Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-03-04
The Hnnr and the Man.

The Democratic party to-day, after
being out Of power for twenty-fOur years,
will resume control of the government.
What wonderful changes have taken
place in the country in that comparatively
brief period What thoughts will crowd
the minds Of those who witness the cere-
monies Of Cleveland's Inauguration who
were present at Lincoln's Inaugural
toni The great civil war, the destruc-
ton of the institution Of slavery, the
struggle Of the South against carpet-bag
rule, the growth Of the country in wealth
and population, these things and many
more will present themselves to the
minds Of thousands who will listen TO the
inaugural address to-day.
From contemplating the great events
that mark the history OF the country since
the last Democratic President occupied
the White House. attention naturally Will
be turned to the man who has been chosen
to lead the Democratic party on its return
to power.
But little is known about him. He is,
comparatively, an untTied man. He was
scarcely known outside Of his State year
ago, and was hardly known in his own
CITY when his party lost control of the
government. He is known, however, to
be a man OF strong common sense and
sterling integrity. Whatever he has been
called to do as a private citizen or as a
public servant he has done well. As he
has risen from one position to another ne
has always proved himself equal to the
responsibilities and duties which have
devolved upon him. He is a conscientious
man, aud strives to do the best he can in
whatever position he is placed. He has
confidence in himself, and that will help
him to bear the burdens which will press
heavily upon him.
He doubtless realizes that the task be
has undertaken is a great one, and that
much is expected of him. On him will
depend, to a large extent, whether the
Democratic party will remain in power.
or will be forced to retire at the end of
four years.
The party must be held together and
strengthened and faction fights must be
prevented. The new President will be
urged to do many things that he cannot
do and be just to the country and fair to
his party. He must refuse TO do these
things in a way that will not weaken his
support or cause dissensiOns among his
party friends.
He is expected to lead in making re-
forms. Few realize how great the need
for reforms is. 1t is impossible to point
to any branch of the public service where
there Is not extravaganza, thriftlessness
and rottenness. In the twenty-tOur years
Of Republican rule the number of govern
ment employees has increased from a few
thousand to over a hundred thousand, and
the expenditure of public money from
$50. 600, 900 year to more than $780, 900, 600.
There are thousands Of persons in the
public service for whom there is no use
and millions Of money are annually
wasted. 1t will require a strong, brave
man to strike at the evils that exist in the
government as it is now administered.
If Mr.. Cleveland proves himself to be a
| true reformer, and if he is able to brave
| the opposition he is sure to meet in re-
| forms ne may undertake, he will not only
| endear himself TO the people, but Will
| insure the Democratic party a long
lease Of power. He will have no diff
Guilty in finding able assistants in what
| ever good work he may attempt. If he
| fulfills the promises that his brief public
| career has made for him the best elements
of his party will gather around him and
aid and cheer him in giving the country
an administration to which the Demo-
cratic party will point with pride, and
which Will meet with the approval of the
| uhnIp country