The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-13

inequali,y and injustice, until we reach and
destroy It's parent and support,
But the growth Of public extravagance in
these latter days. and its unconcealed and
dreadful manifestations force rs to the con-
temptation of other crimes, Of which il is
undoubtedly guilty. besides unjust exactlons
from the people.
Our Government is so ordained that its life
blood flows from the virtue and patriotism of
our people and its health and strength de-
pend upon the integrity and .faithfulness Of
their public servants If these are DESTROYED
our Government, If it endures. will endure
only in name failing 20 bless those for whom
II was created and failing in its mission as an
example 70 mankind.
Public extravaganza in its relation 10 in
equitable tariff laws not only lays an unjust
tribute upon the people, but Is resposible for
unfair advantages upon special and favored
interests rs the price OF partisan support.
Thus the exercise of the popular will for the
benefit of the country at large is replaced by
sordid and selfish motives directed 10 person
al advantage. while the encouragement of
such motives in public place for party ends
deadens the official conscience.
Public extravaganza directly distributes gifts
and gratuites among the people, whose tOer-
alton of waste is thus secured or whose past
party services are thus compensated, or who
are thus bFibed 10 future party support This
makes the continuance of partisan power n
stronger motive among public servants than
the faithful discharge of the peoples trust and
sows the seeds of contagious corruption IN the
body polite
But to my mind the saddest and most
fugbtful result of public extravaganza is
seen IN the readiness of the masses Of
our people. who are not dishonest but
only needless, 10 accustom themselves to
that derelicton in public place which it
involves Evidence IS thus furnished that our
cOuntrymen are in danger of losing the scru-
pulous lnslstence upon the faithful discharge
of duty upon the part Of theirpublic servants,
the regard for economy and frugality which
belongs TO sturdy Americanism, the inde-
pendence which relies upon personal endeavOr.
and the love of an honest and well-regulated
government. all of which lie at the foundation
of our free institutions
Have / overstated the evils and dangers with
which the tremendous growth of public ex-
tmvagance threatens us. Every man who
loves his country well enough 10 pause and
think of these things must know that have
not
Let as. then. as we push on in our cam
paign of education especially impress
upon our countrvmen the lesson which
teaches that public extravaganza Is deadly
dangerous thing, that trugallty and economy
are honorable. that the virtue and watchful-
ness of the people are the surest safeguards
against abuses in their government. and that
those who profess to serve their fellow
citizens in public place must be faithful to
their trust.
THE TUMULT DEAFENING.
At the conclusion of his address the tumult
was deafening When the dedicatory services
had ended Mr.. Cleveland took up position
nj one side of the drawing-rOom. The club
doors were thrown open To the public and a
stream of people flowed past the ex-President
who had a hand-shaking reception.
Over four hundred invitations were issued
to prominent persons throughout the State to
attend the dedication. Regrets were received
from Governor Hill. Edward Murphy OF Troy
and +. l.. Godkin of New York.