The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1893-03-09
Political Progress.

Political Progress.
During the past year several able
articles have from time to time APP
peared in the issues of the MIRROR,
and, without an exception, all have ex-
pressed a decidedly pessimistic view on
the general political situation, and laid
great stress on the abuses Chiefly cor
ruption and bribery that have crept in
to the system. While it cannot be con-
tradicted that such is the case, still. at
the same time, the question remains
whether Notwithstanding these abuses
the political system of the country is or
is not better to-day than it was twenty
or thirty years ago. If so, what pro-
gress has been made? But one answer.
and that in the affirmative, can be re-
turned.
Within the past ten years the Civil
Service Reform Act" has dealt the
Spells doctrine or system, that had
stood since 1929, a heavy blow; and the
scope of the act has been constantly ex-
tended by, both Republican and Demo-
cratic presidents.
The passage Of the Australian ballot
law in thirty-nine of the fourty-four
states, in the comparative brief period
of six years, has done more for the puri-
ficatiOn of politics than all legislative
enactments for the previous quarter of
a century. 1t struck at the root of
bribery and corruption and demonstrate
ed the fact that the people are to-day
more earnestly discussing political sub
jects than ever BEFORE and furthermore
that they are determined that such
methods shall cease. Party machinery.
methods and systems and the bad hab-
it's formed cannot be at once eradicated
Though Set-backS will be received las
for instance, the nomination of Carter
Harrison for mayor of Chicago never
theleSs the power of the "Machine"
will crumble and it's extinction is only
matter of time, and it will deprive
the professionals of their chief motive
for following politics.
The American people have been eX-
tremely patient under the abuses that
have existed, and formerly paid but
slight attention to political matters
but decided change has taken place
Every year they are becoming more in
dependent and show less obedience to
" uiCc dlltl llllIldUlOllS. luo HULL
Der of voters who are not party zealots.
and the body of Independent men
pledged to vote for honest candidates if
respective of party, increases year by
year. Another proof that we are pro-
crossing is the agitation of the election
of United. States Senators by popular
vote. That steady Improvement is be-
ing made cannot be denied. and one of
the best proofs, that can be submitted.
was the appointment by President
Cleveland Of Judge Walter @. Gresham
to the position of Secretary of State: the
highest position within his power to
beStOW.
Would any president twenty-tive
years ago have had the courage to ap-
point lifelong political opponent to
such position, and even if personally
possessed of the courage, would he for
moment considered it practical? Mr..
Cleveland judged the temper of the peo-
pie rightly: and felt assured that they
would honor him for rising above mere
party prejudices and hence felt that
they would approve and sustain the ap
pOintment. Would such a sentiment
have been possible in 1872?
OBSERVER.