Mexico weekly ledger., 1884-08-07
A E CANDIDATE.
George William Curtis Tells what
Cleveland Has Done as 6oTernor.
and What he Will do as Pres
ident.

Frank ana pam III uauhei' y
ing political ~charlatanry and the arts
Of a demagogue, his appointments to
office, his thorough study Of law sub
mitted to him, his vetoes based upon
constitutional grounds and wholly
anmindful Of personal or partisan
views and wishes, his hearty cooper
alton with every measure to promote
nonpartisan reform in the civil serv-
ice, and bis wise and energetic part
in the publication Of the unclean and
corrupt municipal government OF the
city Of New York, have naturally at
tracted the attention Of the country
to a public officer in a most dignlied
and responsible position whose career
shows the qualities which the political
situation especially requires.
To the powerful arguments for his
elevation to the presidency which is
supplied by this recital Of undeniable
facts, and administrative experience
and ability and an absolutely unques-
toned and unsupported official integ-
rity, which can not be claimed for
his opponent, the ozly reply is an
assertion that the Republican party is
more trustworthy than the Democrat-
ic party. This, however, is an argu-
ment which must be handled careful
ly. II Mr. Blame is to be regarded
a. the deliberately chosen represent
alive of the official integrity, the po-
litical methods, the relations to cor
porate interests, the political morality
and character, the conception of Off
cial trust and responsibility, which
the Republican party adopts and ap-
proves, is it so very clear that this is
more trustworthy party than one
which, in the present situation Of the
country, selects Grover Cleveland for
its representative? We are Republic
cans, but we should wish to be very
chary of such an argument as this.
Or is it meant that although the can
didase may be unworthy, he should
be supported for the sake of the par.
ty? But where does that argumen,
bring US? II evil influences a con-
troll the selection of a presidential.
candidate, is there any doubt thal
they could control bis administration
How is a party trustworthy if ii
nominations and its actions are con
trolled by influences that cannot b
trusted? Nobody o know bette
thsn we that there are trusty ele
ments in the Republican party. Blu
when those elements lose control o
the party, We do not help them to re
cover control by confirming the as
cendancy of the evil element. L
support nominations which the mors
judgment of the voter rejects, 10
the sake Of the party, is to accept
moral slavery ns odious to the ply.
ical bondage which the Republics
party overthrow. Protesting Reput
licans who support Gov. Clevelan
are told that 1t is better To endur
four years pf Mr.. Blaine than TO Gle.
q Democratic President. That il I
say. it rs better III support IL cmd
date who is morally unworthy in I'll
hora' that a better candidate may /
Named next time. But. those wi
urge the pea must see that 10 SUI
port such q candidate is not only
make the resumption of a bett
course infinitely more difficult. but
is to bind ones self always to SD
port for the same reason any kind
candidate who may be nominate
As Republicans, we ask Republica
who hold that a party is an agency
be used, not an IDOL to be wershi
ped, whether they succeed in decei
ing themselves with such an arg
ment.