The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-19
A REAL, REFORM.

The readers of the Journal are we'll aware
that it is not in sympathy with the admins
tration. It does not believe in Democratic
principles, nor in their enforcement The
course Of this paper has been consistent in its
opposition to the Democratic party and it did
all it could to prevent what it deemed the po-
litical misfortune Of elevating man like Mr.
Cleveland to the presidency. The Journal
realized, as millions of the best citizens of the
country realized, that the Democratic can
didate could not escape his party; his
administration must be in consonance
with its spirit, his policy in harmony with its
demands. 1t pointed out in advance of the
election, that the event of Democratic success
would precipitate upon Washington such
horde Of ofice-seekers of high and low degree
as had not been seen in years It predicted
that faithful officials would be deposed, on
one trivial pretext or another, to make room
for men morally and mentally unfit to sue
coed them. 1t demonstrated how the bum
mer element would inevitably come to the
front, to the scandal and disgrace
of not only the admin istration but of the
Nation. All these things have come to pass
exactly as predicted. Washington has been
the vortex of bummerism, bourbonism and
been disappointed, but in reaching over their
heads others of even worse character have
been selected Many of the most faithful,
most efficient officers in the public service
have been summariy dismissed, in defiance
of the spirit of the civil-service reform law,
and this has been emphasized by
the appointment in their stead of men of
no moral or mental worth. The hummer
element is at the 'front.' and the Judds, the
Meieres, Keleys, Mullens, Saints and Dow
lngs are in the front rank, to the evident
humiliation of such Democrats as are pos
sessed of merit.
But while this is true, and while the party
in power has demonstrated it's unftness to
rule this great Nation, the Journal is not of
those who fail or refuse to recognize good
even in political opponent. 1t is willing to
concede to President Cleveland every honor
his due, and to give him credit for
every official act in accordance with real re-
form and good government In all things in
which he has introduced better methods or
saved to the people unnecessary expense he
has the Journals unqualified approval, and no
fear of Republican criticism shall deter it from
making full acknowledgment. This is the
only honorable way in which newspaper can
be conducted. 1t is in this spirit that we de-
sire to point out and indorse a reform under
taken and now happily assured by the President.
1t is still less thar six months since Mr.. Cleve-
land entered upon the discharge of his oh
duties, yet the announcement was made yes
terday that he had achieved the ambition of
his heart that came nearest his hand. With
that simple honesty and honest simpleness
that so greatly becomes his great nature. he
has not been above what others would regard
as trivial and of little consequence. Observ
ing that corrupt and extravas ant administra-
ton had needlessly wasted money for wash
ing towels, his mind finally conceived
the idea Of reforming this abuse in the spirit
of his letter of acceptance and his inaugural
address. He thereupon caused bids to be adj
vertised for from people wishing to do the