The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-12-08

pOSSlUlS utSdStCis utAOSS eHS S~NAAS t'"'
cal rule obtained in its operation.
$50 the victors belong the spoils" was
rather rough and uncouth way to present
the principle llr. Madison favored. 1t,
however. was merely declaration that the
popular will should be respected and prac-
tically observed in the results OF an cleo
tion, State or National. 1t was simply an
announcement that the governmental poll
CIV upon which a party hazarded a CAM
paign, should be executed by those who
supported It at the ballot box, and not by
those who denounced it as revolutionary,
and destructive of the safeguards Of So
ciety and the best interests OF the country.
The expression, in the form Mr.. Marcy
presented it, was intended to simplify
cardinal idea in our political systemic di-
vest it of metaphysical environments, and
expose it to the commonest apprehension.
Its perversion. for partizau effect. does not
initiate against the philosophical truth it
CONVEYS. Our whole theory of popular
government and recurring elections is pre-
Dictated upon it. 1t is the only safe princi-
pie or rule, upon which either business or
politics can be successfully conducted, for
its meaning is as broad as the Declaration of
independence and the theory of Repnbli-
can government can make it.
Ours is a government OF the People. for
the People and by the People, as Mr.. Lin
coin tersely formulated it. 1t is based upon
the hypothesis that the people are capable
of seif-government, and that government
is not designed for particular classes or a
preferred few, to the exclusion OF the
many. 1t is an assumption that virtue and
intelligence are generally diffused through
out the constituent body, land not contned to
any one party. sect or persuasion. Any
other thought would deny the cardinal idea
of our political institutions, and sustain the
principle of feudalsm, which is receiving
its last tributes of respect in the restricted
governments of the old world. Party or
CARNATIONS do not draw the lines between
the intelligence and worth of the citizens.
Ii is true where conservative principles have
been adopted and practically enforced, the
greater portion of the intelligence OF the
country come to their support. for results
in business and national progress and
prosperity are what patriotic people
want. whatever the party name under
which they are brought about. We find
this true, in this day. as to the Republi-
can party. Its devotion to the Union,
its brave struggle for its maintenance its
Jealous concern for the credit and honor Of
the government, and its determined and
successful efforts to fulfill all the pledges of
the nation, have drawn to it the representa-
tive men of the great industrial and CON-
mercial forces which are pushing the coun-
try on to an imperial destiny. 1t stands out
distinct and in honorable isolation from all
other parties ever known to the govern
ment, for its achievements in war and in
peace have surpassed all others in the
massive and enduring good secured to the
people
There is nothing in the policy reflect
ed ir the expression Ito the victors
belong the spoils'' which should dis
turb the repose or excite the apprehen-
sion of the lovers of good government. 1t
is the vital, living, impelling principle of
our national eXistence-the fundamental
idea of our political system, and has grown
in popular recognition and adoption from
II, -; TO ha
time. Under it, our country has gone
on from one degree of greatness to another
-intellections have been developed that
startled the world in their grasp and bril-
liancy, which might have rusted in obscure
ity under any other policy, vindicating the
wisdom of our fathers in founding q gov
eminent based upon the popular will. and
the love and devotion OF its
subjects because of the liberty and oppor-
tunity it offers, as cardinal in its structure.
These conclusions logically draw those
who accept them into antagonism to what is
known as civil service REFORM" The idea
presented in this expression, as understood
in this country, is in direct conflict with
that which comedies the capacity OF the peo-
pie for self-government and recognizes the
principle of Republican organism. Indeed
We may assume that it is an exotic, sought
to be transplanted to our soil OF popular
liberty from the aaoribund monarchies OF
the old world. 1t Cannot be adjusted to the
cardinal theory of popular government,
where the people are called upon every four
Years to determine the administrative prin-
,iples upon which the affairs OF the nation
shall be conducted. 1t may suit very well
n country where the liking never dies;"
where class distinctions exist and court ia
,orites constitute the limited circle out OF
which are to be chosen those who perform
public service. 'Ciyil service reform" was
for the benefit OF these re-
tricted circles-the great mass OF the peo-
lie being forever debarred FROM ever as,
bring to the privileges and perquisites OF
fficial station. But here, where the Presi-
lent of the United States, after serving his
ERIN, takes his place as q simple citizen, re-
urns to the great body OF the people
whence he sprang-with no titles or badges
r tinselled laees to distinguish him from 1
is fellow-men, and where the humblest
nay aspire to and attain the exalted posi-
ion from which the President has been in
tied to retire. it is not fitting or appro- |
riate that any particular class should be |
reated by law to discharge the duties per-
aiming to government. The fact is recog-
lied that each party contains within Its
blowing honorable and capable citizens.
hose services would be Just as valuable
nd efficient to the government as the men,
sFs of another party and that every one
as the right to seek and obtain. if he can.
ficial positio4. Indeed. the practical ef-
ct of the theory here indicated is to slim
ate the citizen to the requirement OF
lowledge TO Justify his application, end !