VieaCs.
New YORK, Jan. ia circular is printed
here emanating from Bristow Republicans
of Massachusetts,, calling on what it terms the
''reform element in the Republican party to
organize and sustain the President against the
opposition to him in the Senate and House. It
says the President, having no backing in Con-
gress, must turn either to the Democrats or to
the reform Republicans. The circular urges
the citizens to let their views be known to
their Congressman, and send their name to j.
r. Dorsey, secretary of the Civil Service Re-
form Club Boston.
The following is the full text of the circular
which has been sent to large numbers of per-
sons, of different political faith, throughout
Massachusetts:
TCOnfdenti0l.1
Dear Sir: The Republican party has declared
in favor of q reform in the civil service, of
hard money, and Of peace towards the South.
The President has formally accepted these new
principles of the party, In his letter of accept
ance in his inaugural, and in his first message
to Congress. That he is sincerely anxious to
accomplish these reforms no one can doubt.
He has practically settled the Southern ques
ton by bold and decisive action. He has
"
feel that he will interpose his veto, should the
two Houses combine in an attack upon the ma
tion's credit. But, in seeking to carry out a
reform in the civil service he finds an organized
and vindictive opposition in the Senate, and a
want of active support, even in his own party,
in the House Alone and unaided he can 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 prin-
ciples which 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 a backing in Con-
gress, he must do one of two things. Turn to
the Democrats, or to the Republican party,
which is strong and we'll organized, and which
will not obtrude itself upon him. It stands
ready and anxious to help him; but its support
cannot be gained by promises. This inhuen-
tial element has been, in great degree, re-
strained from actively supporting him, because
he has thus far even no evidence that he un-
| derstands it, or wishes to be in cordial sym
pathy with it. 1t is an element strong enough,
if it once decides to go together, to make or
break the Republican party. If the President
could be induced to appeal to it now by re-
deeming 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 recorded princi-
pies OF the Repubhcrn party.
1 The thing called "Bristowism'' in 1876 rallied
New England strongly for comparatively new
man, simply because of his bold, honest and
! efficient work for reform. They heard nc
| promises, but they saw brave actions, and they
heard blows dealt at corruption. What is want.
ed is thorough organization and understand.
/ ing of the whole reform element, counselline
and demanding right things. In this way, be
fore the next congressional election, party
element that the Republican organizations can
not neglect can be rallied.
4 1t is desirable that Republicans who believ,
in future of their party, founded on its bes
principles, should know one another, PERSONAL.
if possible, or at least by frequent correspond
ence, and, by combined action, promulgat
1 their views on this great question of admins
trative reform. The reform element in the Re
publican party has made no sign of life. becaus
i it has felt that the President shoul,
i have chance to carry out
in his own way the creed of the party, ac
cording to his oft-repeated promises. But tn
4 time has come for organization, to be followe,
by action. It is desirable that the press shoul,
speak boldly and unmistakably, that it shoul
call upon the President to take counsel of tn
best men in the party, of those who have n
in seeking to mould public affairs is that poll
} tics in America may be better and purer. It
desirable that citizens who feel an interest i
|, this subject should communicate by letter wit
the Congressman from their district and wit
others in public station with whom they are az
J quainted, that their views may be known. An
it is particularly desirable that you, to whor
this letter is sent in confdence-for its publ
cation would not be wise at present. should, q
of your own motion, talk with your neighbol
and friends, influence the press SO far as 20