The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-03-05
rRIeelsH CRITICISM.

| Wherein Mr.. Cleveland's Ideas Harmon
ize with Those of the Fathers of the Re
public.
A silly Washington correspondent
having suggested that Mr.. Cleveland
ought to let the Democrats in Congress
know his ideas, wishes and policies"
. for their guidance. the Tribune seizes
on the opportunity to cast the follow
ing slur on the President:
Mr.. Cleveland would do his party great
service if he would cause his ideas to be dis
do himself great service if he would acquire
distinct ideas, wishes and policies But he
does not seem to have such things about him,
or 20 know where TO find them
This style of balderdash could be
overlooked in Republican partisan or
gans while the election was pending,
but it is not creditable to any respecta-
bic journal now.
Ii Mr.. Cleveland has so little states
manship and general knowledge as the
disappointed Republicans pretend. is it
not surprising that his views of the
duties of the Presidential office should
harmonic so strikingly with those of
Washington. Madison, Jefferson and
other fathers of the Republic?
Mr.. Cleveland recognizes the distinct
character of the executive and legiSla-
ye,branches of the Government and the
danger of the encroachment of the one
on the Independent functions of the
other. He would neither sanction the
use of the Presidential patronage to in
tluence The action of Congress, nor an
attempt on the part of Congress to CO.
cree the Executive by threats of the
rejection of nominations or of oppoSi-
ton to measures regarded as desirable
by him.
Washington, Madison and jefferson
drew the line sharply between the exec
utive and legislative functions, and
were jealous of any undue interference
of the one branch of the Government
with the duties of the other
Mr.. Cleveland believes that no person
should hold a leading or political posi-
ton in the Government who is not
heartily in accord with the principles
and policy of the Administration, but
in subordinate offices, the duties of
which are simply clerical or ministerial,
employees of the Government who are
honest, capable and faithful should be
treated like honest, faithful and capable
employees of business firms or indiyid-
uals.
Washington held similar views when
he said: Il shall not, while have the
honor to administer the Govern
ment, bring a man into any office
of consequence, knowingly, whose po-
litical tenetS are adverse to the meas
ures which the General Government is
pursuing, for this. in my opinion, would
be sort of political suicide" But he
recognized only merit rs passport for
subordinate offices.
Madison, while admitting that an Adj
ministration must be served in all i'm
portant positions of trust by its friends
only, went so far as to declare that an
indiscriIninate removal of subordinate
employees for any reason but the eff
cheney of the service ought to cause
Presidents impeachment.
Jefferson, when he restored the New
Haven Collector who had been unjustly
removed, said: Il shall correct the pro-
cedure and. that doEe, return with Joy
to that state of things where the only
question concerning a candidate shall
be: is he honest, is he capable, is he
faithful to the Constitution
Singular that the President, if so in
capable a statesman and so barren of
ideas, should steer so directly in the
wake of such men as Washington,
Madison and Jefferson.-M Y World