The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1884-04-05

| an attempt 10 reduce the running ex
penses of the Government, and there /:
no doubt that plenty of room viii b
found to practice economy. The ten.
Fdency OF the times has been toward lib
eral expenses, and toward this condi.
ton OF things the Government depart.
ments have gradually drifted, until
there is prevalent notion that q re-
form is greatly needed. Itis.showever,
much easier to talk Of reform in this
direction than to accomplish ii, and the
difficult question will be how to secure
the reform needed without Gripping the
machinery Of Government. There are
some men in Congress whose views upon
this question are extreme, and who
would recklessly cut of and cut down
without troubling themselves to inquire
what the result would be-. While It is
the privilege, as well as the duty OF
Congress to exercise authority over the
management Of the Executive Depart
ments. and secure If possible the ad-
ministraton Of true principles Of econo-
my in the conduct thereof care should
be taken that the estimates furnished
as the bases of appropriations are not
needlessly and recklessly cut down
simply for the sake. of making q shou-
ing of economy. The Government is
for the benefit of the people. and its
various functions should not be ham,
pered or hindered from any mere de-
sire to make party capital Recognize
ing the fact that the Republican man
agement has been extravagant, and that
the idea of economy and lessening of
public burdens is one OF the things
wn. CHI commend the Democratic PARTY
to public confidence, there is danger
that in desire to reform these evils
Congress may run to the other extreme,
which is equally as bad.
This question is one which may we'll
command the exercise of the best judg-
ment of the House, for, according as
this matter is treated aid disposed OF,
public commentator or censure will
follow. A just and wise examination
of the estimates will, no doubt, afford
much light upon this subject, but in or
der to act intelligently and escape the
charge of Gripping the departments for
the sake of mere opposition. or to make
party capital, the House, through its
Committees. must fully acquaint itself
with the facts of the case, and bv q
judicious course of conduct do Justice
to those charged with the duty Of con-
Quoting the affairs of the Government,
II it would secure the appreciation of the
country. This is serious and impor-
tant business, for while the country will
commend the exercise of wise economy,
it will not look kindly upon ANYTHING
which savors of niggardliness or parsi-
mony, and the record o. the Democratic
party in its dealing with public inter-
ests neither Justifier nor can it coun-
tenance any stingy methods in dealing
with public questions.
We are now upon the eve of Presi-
Dental campaign. Many things will con-
spireto give the Democratic party victory
or plunge it into defeat Among these
things, the use of the power now en-
trusted to its hands in the lower House
Of Congress will cut no. unimportant
figure. Reforms wisely conceived and
intelligently administered will secure
public approval. but If hot haste and i'll |
action control party re-
sponsibility and the country is made to I
believe that . Democratic House has
made war upon clerks, messengers and !
IN the name of reform.
It will not give those who labor q very /
catering opinion of Democratic party
nianagement, and may open the way
Tor charges and accusations of spigot
which might not result in par
y advantage.
Tnese reflections are thrown out be-
,ause already the country has, been in
ofmed Of the devastation and destruc-
ion which Democratic reformers pro-
pose to bring about when they get to
work upon the departments. It has
been animated that the knife will be set
o work. with vigor, and the estimates
II the department heads cut all to
pieces. There is, happily, nothing in 4
he past history of Democratic Con-
.ress which iustifies such . notion of
eform. and it is to be hoped that when
he work of the Appropriations Com
nittee is presented to the House for its
consideration and action, that the, cry
4 Democratic parsimony will not be
ustained, but bill presented which
tepublicansand Democrats alike win be
constrained to approve. 49, fe...---
The laborer is worthy of his hire, and
be controversy which the Democrstic
arty has with its great political rival
} not how much this or that man shall
eceIve, or how many persons are need
i to carry on the work of the Govern
lent, but whether an equivalent is rem :
cred for the money paid, and whether
ne money appropriated is wisely ex-
ended. The heads of departments are
ssponsible to the people for the con-
net of their business, and the highest !
fsdom does not consist in opposing 9
aeir just demands, but in laboring
',th them to further the public good.
there are dronas in these public T
ce-hives. the Secretary must find 3
lem, and if there are sinecures he Z
lust get rid of them.
The Register wishes the Democratic .
ouse to make such record before z
Ie country that it will prepare the '
lblic mind for the election of Demo q
at c Pres dent. It is possible to do this. !!
i'd. if the leaders are wise, such . 70 z
lit will be obtained. Regis q