The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-02-11

The task of reform ng chronic abuses in
the public service, aud OF abolishing costly
pensions Tor favored partsans, seems to be
even more difficult than was expected, and
encounters open and sinister opposition
from some members who were elected TO
the House upon loud professions of econo-
my. The benehciaries OF this profligate
system OF expenditure, and the class inter
ests which may be affected by any mdcal
change, naturally enough combine against
every measure of reform.
Hence they fought the bin for reducing
the expenses at West Point, because II wils
the entering wedge OF "A new and necessary
policy, intended To bring the Government
back to simple and honest ways, and to lop
of the excrescences which had grown into
mch large Dimensions during the years of
Republican rule and extravaganza. Every
other bill is 10 be resisted in the same way
by this selfish combination and such re-
cruts rs can be mustered into service
from the Democratic side.
The Committee on Appropriations have
recommended various reductions in the
diplomatic aud consular service rs tie re-
suit OF their Investigations at the Depart
ment of state. These changes are far less
sweeping than they might have been made,
and apply only TO the most conspicuous
examples OF waste and favoriti-m. The
volumes of correspondence on foreign af-
fRir., and the returns to tho Treasury for
along series of years. furnish the basis for
the proposed retrenchmcnt.
1t is not denied that Ministers are kept
At various capitals in Asia, Europe, and on
this continent without the least pretence
Of utility. Many of these Governments
DO not reciprocate this civilty on our part,
and thus admit that there is no necessity
for maintaining diplomatic relations on a
formal footing.
80 1t may he said OF the oonsulates
More than half Of them are utterly use
less, and worse, because they arc kept up
NJ great cost merely as pension agencies
for bankrupt politicians who cannot earn
. living at home. Others of them, with
large salaries, do not yield one-nfth the
amount paid by tho Government, in the
fees returned to the Treasury. More than
this, tho reports OF the inspecting agents
show that the fraudulent practices which
have disgraced and corrupted the public
service mt home, have extended abroad and
upon vast scale.
Now II Is proposed 10 cut of tho unneces-
saTy consuates and to establish consular
agencies IN their place, which shall be sup
ported by the fees received. In other
words emoluments are 10 be substituted
for salaries at those inferior places where
the outlay is disproporuonately greater
than the income. Certainly, this policy Is
Just IN Itself, and Will result in Il material
saving.
Mr. GARFIELD and the Republican lead
srs who arc responsible for all the prodl.
galty of late years, attempt to defend II
upon tho ground that the expenditures OF
England for the diplomatic and consular
service are greater than ours. This is their
best excuse for maintaining extravaganza,
aud for Rping an example which has NC
analogy Whatever 10 the 'r-'-
Undnr ~"''O" Stu'oS
.,vr arlstocratic system, It Is the
policy Of Great Britain TO affect state anC
splendor iu her foreign representation
The younger sons OF the nobility are pen
honed for lifeon the diplomacy, the church
aud the amy aud navy, The Goye1AIpI