New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-10-21
STAYING THE SLAIN

One of the papers which most earnestly adj
vocated the election of Gen. Grant last year,
and appeared to believe most firmly in the
sincerity of his professions Of desire for the
reform of the Civil Service, printed yesterday
desolating story Of disllusiOn and hope be-
trayed There is nothing in the story which
will surprise tho studious readers of The
TRIBUNE, and we suppose it will cause no es-
peca anguish if we repeat 1t. vacancy
some time since occurred in the Office of the
Collector of Customs at Cedar Keys, and the
Civil Service Board recommended for the sue
cession the Deputy Collector Mr. Wolford.
The Treasury Department, which We may sup
pose 10 have been somewhat chastened by re-
cent dispensations, and thereby to have learned
the advantage Of having an honest and capable
man in office here and there, was in
clined to make the nomination, when the
Florida delegation interposed their veto, alleg-
ing that the nominee of the Board was not an
active politician. This was a charge which
would not have injured him in the estimation
of ninety nine out of hundred decent people
in the country. There are many who would
think it greatly to his credit. But the Presi-
dent is not of that number. He recognized
the absurdity of appointing a man 10 office
with no claim except that of being honest and
capable, and so threw the Recommendation of
the Civil Service Board into the waste-basket,
and appointed the man the politicians de-
manded. Some piquant details are added of
the way in which the late Collector entered
and left the service of his country. He was
recommended by the same infallible authority
as can ardent politician and, of course, ap-
pointed without further question by the
President. But his antecedents were Of
rather too high favored a character to suit
even the present Administration. lie had
been indicted for smuggling, and for being a
Ku-Klux, and for whipping negroes. These
peculiarities, though they did not prevent him
from being Gan ardent politician were of
nature to attract unpleasant remark from
irreverent Floridians, and he was therefore
asked TO resign.
If man should sell to Gen. Grant spav-
ined horse, he would probably not go back to
him the next day and pay him his price for
another without looking at 1t. We wish to
keep within bounds, and we think this state
ment will not be contradicted. We think he
is az much bound to try TO get good men for
the public service as good horses for his own
driving. But in this case, If the report of a
journal which strongly supported him is true.
when it was found that the Florida Congress
men had grossly deceived him, had induced
him to appoint man of ludicIous and shame
full unfitness he did what can never be ex-
cused. He allowed the same men TO dictate
the second appointment. This would have
been objectionable If there had been no Civil
Service Board. The man who, once deceived,
still trusts his decelvers, becomes an accom-
plice and partner in fraud. But what makes
this performance too cynical for respectful
comment is the fact that this Board, founded
by the President for such especial cases. had