Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1890-05-02
CATCHING AT .STRA VS..


publican press Of the State 10 crticise and
hold the Democratic party responsible for
the defalcation Of MIR. Archer; in other
words, contending that the wanton violation
of high and sacred trust committed to his
care IS a crime by the Democratic party, and
ton. That such silly twaddle is not worthy
of moments consideration, or meets with
the slightest encouragement, will readily be
admitted by every candid and intelligent
voter in or out of the State. II was only
few days since, whilst In Baltimore, that
we crossed one of the most prominent
and Influential Republicans in the State of
Maryland, a gentleman long conspicuous
in professional and political walks and who
has time and again been brevetted with hon.
ors by his party, in speaking of the defalca-
ton of cx-Treasurer Archer, remarked that
his wrong doings had made him lose conf
dence in almost all mankind, and that such
was his confidence in the honesty and in
tegrity of the man that even on the morning
that the first intimation was given TO the pub.
lie concerning this defalcation, he, Archer,
could have had two Thousand dollars or
more on a simple due bill. Such is the opin
ion of strong Republican partisan, but
man of depth and breadth of intellect and
judgment and in wide and strong contrast
with the idle and empty vaporings of a Ger.
tain set or character of journalistic pigmies
who delight to catch at every straw that
floats with the dirty current thinking that
Herewith they would best serve their mas.
tiers in some important emergency-best
direct public attention from the reeking
corruptions of their own party which now i,
with bood.shot eyes, reads its epitaph on
the walls Of every official department. and
hears its funeral notes sounded in every
expression of public sentiment
Mr.. Archer was made Treasurer of Mary
land by a Democratic legislature at a time
when his integrity was above suspicion
supposed to be impregnable to assault--the
peer of any man in the State in point of
ability and moral worth-a prudent coun
selor and sagacious party leader. lie was
enjoying the largest and most lucrative
practice in his county. He was handling
trust estates involving thousands of dol
lars--he had served for three successive
terms liom his Congressional district in
Congress and made a reputation which
was not confined 10 his respective district.
During all these years from the hours of
his professional tutelage there was not the
slightest whispering of distrusl, not breath
of suspicion furnished the surface of life
that was rs bright as it was apparently sym.
m ,trical. On the other hand, public conf.
dence strengthened with his ripening years.
increased with his wide and varied public
services until he held the admiration Of
friend and foe alike.
Ii was Mr. Archers untarnished nubiic
and professional record, coupled with his
recognized ability, experience and supposed
honesty. that secured him the endorsement
of the Democratic legislature for State
Treasurer in 1887 and the reimbursement
of the subsequent legislatures for the same
position. The dominant party, in the sew.
eral legislatures referred To, entertained Q
profound appreciation Of the magnitude and
trying emergencies Of the position, and
whilst il was perfectly natural for IL To Sc
iect one of its political kin, the necessary
qualifications were not overlooked add Mr..
Archer was selected because he was known
TO be competent, thought to be honest and
consequently the duties of the office, they
had every reason to believe, would be
faithfully and honestly executed. II more
prominent officials overlooked certain con-
stitutional provisions requiring them to ex-
anime semi annually,or oitener If they deem
ed it expcdient so to do, the accounts of the
State Treasurer, no one who is in the least
acquainted with all the circumstances sur.
relnding the case. can arrive at any other
conclusion but that this oversight was the
too abiding faith in a reputation for hon.
esty and fair dealing that had been the
growth of a.half Il century and which had
confronted the people throughout this long
period of time without question
The dishonesty and treachery OF no one
man or set oi men can destroy the Demo.
cratic party. II rests upon higher, broader
and purer grounds-it has no5ler objects in
view and dearer rights to maintain and
therefore can never be destroyed through
the Vaccinations Of dishonest and bad men.
IL has always been able to adjust its own
differences as il has ever been willing and
persistent in Furnishing wrong doors. Mr..
Archer ruthlessly violated the sacred trusts
that were placed in his keeping, violated
his oath Of office, tramped upon confidence,
dsregarded pledges and ruined many of
his best friends. The same party that ele
waited him to position have given him calm,
patient, impartial and dignined hearing.
II has left no inch of ground uncovered,
shrunk from no responsibility and made
bare To the eyes of the world the extent
and depth of his objectionable wrongs.
Satisfied of his treachery and guilt, it re-
moved him from office and handed him into
the custody of the law. II could not have
done more, it would not have done less, and
this every honest and fair minded man must
admit
But whilst these impotent journalistic
prattlers are 80 eager in arragning the
Democratic party of the State for the crimes
committed by Mr.. Archer, ii would be we'll,
perhaps, il they would turn 10 their own
side of the house and take retrospective
glance at the Republican administrations
during the past twenty five years During
this period, theft, bribery and corruption
were elevated to the dignity oil the fine arts.
Tho two administrations of Gen. Grant for
corruption in office have been unequaled
anywhere in the annals of the civilized
world. Who has forgotten when, through
startling developments made by the Demo.
cratic party in the House of Representa-
tives, Gen. Grants prime Minister OF War,