The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-08-31
Ouay as q RefOrmer.

The motives that prompted Senator
Quay to espouse the cause of political
reform In the matter of corporate in
reference with legislation and the
compulsory work of minor otfice-holders
at primaries and conventions are suf-
ticiently obvious to dispense with the
necessity of a discussion of them. But
the reform platform, although written
by him in what looks like spirit Of
vindictiveness toward factional oppon-
ents. is in itself irreproachable; and its
adoption by the recent state conven-
tion will clear the way to its strict en-
forcement, regardless of persons, Sec
tions OF interests.
For the better understanding of this
subject we repeat the Quay plank,
word for word as the senator wrote it:
Resolved, That we decry the growing
use OF money in politics and the corporate
control of legislatures, municipal coun-
els, political primaries and elections, and
favor the enactment of legislation and en-
forcement Of laws to correct such abuses
We earnestly INSIST upon form of civil
service which will prevent the enslave-
the compelling Of those appointed to pre-
serve the peace to confine themselves 10
their duties; which will ensure absolute
freedom and fairness in bestOw.ng state
and county and municipal contracts, and
will punish any form Of favOritism in
granting them; which will forbid the grant
of exclusive franchises to deal In public
necessities, comforts, conveyance and sani-
tary requirements, and Will ensure the
recognition of ability and fidelity in the
VaIynNr
try ever foremost when accompanied by
ability and fitness. We demand that pub
lie office should be for the public benefit.
and its term IN subordinate positions
should be during good behavior. NO pup,
lc employe or officer should be permitted
to influence primaries or elections, nor
upon any pretense to be assessed upon ms
salary, and all unnecessary positions ana
salaries should be abolished and expendi,
lures and taxation reduced. Ihere snouIu
he a uniform bass of valuation OF prop
erty for public purposes; corporations en-
loving public privileges should pay for
them, and schools should be divorced from
politics and kept absolutely from poltical
influence and control.
That corporations do control legisla-
lures, local and state. and interfere un-
duly in political activities Is a fact OF
notoriety. That public ofiice-holders
are expeCteu ny dI pdi tieo ~ o"S '''S''
opportunities in furtherance Of the
dominant party organization Is likewise
beyond dispute; a condition equally true
of the remaining clauses In the plat
FORMS sweeping arraignment OF grow
ing public evils. 1t will, Of course. be
said that Mr.. Quay, having for years
made conspicuous use Of these evils. Is
in a poor position to plead for their cor
rection. But 1t can be replied that
when the Republican party made Mr..
Quay's plank its own. 1t assumed re-
sponslbility for the successful prosecu-
ton Of the several indicated reforms;
and may fairly hold Its public servants
to the contract, whether they designed
to be thus held or not.
The opportunity Is ripe for valuable
progress toward cleaner order Of
things; and 1t should be improved.