National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-10
A PLAGUE ON BOTH YOUR HOUSES.

The President has quiet but very effect
ual method of settling disputes between
rival aspirants for Office. He put it in prac-
tice in his selection of the members of the
Executive Commission for this District
Having first indicated his preference for q
citizen resident, who was promptly re-
jected, he then sought eminent men, in
whom he had confidence from abroad, to
rule over US, wisely judging that such a
commission would be more acceptable to
all concerned than any other, and would
give time for the healing of dissensions and
animosities which have arisen out of fam
cied abuse OF power over private interests
The method has been found to operate we'll
here. Our government has been admin
istered impartially, at least so far as the re.
spective interests of the various parties en-
gagged in the late investigation are con.
cerned. So In Colorado Territory; the
whole population has been fearfully agitated
and divided into rival factions, inside Of the
Republican party, upon the question Of the
executive offices. McCook was only ap.
pointed and confirmed after Q terrific con
test Of the most bitter and malignant char
acter. It was idle to expect that his admin.
istration could give undivided satisfaction
under such circumstances. He was con-
demned by his enemies without hearing
or fair trial. His case was prejudged.
They were determined that no good could
come out Of Nazareth. He found 1t to be
so, and rendered his resignation. The
President determined 10 select for his sue.
cessor an intelligent, able, disinterested and
impartial man, in whose wisdom and dis.
cretion he at least could repose confidence.
As the President is alone responsible to the
people for the acts of this Governor, per-
haps it is just possible that he not only had
the right TO select the man whom he knew
was well. qualified for the situation, but
that he also displayed good sense and sound
judgment in doing so. He may even have
done it without any consultation with the
politicians of Colorado. Ifhe had made a
bad selection at their suggestion, there is
not the least doubt but that they would
have shirked all the responsibilities of the
act upon him.
Indeed, it is the chief Characteristic of
leaders in partisan politics of the present
day to assume to dictate the appointments
of the Executive, and not infrequently to
foist upon him dishonest and incompetent
persons, TO whom they owe some political
debts, and when the unftness of the in
cumbent is exposed, to leave the appoint
ing power 10 suffer all the odium attaching
to the selection. 1t is time that this evil
practice was ended. President Grant has
given it several wholesome checks, but
never without ominous growls from some
of those who arrogate to themselves the
posihon-of Office almeners for their party.
He has indicated fervent and earnest de-
sire to reform the civil service in all its
parts, in order to promote its efficiency and
elevate its character. His efforts have not
been heartily seconded by his party, or bet
ter results might have been attained. Not
withstanding, the service has been very
greatly improved, both in its morale and
industry.
But in all his executive and administra-
tive acts the President has never shirked
the responsibilities properly attaching to
his position to the shoulders Of others.
Among all the charges of his enemies, and