The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1886-06-02
THE DEMOCRATIC REcoRn.


The Democratic party went into power a
party of reform. But little over a yea
has elapsed since the executive function Ina
been exercised by a Democrat. Abuse,
created in quarter of a century, by party
strongly entrenched, and exerting its powe'
in an era of prodigious expenditure, reached
enormous proportions, and many of then
became so intertwined with legitimate en
terprises as to be difficult to separate. Witt
an enormous expenditure, political offices
from becoming posts of honor and public
trust, became valuable for the opportunities
they gave for the requirement of wealth, anO
from being the creation of the people became
the prize of the one who would use money
the most lavishly, and gradually passed
out of popular control. Public property,
instead of being reserved for public use, was
squandered, given away with the lavish
hand of a gambler who throws away the
treasure he controls but did not acquire.
Syndicates OF capital were allowed to take
whatever public property that suited
them. Valuable franchises were sold
to corporations, and brides secured
that official indifference that won what could
not be secured in open debate. Syndicates
for controlling the products of the country
were found. Banks were given powers be-
longing to the Government. Corporations
were favored with enormous loans, and
political pollution scarcely equalled in the
most dissolute periods was rGeking the social
atmosphere of the nation.
1t was under such conditions that the
Democracy went into power as the party OF
reform, and this power was so diluted by
senatorial obstruction that its work was
unavoidably hampered. But that it has not
been false to its pledges the result in little
more than one year gives gratifying evidence.
That 1t has net done more is due to their pro-
digous quantity and the difficulties OF their
removal, and also to the opposition of the
Republican party that yet controls the
stronghold of monOpoly-the Senate. That
there also mas been impatience was natural
to people who felt the effects of these pro-
found abuses, without understanding the
enormous difficulties involved in their re-
moval
Mr.. Cleveland has proven one thing, and
that is his honesty. He has stood like a
wall between the assaults of his enemies, the
mistakes of his friends, upon the pledges upon
which he took his Office. And the doubts
that obscured him from the public vision are
clearing away, as one after another of the
! abuses are attacked and destroyed, and great
\ corporations and individuals are compelled to
respect the law along with the humblest
/ citizen.
Nearly $4,000, 900 acres Of public lands have
/ been reclaimed, and suits are entered upon
| twice as much more. The rottenest navy in
the world is being renovated, out of less
money than formerly served to keep it in a
state of decay. The public debt has been
reduced by more than a twentieth of its
volume. Economy in the management OF
| public money has enabled the Administra-
ton to hasten new war ships, improve docks,
pay its expenses and interests without halt
ing moment in the payment OF its
debt. and without disturbing the great reserve
that may be applied in public works, naval
construction and debt paying. A healthier
moral tone is noticeable in all official circles.
Legislators and courts show respect for pub
lie opinion they failed to do two years ago.
! Money does not so readily buy the honor of
officials, nor is the monopoly spirit so conf
dent nor so overbearing. Government has
asserted its authority over the oligarchy of
the Blaines, the Shermans, the Logans and
the host who have come to regard themselves
law with themselves and law giyers to the
nation.
But the party in some sections has become
impatient 1t hoped to see the enormous
load lifted immediately, and because this
was impossible became respondent. Many
did not reflect that years would be required
to effect the necessary changes. Yet how
unreasonable this spirit is may be seen in
the great change effected in a single year. 1t
may also be seen how great is the necessity
for harmony and unity of purpose and lead.
ership in order to complete the work 50 well