The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-12-11
A Republican Tribute.
Warm Praise for the President by the Provi-
dence Journal.
Providence Jo,lr7al Republican.

the University, Boston, and the State, as
represented by Gov. Robinson, was clearly
something more than perfunctory perfor-
nance of point of etiquette Taking all
that was said, and considering by whom it
was said, there was heartiness, sincerity,
and significance reaching far beyond the
ordinary literary or social manifestation on
such occasions. 1t devolved upon Gov
Robinson to give the keynote to the tone
and temper of the reception of the Presi-
dent. 1t would have been quite within
the proprieties if the Governor in his brief
address had confined himself to his intro
ductory assurance of the respect of the peo-
pie of Massachusetts for s'the very honor
able and exalted station" occupied by the
President. He went further than this; he
declared that Massachusetts appreciated
the eminent ability, the stanch integrity,
and the patriotic devotion of Mr.. Cleve-
land to the welfare of the nation.
This was not at all saying that Gov. Ro-
binson acquiesced in the doctrines of the
Democratic party, nor that he preferred
Democratic to a Republican President; it
was, we apprehend, candid averment that
as to certain important matters, the con-
sentative sentiment of Massachusetts was
in accord with the professions and public
exhortations of the President, Politics
aside, it is relief, as i is an encourage
ment to the thoughtful citizen, that the
Chief Executive Of the nation should be an
earnest and persistent friend of sound,
honest, and stable currency, and in favor
of a pure civil service In word, it is
the desire Of all public-spirited citizens that
the President of the United States should
be, upon principle, indoctrinated with and
devoted to the general welfare in respect to
the principles which in application to the
affaigs~of f6e-couAsgs are Of vital eonse-
Lqdence,
1t is coming more and more to be flse,
fact that in considering the fitness Of per-
sons for public Office, ability and integrity
are placed over and above mere partisan
ship. The greater interest is not so much
subordinated to the lesser, the public to the
private. That which is going on here In
Rhode Island is taking place everywhere
throughout the country Men are anxious
to retain their party affiliations, but if the
party machinery presents incompetent or
suspected candidates, they stay at home or
vote for, as they believe, better men. And
this, if one is pushed to it, is the only true
citizenship. Otherwise there would never
be any reform nor any security for the
dominance of the will of the people. Once
in office, the official is to be Judged by what
he does, and experience has shown that
there is sometimes disappointment in ex-
pectatiop, aud sometimes a surprising relief
and promise. President Arthur grew in
the esteem of the country from the day he
assumed the Presidential functions. Pres.
ident Cleveland has shown himself, In some
respects, worthy Of the commentator be-
slowed by Gov. Robinson. 1t would be an
Indictment against the intelligence and
frankness Of the people of the United
States to say that they were not capable of
perceiving, nor honest enough to aoknowl-
edge patriotism wherever or in wohmsoever
found The speech of Mr.. Lowell, under
the circumstances of the case, was as noble
as it was graceful and classic.
The President in reply to the second adj
/
dress of Gov, Robinson, in which he even
more emphatically than at first assured the
Chief Magistrate Of the United States Of
the support of all in his efforts for the pu-
ri6cation of politics and the public service,
made most sensible speech. 1t was, in
substance, plea for the active participa-
ton of the educated in political affairs.
This is in behalf Of breadth of thought and
the highest intelligence. as in aid of an en-
lightened and generous conservatism. His
allusion to ''the ghoulish glee which desc
crates every sacred relation of private life
was warranted, not by the immediate cir
cumstances, but the broader experience
which every decent person has observed
with indignation. The President of the
United States ought not to be refused the
eourtesies of ordinary private life He is
to be treated as President and as man.
Our Massachusetts, neighbors have hon
ored themselves, as was to be expected,
Nor will the influence Of the occasion be
restricted. 1t will lift up some timid minds
to higher view, and it will encourage
some who have had moderate confidence in
the possibility of the reform of public life,
The sentiments Of Massachusetts, as ex-
pressed by these her representatives, will
have full course and be glorifed in innu-
merable exhibits of the power and purpose
of the people through the ballot box.