Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1888-04-27
A sCATHING INDICTMENT.
Cleveland's Administration Revue wed
and Condemned by an Independent.


and Condemned by an independents.
From the New York Independent QndJl
1t is now quite evident that the candi-
date OF the democratic party in the coming
campaign is to be Grover Cleveland. We
do not say that it is not a fit nomination
to be made by that party. We are inclin-
ed to think that the man and the party
are.eXactly suited to each other.
AS to the man, he stands at present on a
level with his party. When he was nomi.
mated and elected he was hailed as a great
political refOrmer, who would lift his
PARTY to II high position and give the
country an improved system of public ser
vice. What has he done to fulfill his own
pledges and the expectations of his origi-
nal mugwump sponsors
He gave solemn pledge that the gov
eminent should be conducted on sound
business principles Men were to be re-
tanned in Office for competency experience
and faithfulnesS, regardless of partisan
efficiency. This pledge has been constant
ly, conspicuously and recklesslv violated.
He gave his solemn pledge that fitness
and not partisan efficiency would be the
condition of appointments to office. This
pledge has been trampled upon in a count
less number of cases.
He declared that public office is pub
lie trust" What meaning has this dec
laration in the light of his administra-
ton
He laid down the rule that oflice-holders
must not become perniciously active in
politics. Within few months thereafter
he suspended and restored District Attor-
ney Benton of Missouri, for taking the
stump, while District Attorney Stone of
Pennsylvania, was suspended and remoy-
ed for doing precisely the same thing in
far less pronounced way. Benton was a
democrat, Stone republican. The rule
as thus modified would seem to apply to
republicans only.
He said public employees have the right
to insist that "merit and competency shall
be recognized instead of party subser-
viency, or the surrender of honest politi-
cal belief" Out of over Sc coo Offices about
$4,000 were filled with democrats in the
first two years of the administration.
Thousands of competent and faithful
employees now know, to their sorrow,
that "merit and competency" are seldom,
if ever, found outside the democratic par
ty. He has simply fallen back into the
arms of his party, than which, before his
election, he was said to he so much bet
ter.
His pledges were magnificent; his per-
formances disgraceful.
His scheme of civil service was fine its
fulfilment 4 farce.
He sets out 10 lift the democratic party
he ends by letting down the government.
He began as a conspicuous reformer; he
is ending as Il conspicuous failure.
What are his claims on the suffrage of
the country? Not reform, not good APP
pointments, not patriotic npartsanship
He has treated the country to q free trade
message, practically advocating a tariff
flor revenue only" without proper regard
tothe principle OF protection he has made
glad all England by giving the laurels to
Canada on the fisheries treaty he has
lowered the tone of the Indian-service and
interiered fundamentally with religious
matters in the mission schools among the
lnGians-with which matters it is simply
impertinent for him to NEEDLE he has
allowed, and we believe now allows and
firmly intends to allow, political circll-
lars to issue from the government depart
ments in Washington. Such are his pass
ports to the confidence of the people. We
do not believe the people now want a man
for president who is not a great deal better
than Grover Cleveland.
Still another thing, President Cleveland
has practically and dishonOrably eaten his
own utterances given at his inauguration
What did he mean by these words Did
he really and honestly mean what he
said w hat democrat can read his decla-
ratiOns and then condemn James q.
Blaine if he should finally allow his name
after twice or thrice declining-to be
presented to the national republican
convention What could he say about
these words in second letter, If nominal
ed What will the country say about the
sincerity Of this utteranCe il lis name APP
pears III another campaign 1t will say
1--WE donot want second term of such a
man as Grover Cleveland"