The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-05-06


Upon no subject has the Republican party
EXPENDED 80 much cloquence and ayowcd
such unfaiiing fealty a. to the cause ofpop-
ular education. over no one has il so copi-
ouslv showered its crocodile tears as upon
the benighted head Of its colored allies IN
the South, to whom the boon of education
was surely to be extended so soon - II
should once more control all the depart
ments of the Federal Government. The
Blair bill was the great panacea which was
TO relieve the land from intellectual dark
ness. Many times was the measure carried
through the Republican Senate when II was
known in advance that Democratic House.
because Of its construction of the powers OF
the Federal Government. would compass liz
defeat. But when at length the Republican
party secures control of both House ami
senate, and credulous citizens thought that
now surely the day of universal knowledge
il at hand, this same party. with reckless
disregard of former promise. defeats forever
this great measure, which had formerly
been the object of its atlectionatc solicitudc.
Next TO popular education, liz pretended
love for what is known Is the reform of the
civil service Of the government was an arIl-
Gle in its faith most OstentatiOusly dis
PLAYED. No removal except for personal
unftness: promotions for merit and an adj
ministraton of the civil departments as
should best subserve the public interests
regardless of the political predictions oi
the officials These were some Of the GU
phonious phrases with which it was want to
regale the public prior to the election. Now
we see a determined effort made on the moor
Of Congress 10 reduce the appropriation ioI
tine support Of the civil service commits
sioners, and thus destroy their power. More
removals from Office upon purely political
grounds than during any one year in any
previous administration of the government
while the slogan, that TO the victors belong
the spois,'' is heralded by its leaders with
defiance never before eclipsed.
Reduction of taxation by the abolition OF
the internal revenue was still another IA
yorite theme by which the unsuspcctine
voter was besOught to enlist in the ranks OF
this party With its advent TO power this
agitation seems TO have ceased and the
prospect of the abolition Of this system OF
taxation. which seemed so easy of attain
ment when viewed in the light of Republi-
can promises, becomes matter of profound
soubt when regarded by the less cheering
reflection of Republican performances.
A still greater and far more important as
surance which it gave 10 the people was
that of the reduction Of taxation as imposed
by our .'war tariff" With almost as LITTLE
regard for their faith to the public as the
leaders Of this party have eyinced in deal
ing with the abolition Of the internal reye
nue., is its present Congress proceeding will
the reduction Of taxation by the means o
tariff revision. An inspection of the bill in
troduced by Mr.. Mckinley will disclose the
fact that while reduction may be attempted
upon many articles of import, yet that IT II
not such reduction a. will lessen the scllin,
price TO the people Of the articles which en-
ter most largely into their daily con
~'ion. In fact, the promise of the Re
-'v TO reduce taxation cannot
q TO keep faith with the
10 whom pen
rant