Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-12-22

Der something in General Jacksons time Of
the words which we have placed at the head
of this article but whether the principle Of
rotation was established by him, or whether
it existed before his time we do not pretend
to know. But we have some opinions on the
subjcc. which we propose briefly to set forth.
No thoughtful man, observant Of the course
Of public affairs will deny the fact, that the
quadrennial changes Of Administration carry
ing with them general and sweeping change
of all the subordinate officers of the uoveru-
nent, without reference TO merit 0, demerit,
capacity or incapacity has worked badly for
the public interest. Considerations quite
other than absolute fitness for the post, have
generally dictated the appointments, and When
once made the holder has looked upon his
Office as something he was entitled to hold
until the app, hitting power itself was super
seeded. As he did not receive the office be-
cause he was supposed 10 possess special quail
ifications for the discharge of its duties--so
he was not to be removed during the term Of
his Chief, n.e,riy because he might be found
unified for it. In the tkms OF his appoint
mcnt there weTc no inducements for him to
Try to qualify himself fur it, because he WAS
sure Of his four years any how, and also sure
TO be removed al the end OF ti;at term any
how. MI he had 70 do was simply to avoid
the commission of nny high crime or misde-
mcanOr bu: there was no obligation upon
him TO administer his Office with reference to
the public good ut all OF course, we shall
not be understood as asserting TINT Ill our
public officers naye acted upon this principle
we are speaking simply of the manner of their
appointment and the universally understood
tenure Of the oifcc.
The reelection Of Nr. Lincoln enables him
TO take euG step towards the cure Of this evil
in continuing in Office only those who have
discharged their duties, not only with fidelity
othe government, but with advantage to the
community. Whsrovcr Collector has 50
administered his Office ns to secure the conf
"S'N ""' iSHPSN' anu "tiPtuo"tioH VI t"t
mercantile and general public who has sought
to facilitate, and not to obStruct the rsn sac
ton OF business; who has been accessible and
courteous IN his intercourse with those having
10 do with hiul-lct hilu Dc retained. -.s
When i Postmaster has been d!iceut and
faithful, when he has recognized the right of
the community to prompt Transmission and
delivery Of the mails, and has earnestly laborcd
70 accomplish il; where he has sought to ad
just the business Of his o.iica as clos: Nv as pos
si!lc to ting general conytnicneo. AMI who has
fully realized the Importance OF his Office tt,
the public wvissre anil c0nvencacc--let such
an officer be preserved to,he community.
Bat Let Linn turn out rcmorsalnssly all those
officers i'll whatever capacity, who have nc!-
lected all these things. who have looked upon
their Offices as the just reward Of par.izan
service, and held On to it for their own interest
and But FOR the publ'c good; who have been
negligent and Indifferent, and ca red only that
the routine du'i-s of the Office should be So
discharged as to escape c,nsurc from their
supcrlors, without any reference to the public
convenience and interest Le, all such 90
and the sooner the better.