Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-04-25
A WORD TO OUR FRIENDS.

A WORD TO OUR FRIENDS.
There is an unmisiakable evidence Of a
deep desire and firm resolve 10 lessen the ex-
pensss of our county government. This re-
solve is bu 4 self-defence, and 10 connection
with the same is to be noted with emphasis
the consoling fact that this determination has
been and is mostly manifested, :ostered and
fed by Democrats. The correspondents of the
SENTINEL upon this subject are men of Demo-
cratic principles and attachments, and We
trust that few hints in regard 10 the discus.
sion'o so vital and important subject will not
be construed amiss.
II is a matter Of considerable moment TO
community that the reputation, and we may
extend the remark by saying character, OF its
public officials should be as pure as possible,
also that IL they are dishonest in their duties
they should suffer just punishment. Unhappi-
~ the idea is too prevalent that the much de-
sired retrenchmeut is made necessary by dis
honesty in public trusts. This is caused, prob
ably, by an uuguarded use of the word re-
form. To apply our observation we would
,rne rlh slir,snss .i,4ey eainy- ',rsse e-sy -rea
lating to public officials before it goes before
the people. The gentlemen who have engag-
ed in the discussion are substantial and al
together reliable men, and we feel that all ne
may have to say viii be treated with that toll
erance Of opinion which any one aiming Of
the public good is willing to allow to Others
striving for the same end, recognizing, too,
that the proper procedure is to reason from
facts to articles OF indictment AMI not from
suspicious to unfortn nate allegsdons. Prsma-
ture judgment and incorporate language are
to be avoided. AT present snd for years back,
as far even as the most eyac'ing may demand
reference, the officials Of this couniy-Demo-
crats-in point of personal and official inieg-
rity will compare favorably with any set Of
gentlemen of ans party or persuasion in this
county.
10 to-day's issue will be found a commuui-
cation signed "a Taxpayer" The gentleman
Is wel-knowu for the genuineness of his prin-
ciples and enjoys high standing among his fell
low citizens. Our correspondent states that
he has never meddled in politics. but voted for
snch men as the party saw 6l TO put up, and
be also states that there is no hope of relief
10 the taxpayer as long as professional poll.
ticians are given power. For being party
man bis principles are TO be thanked, but we
claim and have for long time endeavored to
impress the fact that il is the duty of every
Democrat 10 attend and work according to
his conscience at primary meetings Let the
people but make up their minds to use this
power and it will mark the downfall Of cor
rupt rings and will put an end to any sinister
prophecies about the erection of any new par
~ TO satisfy the needs Of the people. In re-
gard TO sending good men to the Legislature
our correspondent grasps a melancholy fact |
when he observes that as soon as men are in
stalled there they address themselves to aeeds, |
not directly, but through combinations in
which they have fret considered their indisid- |
ual interest. The primary meeting is here, too,
the instrument TO be used in the operation.
A great mistake, however, is made when IL is
supposed that with the increase of taxation
great Improvements throughout the county re-
flute such an assertion. II is not that the peo-
pie do not enjoy the convenences Of tie sys-
TEN of government but /, is because they are
not able to afford the same tina. complaint is
made. And just here it is well to mention
tina, it is within the province of the Legisla-
rure to make any Of the desired changes.
When hope despairs of relief from the Rad
ical party it is not at all unnatural. That
party is totally incapable of governing any,
thing except for the benefit of classes, sections
or individuals. Reform parties are out of the
question. They may be FOR time attractive
and promise well yet at the foundation they
are weak and unstable, aud after the heat of
a campaign their warm promises and patriotic
purposes are foun6 Hat because they were
made in impatience, which of its own nature
ruins all that 1t prompts into life. We had a
reform party in Baltimore. II accomplished
nothing. But the Democracy stood by their
eolors and we have to-day in Baltimore a
Democratic administration working out all
necessary retrenchmenls and to the sa,isfac-
tion OF the citizens. The work is before the
party in this county, and it will perform il =
We want not even the temporary dominion
OF party which lacks principle and dies Of
lis own NATURAL weakness The party will
proht by this general discussion, and with
caution II should be. continued, observing
ealmness and temperance Of speech and at no |
time admitting the necessity of a new depar-
trie.
kilograms from Charleston announce tina, |
the political cases 10 South Carolina have
been asked TO be continued till the next term
by the United States district attorney. The
Uoited States distrie, attorney for Louisiana
has already asked for continuance of the |