Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1890-09-09
a LETTER AND A MAN.


Robert J. Reynolds's letter Of accept
ance is dignified, calm, sensible and full
of wisdom.
II is just such letter as man aceus-
toned to look at the practical and bust.
ness side of things would write. II is
evident that Mr. Reynolds is proud of
the nomination he has received and that
1t is his intention to fulfill the require
ments OF the office of governor, from
6rst to last in such manner that Della
ware shall be proud Of him.
he intends to be good governor. He
intends TO do all that is in his power to
advance the interest Of the common
wealth in practical way.
The letter gives abundant evidence Of
that and the letter reflects the man Any
body who reads that letter cannot but
determine that there Is mana full.
grown man, behind it. 1t came from q
man of wisdom, experience. mature
thought and one thoroughly acquainted
with the details Of the government Of our
counties and our state.
Mr. Reynolds is not a man of plati-
tudes; he goes directly to the point and
says the changed condition in pffairs de-
mands a new constitution and recon-
mends constitutional convention, ''at
as early date as possible De men
lions the system Of taxation in the same
way, and recommends change by the
people for the benefit Of the people. In
this connection Mr.. Reynolds says
desire TO urge that whatever is pro-
posed or done in regard to the matters
thus briefly alluded to, an eye single
should be kept to the principle Of equal
lily in the distribution of taxes ana a
rigid economy Ia the administration
Of state and county governments
The wholesale debauchery Of the
ballot at the November elections in 1888,
and the undisguised threat TO overcome
the will Of the people In Delaware and In
many Congressional districts next
November by the lavish use of money,
indirectly taken from the people, have
awakened in the minds Of all
true patriots grave apprehensions as
to the security of our institutions of
popular freedom. Bribery at the polls
CORFU pts power at its veryi fountain
and II unrestrained by efficient leRisla-
ton is subversive Of free government.
II is therefore pre- eminently proper that
the Australian ballot system or some
similar law should be enacted in this
state that will prevent the possession Of
large riches frol being tho chief requis-
lite to candidacy for office among Ger.
tain element IN every community and
will also in great degree prevent the
degradation Of the ballot to the basis of a
mere merchantable commodity.
There is no fummery, no demagogy,
none Of the ordinary political clap trap,
no ugly abuse Of the other side in that
quotation. Mr. Reynolds simply states
the evils as they exist and proposes .
remedy. The diagnosis Of the political
evils which surround US is correct and
incontrovertible the remedy is so Oh
vious that it needs no recommendation
Thus in every respect this letter re-
fleets the practical man, the farmer, who
has been his owe man Of affairs, who ha.
been his own adviser lawyer, book
keeper and financial guide. who has beer
a maker Of laws, who has lived under
laws and who, in every sense Of th,
phrase, knows what he is talking about
II is a mans letter written by man