The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1880-12-09
THE MESSAGE.

lie message of President Hayes is
very lengthy one and deals with great
number OF subjects, seemingly as much
for the purpose Of reaching or exceeding
a recognized quota Of suggestions from
the executive as to furnish guide for
salutarY legislation. He opens with
reference to the condition OF affairs in
the south, q theme that has been discuss
Ell by every stump orator OF the land
It is hardly III keeping with propriety
for the executive of nation to call at
tention to fraudulent practices prevailing
In Il section and to ignore those complain
ed of in others. The practical disfran-
chisement OF some negroes in the south
ern states is no more grievous a wrong
than the Acknowledgement Of white citi-
zens by United States election officers in
the north. The charges are made with
the same solemnitY and with equal eta
ton Of facts. Why should the president
discriminate and assume the falsity of
the one while asserting the truth OF the
other. Mr.. Hayes's title to the presi-
dency had its origin in fraud of such
Dotoriety that the portion of his message
on this subject Is somewhat like Satan
rebuking sin.
It is certainly the desire of all good
people, as Mr.. Hayes says, to have sec-
tionalism as factor in our politics dis
appear. But this very sectioDalism is
fostered by the party with which Mr..
Hayes acts ard in whose interest he pros
tituted prerogative Of the executive de-
signed as a check on ha.ty Legislation
and not as a weapon in the hands of a
party.
His comments on civil service would
also commend themselves to ell good
people if he was more steadfast in put
ting the principles in practice which he
advocates with such warmth. The pres
ident must be aware of his reputation
of Order No. l, an order famous because
OF its rough treatment IN the house of its
friends. He cannot forget the case of
Arthur and Cornell and how the admin
istration graaGiiy ate its own words at
the dictation OF the party. In the light
of all these facts the presidents remarks
can only be considered as a display of
rhetoric indicating no settled convictions
or aggressive hostility to practices which
he reprobates. The civil service part Of
the message is worth all the rest if it only
bore the stamp of sincerity. But hypo-
crisy manifested through the ;nconsis
| tency of practice and profession never
yet aided in bringing about reforms.
The usual amount of space is given to
foreign affairs, commercial matters and
/ Euence. Polygamy is handled severely
/ aud legislation calculated to extirpate the
system is recommended. Some unim-
! portant recommendations relative to the
army are made, and the usual compli-
| meutary reference to General Grant finds
| place in the message. The president
wants the general cared for by the gov
ernment and advises the creation of the
Office of captain general fer Grants
especial benefit. The coinage OF silver
/ receives some attention, and attention is
called to the propriety of making the
silver dollar the equivalent of the golt
dollar In value
The new treaty with China is referred
t. aud the belief expressed that it will bt
laid before congress in January. Edu
e.'tIoual matters particularly in referenc,
to the south, the Indians and the Dis
trict Of Columbia find place in the mes
sage. Other topics of minor importanc,
are discussed. The message is far from
bad Que, but as is the case with all suci
documents, will be wholly imperative il
shaping legislation.