Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1858-08-26
TuE MES FOR Orr1oE-The subject Of rota.

THg MEE FoR OrrrcE-The subject Of rota.
ton in Office was one that received much atten-
ton at the hands ofthe press generally, through
the country, some time ago. The silly practice
of rotating men out of office just at the time
when, by experience and training, they became
better than ever fitted for performing the duties
which they were elected to perform, was severe.
" inveighed against The press could not have
taken hold Of better subiect;-reform of this
practice is most seriously demanded. Of all
other causes, this system Of rotation is most
fruitful of demagogueisrn and weakness and
corruption in Office. 1t is kept up solely by the
scheming of politicians and aspirants, because
the people, aside from the politicians have no in
terest in the distribution ofoficia E.vors provid-
edthat the laws are wholesome ones and well adj
ministered. The theory of the people is that
Offices are instituted for their benefit; the theory
of the politician is that offices are to be devoted
to his selEinterest, aad unfortunately in this
conflict of theory, the latter frequently comes
out the winner. What possible good can come
from rotation except the bestowment Of special
favors? And such is just the very farthest
thing from the true object of Government,
which is, the equal distribution of benefits
amongst all. No man has right to claim
an office, and no man, by merely holding an
office length of time, forfeits his right to be
still allowed to hold it.
We are constantly hearing complaints of the
low standard of men, in both our National and
State Legislatures, compared with that of for
mer days. If it be trne that there is less Wis
dom and ability in the Legislative branch (the
very soul and spiriE of our Government Of the
present, than OF those days, why is it? It is
not because there is less wisdom amongst us
than was then? We have as able preachers, as
able lawyers, MS learned doctors, as profound
scientific men as they, and why not as much
Legislative wisdom? We have as much, If it
could only be brought into display. Undoubt-
edly one OF the reasons why it is not made APP
parent is that we have mentioned. Tho claims
of politicians overcoming the free will and cleo
ton of the people, prevent genuine talent from
getting into orr high places of trust or, turns it
out, if so fortunate to get there, by the seem
ingly equitable rule of rotation in office We
hold that the people, in selecting their Office.
bearers, should look only to their o,on interests
disregarding the claims of politicians "How
shall VIC best subservc our own interests ?"
should ~ a. o"is question asked. and the only
right answer that can he given-"by clecting
men that will serve the office best"-should be
the only criterion for their votes.
The claims of particular sections, which polti-
clans, with equal show of fairness, are wont,
for selfish advancement, to insist upon, are also
fraught with their evil influences No more
has particular section demand upon our votes
than has particular man. If "a President when
chosen should know mo North, no South, no
East, no West" so the people. in choosing him,
should know neither North, South, East, nor
West. What absolute folly, and how insulting
to the principle Of free election for us to be ask
ing whether the mountain or the River counties
are entitled to the next Congressman Neither
man nor section, we repeat it, is entitled, of
right, to any Office within our gift. The best
man is the man for the office, it matters not
what be the claims of others.
Political principles must, of course, be OBJ
served, but after these are known, the true and
only test to be applied to the candidate is the
old Jefferson one-''is he honest, is he capable {"
1t is impossible that because he came from
particular district he should be more capable or
more honest than if from another II already
tried and found both honest and capable, it is
unjust and often Injurious to our own interests
to apply any other test than the true ono We
have mentioned. After answering fully to it,
he should not be tried by any other, such as
is he from the Northg is he from the South?
Let all such erroneous tests be abolished, and let
the independent people look to their oDn inter-
ests, by electing such men to Office only, who
will serve the Office best-such as answer the
true test, Is he honest, is he capable. They are
the men for Office
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