The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-12-13

we consented to abide by the honest preponder-
ance OF political opinion, but we did not consent
ma. .nat Iree vote, expressing the intelligent and
sn0ugntIul sentiment of the voter, should be
paianced by vote Of intimidation and fear, or
py an unclean, corrupt vote dsgracefully
bought and treacherously sold
Let US look with degree of pity and charity
upon those who yield 10 fear and intimidation
III III Ine exercise of their rights of suffrage
tnougn they ought not thus to yield we cannot
io,get tnat as against their free ballot, they
~ ~ Ine scale their continued employment, the
| comforts of their homes and the maintenance
OF snelr families. We need not stife our scorn
ana contempt for the wretch who basely sells
M ms vote, and who for bribe betrays his trust
OF citizenship. And yet the thought will in
tr9oe itself, that he but follows in low and
vulgar fashion, the example of those who pro-
eeeo upon the theory that political action may
De turned to private gain.
PITY OR hate IN VAIN.
But whether we pity or whether we hate our
betrayal is none the less complete; nor will
either pity or hate restore our birthright But
we Know that when political sefshness is
tusesSroyed our dangers will disappear; and
tnough the way to its stronghold may be long
ana weary, we will follow lighting as we go.
mere will be no surrender, nor will there be
oesertlons from our ranks. SelfshnesS and
corruption have not yet achieved lasting
triumph, and their bold defiance will but hasten
the day of their destruction.
as we struggle on and confidently invite
ulrect conflict with these entrenched foes of
another hope which has manifesto its IF to all
tne honest people of the land It teaches them
tnat though they may not Immediately destroy
at their source the evils which aflicts them they
may check their malign influence and guard
themselves against their baneful results. 1t
assures them that If political virtue and recti-
euoe cannot at once be thoroughly restored to
tnere public, the activity of baser elements NAV
DO discouraged. 1t inspires them with vigilant
watchtulneSS, and determination to prevent as
lar as possible their treacherous betray al by
those who are false to their obligation of citizen
ship,
BALLOT REFORM.
This hope, risen like the star in the east. has
nxeo the gaze OF our patriotic fellow-country.
men; and everywhere-in our busy marts of
trade and on our farms-in our cities and in our
Vlllages-ln the dwellings, of the rich and in the
MONIES OF the poor-in our universities and in
our Workshops-in our banking houses and in
tne ranks of memorable toil-they greet with
enthusiastic acclaim the advent of ballot reform
There are no leaders in this cause Those
VINO seem TO lead the movement are but swept
10 the front by the surgin force of patriotic
sentiment. It rises far above partisanship and
only the Needless the sordid and the depraved
reIuse to join in the crusade.
-, InlS reform is predicated upon the cool de-
liberation of political selfishness in its endeayor
70 prostitute our suffrage to the purposes of
private gain. 1t is rightly supposed that cor
ruption of the voter is entered upon with such
business calculation that the corruptor will
only pay brl6s when he has ocular proof that
the suffrage he has bargained for is cast in his
interest. So, too, it is reasonably expected that
II the employe or aborer is at the time of cast
ing his ballot removed from tn immediate CON
trol OF his employer the futility of fear and in
tlmldatlon Will lead to their abandonment.
OBJECTIONS TO THE CHANGE.
The change demanded by this reform in the
tormalties surrounding the exercise of the
privilege OF suffrage, has given rise to real or
pretended solicitude for the rights of our voters
and the fear has been expressed that inability
aI IAnfh 70 Esr,, k.--
qurements OF the proposed change, might pro-
duce great Inconvenience and in some cases
result in disfranchisement. It has even been
suggested that the Inauguration of the new
plan mlght encroach upon constitutional guar
antics.
1t will not do to accuse of hostility to the re-
form all those who present these objections;
but 1t is not amiss to inspect their ra lks for
enemies in disguise. Though the emergency
which IS upon us is full of danger, ami though
we sadly need relief, all rights should be
scrupuiously preserved. But there should be
no shuffiing, and no frivolous objections should
be tolerated. When dwelling is in flames we
use no set phrase of speech to warn its inmates
and no polite and courtly touch to effect their
rescue. Experience has often demonstrated
how quickly obstacles which seemed plausible,
if not convincing, when urged against a meas,
ure OF reform. are dissipated by the test of
trial, and how readily a new order of things
ADJUSTS Itself to successful u g.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
1 remember the Inauguration of another re-
form; and have seen it grow and extend until
it has become firmly established in our laws
and pract ce. 1t is to-day our greatest safe
guard against the complete and disgraceful
degradation of our public service 1t had its
enemies, and all Of them are not yet silenced
Those openly and secretly unfriendly said in
the beginning that the scheme was i'm
practicable and unnecessary; that it created an
of1ce-holding class; that it established burden
some and delusive tests for entry in the public
service which should be open to all; that it put
in the place of real merit and efficiency
scholastic requirements; that it limited the
discretion of those charged with the selection
of public employees, aud that it was unconstitu-
tional. But its victory came-wrought by the
force of enlightened public sentment-and
upon its trial every objection which had been
urged against it was completely dscredited.
AS it has been with civil service reform so
will it be with ballot reform, EXCEPT that the
coming victory will be more speedily achieved
and will be more complete.
MASSACHUSETTS, LED.
And as the grand old state Of Massachusetts,
was foremost to adopt and demonstrate the
practicability and usefulness of civil service
reform, so has she been first to adopt a thor
ough scheme of ballot reform, and TO prove in
practice its value and the invalidty of the OBJ
iections made against it. We thank Massachu-
setts tonight for all that she has done for these
reforms; and we of New York hope that our
Empire State will soon be keeping step with her
sister states in the enforcement of effective
and honest measure of ballot reform.
In conclusion, let me say that good men have
no cause for encouragement. Though there
are dangers which threaten our welfare and
safety, the virtue and patriotism of the Ameri-
can people are not lost, and we shall fad them
sufficient for us. If in too great confidence
they slumber, they will not always sleep. Let
them but be aroused from lethargy and indiffer-
ence by the consciousness OF peril, and they
will burst the bonds of political selfshness,
revive their political freedom and restore the
purity of their suffrage.
Thus will they discharge the sacred trust
committed to their keeping; thus will they still
proudly present to the word proof of the value
of free institutions; thus will they demonstrate
the strength and perpetuity of government
by the people; thus will they establish Ameri-
can patriotism throughout the length and
breadth of our land; and thus will they preserve
for themselves and for posterity their God-glven
inheritance of freedom and Justice and peace
and happiness.
Mr.. Cleveland's address aroused great
enthusiasm, and his points were greeted
with cries of "Good," and applause.
Mr. GRADY's SPEECH.
Henry w. Grady was then introduced
He said: t.
Far to the south, Mr.. President. separated
from this section a line-once defined in lr-
repressible difference once traced In fratricldal
blood, and now, thank God. but vanishing
sha low-lies the fairest and richest domain of
this earth. 1t is the home of brave ana hos
pitabIe people. There is centered all that can
please or prosper human kind. A perfect eli
mate above fertile soil yields TO the husband
man every product of the temperate zone.