Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1872-11-27
From the National Capital.
Washington. Nov. q, 1872.

Washington, NOV. II, Ioi
Although the reform of the civil services
was practically commenced before the re-
nomination of President Grant, and was
made a plank in the Philadelphia platform,
| there was undo abtedly but few people who
! thought that the reform would extend very
J far. and the so-called "Liberals' did not
hesitate to say that it was merely trick
by the Republicans to catch votes. while
they insisted that their accession to power
would inaugurate the only true reform IN
the civil service. What President Grant
himself thinks of the proposed reform may
be seen by what happened few days ago.
W hen the question of appointing success
or to the retiring postmaster at 3hlladei-
phia, who resigned on account OF having
been elected to city Office.
A delegation, as strong in party influence
as the city Of Philadelphia and the State OF
Pennsylvania ould muster, waited on the
President to ask the appointment OF man
whose only recommendation was his power
and influence as politician. The President
politely, but firmly, informed the delega-
ton that, as he had adopted the rules laid
down by the civil service board for his guild
ance until Congress should pass law on the
subject, he should feel bound to appoint to
the place the assistant postmaster at Phlla-
delphia, man who had for years been in
the Office and whose ability for the higher
most was unqaestioned The delegation re-
tired decidedly crestfallen, and, it is said,
INDUCED in pretty strong language, de-
bouncing both the civil service reform and
the President. eeaf
This important step on the part of the
President has, ofcourse, given rise to great
many many conjectures and questions, the
solution of which only time can furnish.
1t seems, however, to be generally conceded
that he attitude of the President, which
undoubtedly in this matter will be as firm
as it has been on others of eq ual importance,
will bring Congress to adopt laws for the
reform of the civil service, so chat the mat
ter will not rest only on the opinions of the
person who happens to occupy the preside n
tial chair. The politicians and the country
generally will from this take notice that
"offiee-hunting" will be entirely done away
with at least for the next four years.
Washington is beginning to assume again
the lively aspect that charac :eri yes it on the
approach or during the session of Congress.
Senators and Members are beginning to ar
rive, hotels reopen, and "Society" receives
fresh impulse. Many improvements have
taken place during the summer in the streets
and parks of the city, and the question of
capital removal may be considered as set
tied forever, mainly by the energy and ac-
tivity displayed by the people of the District
to make Washington the most beautiful
city in the country. Congress, however,
has already done much and is expected to
do more in this direction. The new State de-
partment is progressing finely and will be
an imposing and magnificent structure. A
new Post Office Department will undoubted-
ly be com menced at not very far dista ut
day, the present building proving every
day too small to accommodate the rapidly
increasing business The old building will
then, as is proposed, be turned.over to the In
terror Department for the use of The Patent
Office.
The horse epidemic that for nearly two
weeks gave our streets deserted appear
ance, is rapidly disappearing, and horses
are recovring. For the ben eft of owners of
sick horses in your neighborhood l would
say that perfect rest, comfortable quarters,
and protection of head, body and legs from
exposure have proved the best, and, in most
cases, only necessary remedies. w.