The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-07-02
a REFORM ADMINISTRATION.
Mr.. Cleveland Carrying Out the Pro-
gramme of Reform Successfully.

gramme of Reform Successfully.
All fair-minded men agree that the
new Administration is carrying out the
programme of reform conscentiously
and successfully. The Republican party
Fan not be expected to rejoice at the
good government that Mr.. Cleveland
has given the country. But all intelli-
gent. honest and patriotic men-the
great masses-do rejoice. Mr.. Cleve-
land has made mistakes, as a matter of
course. for he is but human. But when
the difficulties that he had to encounter
upon assuming Office are taken into
consideration, the reform brought
about in three months is almost marvel
Gus.
On the 4th of March the President
found a State Department filled with
diplomatic agents who were drawing
good salaries without rendering any
equivalent service. Under Secretary
Bayard the consuls are to be employed
in obtaining valuable commercial in
formation in the respective countries
where they are stationed and trans
hitting it periodically in the shape
of intelligent reports for the benefit of
the business interests of this country.
On the 4th of March the President
found the Treasury Department filled
with partisan supernumerarieS and
worthless henchmen. Secretary Man
ming began the work of investigation at
once, and fraudulent methods were
broken up and honest men were en-
ployed to dc the work of the Depart
ment. 1t is under this department that
the internal revenue is conducted, and
the work OF removing the partisan col
lectors and their deputies will of itself
result in a saving of hundreds of thou
sands to the country.
On the 4th of March the President
found John Roach virtually in possess
sion of the ship building branch of the
Navy Department. Secretary Whitney
is chief of all the branches of the navy
now, and Mr.. Roach has given up all
hopes of ever imposing upon the Gov
eminent again.
On the 4th of March the President
found the army conducted on the plan
of favoritism. The officers who had in
fiuent;al friends and political backing
had the soft places in Washington and
New York, while more capable officers
were made to serve with their regi-
ments in the Indian country beyond the
line of civilization. Secretary Endicott
is changing all this, and putting officers
OF the same grade on an equal footing.
without regard to Influence"
On the 4th of March the President
found the Post-Otlice Department top
heavy with inspectors holding their
places on account of party service.
Postmaster-General Villas Immediately
discharged all surplus employees; and.
better still, he began at once to fill the
post-Otfices with Democrats in the place
of offensive partisans. The Secretary
of the Interior likewise has reformed
his department and few departments
needed reform more. But, above all,
President Cleveland has removed all
sectional barriers. On the 18th of March
he found Mason and DiXon's line still
marking the boundary between North
and South. The Republicans had kept
it standing, but the new Administration
Immediately wiped it off the map. The
country is reunited and Mr.. Cleveland
is determined that it shall remain So
RiSlnOnd (Vd.) State.