New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-04-18
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.

A PIoUANT SPEECH FROM MR.. wHLARD-THE
DUAL COLLECTORSHIP OF NEw-YORK-MR
CLINCH's REAL sTATUs-A SEVERE CRITI-
CIsM OF THE sUPERsERVICEABLES.
GBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNXi
WASHINGTON, April lin the House, to-
day, Mr.. Wizards Civil Service bill came up the
special order after two O'Clock. Mr. Willard made an
hours speech the general subject OF Civil Service
form, forcibly showing the dangers that the
country from the perptuaoD and increase OF the evils
growing of the distribution OF the public offices the
spoils of victorious parties. The speech thought
full and carefully prepared effort and coming 1t did
from one OF earnest advocates Of reform in the
House, deserved attentive hearing But the numer
gentlemen who had denounced the Civil Service
movement last week humbug seemed to be doing
their best not to hear word that was said. In the
course Of his speech Mr.. Willard said:
"Mr. Thomas Murphy Is probably more entitled 10 the
thanks of the country FOR this testimony than for any
thing it his good fortune to do while he was at the
peanept Questions he was enabled to state plainly and
words the policy which has governed appointments
business interests Of the United States Of any III the
country That Custom-house, 1t appears had two Col
Collector Mr. Clincb. Mr.. Murphy was Republican,
and could manage primary meeting or convention
cratand could attend to tie Of the Office and be
a great relief and comfort to the Collector"
definite apaS hs and had s
annually. Mr.. 6linch administered the law and Mr..
manned in the office 30 years and Is probably now no
richer than when he first took the position and In the
mean very likely score OF political Collectors
got rich out of the place. When kMr Murphy was
asked Mr. Cnch permitted TO serve the public,
and yet maintain his personal independence, he
answered without concealment, Yes. Sir; he u an
exception TO the general rule II Is possible Mr..
Murphy believes the general rule trife more
extensive in its operation than II really is. but
he certainly gave II rs he understood IT, Tho
general rule is that person must agree politically
with the party controlling the Government and with the
particular faction of the party in power or he removed
from office. matter what may DO his fitness for
the position Mr. Cnch, fortunately, is not the only
exception this rule, many Departments OF the public
service show similar instances. Many such valuable
servants hold their places while Administrations come
and 90 and they hold them not personal fav0rs but
because their experience and knowledge cannot be-
spared the heads OF Bureaus and Departments would
not know what To do without them And II Mr. CliDch
should not be turned out Of his Office as
Assistant Collector. for being q Democrat, an
enemy Of the Government. s there any good reason
why any should he removed from Office for that fea-
sonf And Mr. Clinch Is the real Collector Of the Port
Of New-York far the business OF the Office IL con.
eerncd anyone give good reason why there is any
need OF political Collector al all I" ~ t" '"
A. W Perry OF Ohio followed Mr.. Willard In vigorous
speech, which compelled more attention The remedy
DC urged. ior the abuacs ~ making appointments wa1