The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1872-03-02

Civil Service Reform seems to be making
some agitation among the politicians and
among many who are not politicians. This is
the case with all reforms. Nothing that has
been inaugurated for the amelioration of the
human race has been allowed to triumph ex-
cept after severe struggles and arduous trials.
Every step that the Republican party has taken
forward for the last ten years has been opposed
by an array of prejudice, determination and
perseverance that we'll might discourage the
stoutest hearts and the most sanguine hopes.
But this party of deeds-bright and noble ones,
that will last while the ages roll on-has vindi-
Gated the adoption ofevery benefcient measure
it has originated or advocated by bold action,
invincible courage and unparalleled statesman
ship. We are among those who believe that
Civil Service Reforn-after having fought its
way through the political opposition that stands
across its path and disputes its advance-will
take its place among the worthy deeds that
crown successful Republicanism.
We are we'll aware that there are good, sound.
incorporating Republicans who are con-
scientiously opposed to the system as now inau-
gurated. Theiroppositionis not to Civil Service
Reform but to the mode in which it is proposed
to be established. That mode it set out in the
rules laid down by the Board appointed by
President Grant under the law of the last ses-
sion Of Congress.
We have lately had lengthy conversation
upon this subject with s gentleman whose
sterling Republicanism no one questions for q
moment. He is avowedly opposed to the new
regulations because he believes they will fail to
accomplish what is required and what those
who framed them ardent by hope they will. His
objections in many particulars are not without
their merit And he so handled his argument:
as to make them do efficient service on his side
OF the question. We are aware that there are
many like him. We know the system mus
struggle against strong and conscientious op
position. But to admit for argument sake thai
the reasons for opposing it are tenable in
theory-and there can be nothing else arrayedi in
favor othe opposition as yet-there is still these
strong grounds in favor of the new regulations
First, every well-meaning man admits the
necessity for reform in our civil service.
Second, it is equally as admissible that there
is but little hope of inaugurating that reform
under the present management of appoint
ments and the distribution of official patronage
With this view of the case we think the new
regulations are entitled to "fair trial" Thi:
is all President Grant asks for it. This much
no conscientious Republican can deny. Presi
dent Grants position on this subject is not un.
like positions that he has occupied before. II
will be remembered that his plan of taking
Vicksburg was endorsed by no one but him
self. We remember that he captured Pember.
ton and thirty thousand prisoners, when Penn
berton thought he was capturing Grant. Presi
dent Lincoln, in the goodness of his magnani
NOUS heart, telegraphed to Grant, al was wrong
and you were right"
We do not believe, as some do, that thu
measure will weaken the Republican party
We believe, as does an eminent member o
Congress that ''there is no greater mistake thar
to suppose that patronage gives power to a can
didate or party" When civil service reform re
Iieves Congressman and Senators of the tedious
wcrk of hunting positions for one-half of thei
constituency, they will be used in their places
-.-.i ila b. izss -.,ecFAs-=@:z==--z@v thei
way to an election on promises it will be i'm
possible to fulfil.
Give the new regulations "fair trial." W,
cannot honestly deny them this. If they fai
then, we shall confess We were mistaken.