The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-06-07
Cleveland snd Victory.

Cleveland and victory.
The denomination of Mr. Cleveland occa-
sions no surprise. 1t was generally admitted
that he w uld be renominated more than
year ago. Indeed, at no time since he became
President has there been any other presi-
dental candidate who had the least chance
of getting the nomination. At one time
Gov. Hill of New York was mentioned in
connection with it. because it was believed
that he could carry New York, but at no
time was there a movement in his favor
that attracted serious attention.
1t is not difficult to account for Mr..
Cleveland's remarkable popularity and his
extraordinary hold upon his party. He
has kept his pledges, and has given the
country O safe, conservative and wise ad
ministration. He has not hesitated to OPP
pose the politicians, and to assume every
responsibility connected with or growing
out of his position.
The people like an honest and courageous
man, and Mr.. Cleveland has proved himself
to be both. He said when he was nomi-
mated four years ago, that if he were elected
he would, to the best Of his ability, enforce
civil service. The people had confidence in
this promise, because he had kept his prom
ises as governor of New York. His record
had more weight with them than
the assertions of the republican press
that change in the political complexion of
the government would be followed by bust
ness disasters, and that it was better from
every point of view for the offices to remain
in possession of those who occupied them
than to turn them over to lot OF hungry
democrats. There was not a republican
newspaper which did not treat with con-
tempt his assertion that he would enforce
the civil service laws, and make appoint
ments with the sole view of promoting the
best interests of the public.
That Mr.. Cleveland has kept faith with
the people is shown by the unanimity with
which he has been renominated. If he had
listened to the politicians, he would have
broken his promises. The pressure they
brought to bear upon him in favor of max
ing clean sweep OF the Republican Office
holders was enormous. Indeed, their dis
satisfaction with his civil service policy was
at one time so great that it was thought
that there would be serious break between
him and some of the party leaders He per-
severed in his course, however, and the pol
iticlans were forced to come to his support
because the people insisted they should.
Mr.. Clevelands enemies have pretended
that he has not been true to his pledges
with regard to civil service reform, but
they know better. He has not done all that
the most radical civil service reformers
have desired, and it is doubtful if he would
have acted wisely if he had. Great re-
forms cannot be effected at once. They are
matters of growth, and before they can
be established the people must be
educated to appreciate and approve
them Mr.. Cleveland has complied strictly
with the civil service laws, and has gradu-
ally widened their jurisdiction. He has
shown their benefits, and they are now so
strongly supported by public sentiment that
no future administration, whatever its po-
litical character may be, will dare to disre-
gard them. If Mr.. Cleveland is reelected,
he will extend their application until all
but tine most important offices are included
within their scope.
Mr.. Cleveland has shown himself to be
not only good President. but wise and
strong party leader. When his party hest
tated about the proper course to be pursued
with respect to the tariff, he pointed it out
in message which was at once accepted as
the party's policy. In the matter OF pen
sions he has shown courage and Judgment.
Pension bills not sustained by tho law and
facts he has vetoed, and those which were
just and right he has signed.
A careful review of his record shows
that in nothing has he been influenced by q
desire to increase his popularity, or to Sc
cure a denomination. He has kept in view
the interests of the people and the welfare
Of the country, and the knowledge that he
has done so is what makes him such power
in the world of politics He is able to die
tate to politicians and conventions, not be-
cause of his shrewdness in managing
political machirory, but because he has won
the confidence of the people and they are
holding up his hands.
Not long agoa distinguished republican
said that the only hope of success the re-
publican party had was in NJ. Cleveland's
making mistake of some kind before the
election. There is not much probability
that he will make a mistake. His renomi-
nation means another great victory for the
democratic party.