The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-01

MORE ELECTIONS OF SUBORDINATE OFFICERS
We notice with surprise that Hon. Hiram Wal
bridge introduced resolution into Congress
on Monday, providing that postmasters and col-
lectors should be elected by the people. The
next thing we shall hear of will be the election
of tidewaiters and gaugers. Words cannot ade-
qustely depict the absurdity Of the system Of
which these are the fruits. We see it plain
enough in this city where the custom of elect
ing the subordinate officers of our municipal
government has led to general negligence and
corruption, and universal recklessness Of duty
Our city officers all elected by the same body
ofpeoplc, are Of course Independent of each
other, and practically independent Of the pub
lie; when they neglect their duty when po-
licemen allow thefts to be committed under
their noses when the streets are alternately
filed with mud and dust, the only consolation
left TO suffering public is the consciousness
that we are in the enjoyment OF the largest
degree of popular suffrage ever possessed by
any people. Hiram Walbridge who is sens-
bic man, must be aware that this reflection is
poor solace to one who rs grooming under mate
u
conceal our establishment that he should have
thought OF extending still further the area
official Encouragement and official irrespons-
bility. His experience ought surely to teach
him that were our postmasters and collectors
elected by the people, and SO Independent Of
control from Washington, even the carelessness
and corruption which now disgrace those de-
partments would be but faint shadow of what
we might expect hereafter.
Our rejoicing at the rejection of Mr. Wal
bridges motion must not be construed as an
approval of our present system Of appointments
We have often placed on record an emphatic
cen,ure Of the system by which an old faithful
aud experienced officer is removed to make
way for raw hand, in obedience to the exigen-
cies ofparty. We are still of the same mind
rs those conscientious statesmen. who in the
early days of the republic denied the right of
the President to remove good officer, against
whom no graver charge could be brought than
that he was of different politics from his newly
elected chief But custom has given the prac-
tice almost the force of law. 1t were almost vain
now to rebel against the fruits of the ignoble
system by which the Van Burens and Marcy
first drew themselves into public notice, and
which their youth bequeathed as an ignomi-
NOUS legacy to their old age. By what means
if at all-the general government could be re
stored to the old and the sound channel with
regard to ofices-what proceedings would be
required in order to establish rule that all
public servants (the President and bis Cabinet
excepted) should hold their offices during good
bebavior-we may hereafter take occasion to
inquire. Meanwhile it is clear that nothing
will be gained while much will be lost. and more
risked In extending the category of election
Offices: the number OF inefficient officers viii
certainly be swelled, the power of grog-shop
politicians viii be increased. and the public Sc
curity infinitely lessened. So Hiram WAL
bridge had better make no more motions OF the
kind for the present.