The weekly Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1872-1887, 1876-08-13

ovafSpread the whole service Ike q
lcprosy. Tho other evil is the or0nnf~
zation of the Official class into a body
VI political mercenaries, governing
eaucnses and directing nominations
Ill their own party and attempting to
carry tho elections Of the peopio by
undue influence and by an linn ensj
corrupting fund, systematically col
lcctcd from the salaries aud fees of
oilico.holders. Tho official classes in
other countries, sometimes by its own
weight, sometimes in alliance with
the army, has been able TO rule I'M
organized masses, even Under univer-
sal suffrage. Hero it has already
grown into n gigantic power, capable
OF sitting tho inspiration Of sound
public opinion, and Of resisting nh
easy change OF administration until
Inc mlsgovernment hns become in
tolerable and public spirit has been
stung to pitch Of civil revolution,
THE FIRST STEP IN nEronM.
Tho first step in reform is tho Gle.
Walton OF n standard by which tho np-
pointing powers can select agents 10
| execute Official trusts, who in tho
conscientious exercise of their M.
thority will hold TO account and dis.
place inefficient suborlinntcs, and
execute tho public interests in nm
honest, skillful manner. After these
immediate steps, which will insure
exhibition Of better examples, To
may wisely go on 10 tho abolition Of
unnecessary offices, and, finally, to n
patient, careful organization OF bet.
ter civil service system under tho
test, wherever practicable, Of proved
competency and fidelity. While
much may he accomplished by these
methods it might encourage the do.
lusivc expectation il withheld here
tho expression OF my conviction that
no reform Of the civil service in this
country will be complete and per-
munent till its Chief Magistrate is
constitutionally disqualified for re-
election. Experience having re-
peatedly exposed the futility Of self
imposed restraint by candidates or
incumbents, aid through this so
leInnity only can DO eirectunlly de-
livcrcd from his greatest temptation
to misuse tho power and patronage
with which tho Executive is ncccs-
sarily charged. Educated in tho be-
lief that ii is tho first duty of citi-
zen of Il republic to take his fair
allotment Of care and trouble in pub
lie affairs havo for forty years, rs u
private citizen, fulfilled TINT duty,
md though occupied In MI unusual
degree during all that period with
concerns Of government, 1 have never
acquired tho habit Of official life,
When, year ago, entered OH my
present trust, it was in order tc con-
summate reforms TO which I had nj
ready devoted several ycnrs of my
life. Knowing, as 1 do, therefore,
from fresh experience, how great n
difference is between going through
an oilicinl routine and working ont q
reform of systems mud politics, it il
impossible for Inc to contemplate
what needs to DO done in the Federal
administration without Rn anxious
sense Of the difficulties OF the untlcr-
taking. If summoned by tho suf-
fragcs of my countrymen TO attempt
this work shall cndcnyor, with Gods
help, to be tho efficient instrument
Of their will.
lSigncd) SAMUEL J. 1'iLDEx.
70 General J. McClernand, Chair
man Hon. j. J. Abbott, Gonernl
w. Il. franklin, Hon. II. !. Spann-
horst, Hon. IL. j. Rcdhcld, Hon.
j.. ). Lyons, and others Of tho
Committee.