The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-08-05


way Frazer river promises to open to the world
another decade of homes. ma.eria, prosperity
and progress that all the distractions Of the
world could not attain.
The Cuscm House SpuAis-A Plan to End ths
SQ0sbblss.
Tie Collector Of this port, the members of
Congress from this city, the Secretary of the
Treasury, and all other persons concerned have
been almost worried 10 DEATH one would think,
by the p,otracted squahbies over the division of
the Custom House Offices. II Mr.. Scheu, In the
exercise of his discretion and his authority,
'hiz "a proper to remove political loafer from
his snlg sinecure under the government forth.
With that abused official and his friends besiege
two or three Of our members of Congress and
prevail upon them to post off to Washington
and poster the Secretary of the Treasury with
demands to revoke the order Of dismissal If
the Collector, in his zeal for the public SER
vice, select from among the crowds of appl-
cants score or two Of persons whom he be.
iieves more capable Of performing official duties
usder him than the present incumbents Of the
Offices, combined movement is made on the
part Of these latter to thwart and impede his
purposes, and to prevent the Secretary Of the
Treasury from giving bis sanction to the pro-
posed changes. And still again: if the Col
lector be inclined to pursue the policy of doing
nothing, and Of not interfering with the estab.
lished order of things, he is no more secure
from annoyance, for then the hosts of Office
seekers importune him, and the members Of
Congress and other conspicuous politicians CON-
plain bitterly at Washington that their recon.
menistions are diaregarded and that they are
allowed 40 patronage in the disposition of the
public plumber. And go, between all these an
noy ances and cross purposes, the Collector finds
himself unable to carry on the business of the
department in the manner which he may deem
most conducive to the public service, and IL
most pitlessly worried and tormerted on all
sides.
Now, we have proposition to make, which,
if adopted, would, we think put al end to al
these equabbles, and secure the right men in
the right places. There is nothing very novel
in the suggestion, for it is the plan which any
intelligent business man would adopt if be found
that his clerks and porters were urtit for their
places. Mr.. Schell has the reputation of being
an intelligent, sensible, clear-headed business
man; and, therefore, we would expect him to
pursue just such course. 1t is this: Let him.
after the manner Of a general jail delivery, an
nounce to one and oil of the clerks, storekeep-
connection with their present offices will termi-
nate on the first Of September next Let him
then advertise in the HERALD for one week that
all these berths are open to public competition.
There are thousands of decent, respectable, in
telligent men now walking the streetSof New
York without any occupation, and who are IN
able, in consequence of the dulnsss Of trade, to
procure employment. These men are better
entitled, both by their capacity and their con-
duct as good citizens, to the favors of the gov
eminent than the drunken brawlers and pot
house politicians who now, for the most part,
nonopolize public Office in this city. They
will come forward gladly, and subject them
selves to any test that may be established in re-
gard to qualifications and good moral conduct
Let the examiners be appointed by the Col
lector from among the most experienced and
reliable officers in his department. There could
lie half a dozen boards sitting ct time, CON-
posed of two members each and, to guard
against favoritism, the applicants should be
called in their alphabetical order. Above all,
any political allusion by candidate should be
regarded as evidence Of his unhtness for office.
Those whose names appear as among the best
qualified on the Lists Of the several examining
boards should he Immediately nominated and
appointed to such Offices 10 the Collector might
assign them, their appointment to date from the
first of September next. We should like to zee
what member or politician or officer Of the gov
ernment would dare to interfere with appoint
ments 90 conferred.
This Is the mere rough outline Of plan
winch strikes Us as the mos. feasible and proper
mode OF putting al end to the 6isgrace.ul
scramble now existing for public Office. "A de-
ceut, respectable nan would rather try aud
support els family on five o. six dollars week
than stoop to tie base means by which alone he
has any chance Of getting berth IL the Gus
tom House. Why no. throw the doors open
vide 70 such mem Why, in a republican coun-
try. should meri, aud mcdesty be allowed to
staive. while meanness and iacapacity are pro-
NOTED TO profitable places! Even ia aristocratc
England the civil appointments Of the govern
ment are thrown open to public competition,
and merit, and not political influence, gains
the prize. Why should it no. much rather he
60 here! Let Mr.. scheil inaugurasc the sys-
ten-as be has the power TO Go--and he Will
entitlo himself to the esteem Of al high.
minded nen, who are disguised with political
knsvery and with witnessing the bestowal OF
government patronage on the most deprayed
AID unworthy.
The plan we suggest can work no injury to
those now In Office and who deserve to be in
offios. II will rather be advantageous 70 them.