Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1869-12-17
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.

CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
The Dubuque Times does not see much
wisdom Or practicability in Mr.. Trumbull's
bill, depriving Senators and Congressman
Of the control Of appointments to Office.
1t says:
"H man is ct 10 represent district in
Congress, be ought to have the honesty and
ability necessary to make choice from his
own constituents, whom he is supposed to
know something about, of the proper men
for the federal Offices in the Districts
Nobody will quarrel with the Times POS
tulate that Congressman ought to exercise
honesty, and regard for the public inter-
csts in making selections for Office. But
the fact that in majority Of instances they
do not, but rather use their control Of ap-
po;ntments as a means ofaewarding per-
sonal services, and Of making their own
advancement sure; establishing as the
primary qualification, Jealous aud unscru-
pulous partisanship rather than fitness,
makes it necessary that something like Mr..
Trumbull's bill should pass.
I.may be as quoted by the Times that
the abuses Of our civil service do not arise
sol 'ly from the fact that appointments are
made at the instance of Senators and Con.
gressmen, and that possibly we should have
no better or more faithful public servants,
il appointed without such intervention.
Blu: it is quite possible that the best effect
OF srch an enactment would be observed
in the Congressman themselves. The priv
ilegD of making appointments to office is
q purely executive function, and its lodg-
raens with the law making power is inap-
propriate, distracting, and as we have am
pie proof, demoralizing. 1t promotes neither
lie efficiency Or the honesty of the legisla.
.or 1t affords him the opportunity and
ssmptai!on to bargain and scheme for ends
pureiy selfish and to neglect his legitimate
duties in SO doing. 1t ottentimes places
hin in he undigni6ed position of acting as
tie at,orney at the departments, for q
horde Of greedy Office hunters whose i'm
Fortunate demands he dare not refuse, no
mater bow thoroughly he may despise and
dstest :ker characters. To deprive him of
this privilege of dispensing patronage and
place is to promote his usefulness and his
aeGests.
fyyGeSAL REVENUE ASSESSOR. - Bro.
Ayres Of the Manchester Union, in his pa
per of lis week, makes mention Of the
Tact that . change is likely to be made in
the Office of Assessor of Internal Revenue
for the Sd District, and that number of
aspirsnts are working with might and main
for the place. He suggests our predeces-
sor, J. L. LOOMS, as a proper man for the
position, and asks who seconds the motion.
While VIC think Bro. Ayres' motion comes
too late, and that,a worthy and competent
gentleman in DEBORAH feels AS confident of
stepping into Assessor Huntley's shoes as
if be already had the commission in his
pocket, we nevertheless heartily endorse
the nomination of our friend LOOMS, as
one that ought to be ratified, and would be
if Congressman, like republics, we're not I'M
grateful. Mr.. LOOMS has worked hard and
well for the triumph of Republican princi-
plies, and to no editor in the District is Mr..
Allison more indebted for well directed
jealous and entirely honest efforts in his be-
half, during the last Congressional cam
raign than to Mr.. LOOMS while in charge
of this paper. That be did this without the
hope or expectation of reward does not
lessen the force of the obligation. But
his Of itself should constitute no claim to
Office for Mr.. LOOMS or anybody else.
Added to it however, is the fact that he is
honest, capable and in every way qualified
for the position. But even if it we're pos
sible to obtain it we seriously doubt whe,h
er Mr.. LOOMS would accept the Office of
Assessor. By the Partially of the Repub-
licans of this county he has been invested
with responsible official position, and we
are sure that it would be with great reluc-
lance that be wouli abandon it even for
better, until he had demonstrated
hat the confidence in him was not mis-
placed. II is due TO Mr.. LOOMS to say
hat this article is written without his knowl-
edge or dicta,ion.