Page:Visit of the Hon. Carl Schurz to Boston, March 1881.pdf/45

32 and notions. What the country desires is an honest, wise, business-like administration of public affairs. It would have questions of public interest discussed and decided upon their own merits. In order to have this, the offices of the Government must cease to be mere spoils of party warfare; and thus the spoils themselves must cease to be a great motive power in political contests. Many who did not see this yesterday see it to-day; and many who do not see it to-day will see it to-morrow. I believe that there is a growing sentiment in favor of a thorough reform, and greater hope of its accomplishment. What has been gained in that direction cannot be abandoned by either political party with impunity; and each party will find itself obliged to move onward, if it be only from motives of self-preservation.

When during the last session of Congress, certain Democrats brought forward a proposition for the reform of the civil service, some Republicans discredited and ridiculed the effort. I regretted to see this. An effort in so good a direction should be welcomed, from whatever side it may come. If the Republicans are wise, they will not ridicule the Democratic reformers, but take them at their word. If there is any insincerity in their movement, it will then show itself. To gain the advantage of the Democrats, the Republicans will have to prove that they are more sincere in the work of reform than their opponents. They can do so by taking up the