Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 July 1880 — A Frank Opinion About Garfield’s Letter. [ARTICLE]

A Frank Opinion About Garfield’s Letter.

On the tariff, Gen. Garfield’s expressions are generalities, of no value in themselves, but, interpreted in the light of his recent course in Congress, giving little cause for expecting any aid from him in those rational reforms which are imperatively demanded by the interests of the country, and by none more than by the great body of unprotected and overtaxed manufactures. Neither in substance nor form is this part of his letter worthy of his position, or calculated to strengthen him where he most needs strength. The portions of Mr. Garfield’s letter relating to the reform of the civil service are below the level of the platform adopted at Chicago. He calls for legislation from Congress, which would certainly be desirable, if it were of the right kind, but he ventures no suggestion as to what such legislation should be, nor does he pledge his personal support to the principles of the system which has been, in places, applied ■with perfect success by Mr. Hayes, without any aid whatever from Congress. On the contrary, he distinctly takes a stand less elevated than that of the platform—which declares that “fitness, determined by practical tests, should admit to the service ” —by announcing the necessity of consulting members of Congress, whom he indicates plainly, though he describes them in a roundabout fashion, as to appointments. On the whole, the letter of Gen. Garfield is very uneven, and fails to place him in that commanding position which he might have easily assumed. —New York Times {Stalwart Republican).