The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-11-21
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 81. 1890.
POLITICS AND RIGHT.

The peoples opinion about Grover CieNe-
lard has been EXPRESSED with considerable
emphasis on November 4th last. The poiiu-
clans OF the Democratic party are Deihe
asked their opinions and preferences some
are too keen politicians TO express prefer
ence ;others reply in double language anu
others are bold enough TO express Their
wishes very emphatically. All should De
careful In their utterances TO give vent 10
no thought which may in 1892 be con'or'eu
into campaign material by the enemy OIL 'ne
standardization
Tn. most successful politician is he who
il far-sighted enough TO anticipate the po-
litical wishes OF the people. He has douDle
the force of one who merely trims his sails
20 meet the breath Of public opinion. lie
who depends upon dramatic effects builds
upon most unstable foundations, anu nc
who fails to feel the influence Of the peo-
ple's voice will ultimately cease TO be
leader. An example OF the first class Is
Cleveland, of the secord Blaine, and Of the
third QUAY. II these statements be weighed
carefully the only conclusion reached VIII
be that Grover Cleveland is the keenest
politician in his party.
Policy and principle are not always
iusparaDle. II is possible for man to do
An act which is at the same time politlc
and right, and the righteousness OF the act
is by no means impaired because motives
OF policy inspired it. On the other hand'
though, man may do or say something
which he honestly believes TO be right, but
which is most impolitic. The strength OF
Cleveland lies in the tact that he has been
so wise and fortunate as to combine righi
and policy in his advocacy Of the pubic
measures which are connected most promi-
nently with his name.
Civil service reform is measure distaste-
ful to politicians of both parties. Their OBJ
lection to IL is probably that Government
conducted on business principles would de-
bar party workers, who are party workers
for the possible rewards, from those re-
wards. Whether or not man should ma
sufficient reward in the success of his party
is a matter of opinion. AT any rate, this
Government would never have introduced
what is known as the competitive sys-
tenn in some OF its departments had
not the politicians been obliged to
meet the demands of the people for that re-
form of which Grover Cleveland was al
ready preacher and practicer. That is
why the Democratic party elected him to
,..1 x.lt.r itn ION
ayers of the Democratic party were COM
PEELED 10 renominate him IN 1855. Poll
ticiaus may better explain his defeat than
the people, who gave him a majority OF
more than 10000 votes over Harrison. Rot
tenness in New York and Doodle in the West
did it.
This present administration and the cleo
lions, however, have demonstrated two
facts. One is that even a spoils system
carried TO the utmost limit cannot secure
party from defeat, and the othsr is that
whether Grover Cleveland or any other
Democrat occupies the Presidential chair
in 1898, the best business principle will be
the placing of a Democrat in every possible
office. And there is no doubt that Grover
Cleveland would be an active, energetic
worker in this task. Thus civil service re-
form will become even more popular than it
is now.
Tariff reform is a question also abhorrod
10y some politicians OF both parties. Those
who would place unnatural and unneces-
sary barriers upon trade for apparently
present and individual wealth are either
blind or obliyious TO the fact that time and
the people will in the future protest against
the effects of The protection of individuals.
A notable example Of this was offered TO
politicians a few weeks ago. On the sub
ject of tariff reform Cleveland was also
ahead of some of the politicians; but
as was the case with civil ser
vice reform, he was with the
people. The majority wanted tarin reform
in 1883. A larger majority wanted II IN
1890, and still larger majority will de-
mand it in 1892. Mr.. Cleveland was not
the originator Of either reform Of the ciNi
service or that of the tarin. Nor did he push
his views on either subject TO an
extreme, as the father Of any measure
would be likely to do.
lie is not free trader. lie only believes
that unnecessary taxation is unjust taxa
ton. lie believes that the taxes ON necessa-
ries should he removed and that therevenue
for an economically administered govern
ment should be derived from tax upon lux
uries. Several million people of these'United
Stases believe the same. And, like Cleye-
land. they do show forth their faith by their
works.
THE TIMES believes that Grover Cleye-
land will be the Democratic Presidential
candidate in 1892. II believes that he is
the strongest candidate the Democratic
party could select. lie is honest and cour-
ageous, and combines harmoniously the best
qualities of a statesman and of q politician.
His strength and the forcible traits Of his
character are proved by the enemies he has
made. The TINES hopes he may be
the candidate, and will continue TO
explain why it thus hopes until cleye-
land is nominated. IL he is not nominated
Tux TINES will support any other candi-
date the Democracy may select. Al present
IL has no second choice. But II believes that
the safety and welfare Of this country de-
pend absolutely upon victorious and
united Democracy.