The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-07-08
by the following statement;

IL is thus seen that there was hardly any
perceptible increase in the civil list under
JOHNSON. though the country had just
emerged from the war, and abnormal pres
sure and demands were made on all the
departments. or course the claims and
other urgent matters were greatly dimin-
ished between 1895 and 1869. so that in fact
these four years had nearly swept away
the great bulk of them requiring prompt
attention.
II the Government could be carried on
with this force under JOHNSON, in the
midst of the confusion. rush, strain, and
accumulated accounts of the rebellion,
when tens OF thousands were claiming pre-
cedence and all were struggling for settle
ment, IL Is reasonable to suppose that after
a normal condition of things was restored.
the public business could be conducted
more easily, and the machinery would run
smoothly with far less physical force and
friction than before. The quarrel be-
tween President JOHNSON and Congress
had one good effect in restraining extrava-
gance, II the desire existed.
Instead of voting him increased patron
age, the Republicans passed the civil
tenure act, by which the Executive was
Gu bed In the exercise Of his constitutional
rights and functions, and was placed at
the mercy of hostile Senate. In the face
of all these embarrassments he discharged
his duty faithfully, and left n record which
puts TO shame that of his successor. He
may have been headstrong and uny ielding
in his opinions, but he was n man of ear
nest conviction, of stern integrity, and of
devotion to the people. His hands were
clean. and no presents or jobbery disngure
his career.
With the presence Of GRANT in the White
House, new leaf was turned over, and a
new policy was introduced. Extrava-
gance, shoddyism, vulgar pomp, Ring dis
play, aud venality obtained the ascendant.
A free rein was given to prod,galty in
every form. Simple habits and honest
care were discarded, and a low rivalry in
ostentatious parade at once controlled the
society OF which GRANT was the official
head.
Congress rejoiced over the change. which
was as marked, in many respects. rs was
the transition from CROMWELL TO the Res
toration. Subservient msjorities stood
ready TO do the Presidents bidding, aud
he was quite willing TO reciprocate their
| favors, while the Treasury had to foot the
bills. In this way, extravaganza in the ex-
| penditures, waste, loose accountability,
defalcations. and contempt of public opin-
| ion. were introduced INTO the service Of
| the Government, and IL was converted int o
an insti ument Of oppression and plumber.
In the first two years of Grantism the
offices were increased about three thousand
rs compared with 1869. In 1873 the total
increase rose TO twenty-six thousand, and
In 1875 1t reached forty thousand. This
constant and enormous progression shows
how utterly reckless was tho system which
these plunderers practised. They dehed
criticism and voted away the peoples
money and lands, granted subsidies and
enriched Rings. as If there was no limit to
INSCRIPTIONS power and q day of reckon
| ing would never come.
The Senate has been fighting TO retain
those forty thousand officeholders which
were thus created in excess of any want
| OF the public service, aud mainly TO fur
nish additional patronage for the Admins
tration ana for members OF Congress. A
large proportion of them are snecures
aud political pensioners on the Treasury,
who render no service equivalent TO the
pay they receive, and many Of whom
never appear at all on duty, except TO
draw their salaries.
They are nothing more than an organ
lied and trained force OF partisans. sup
ported at the public expense aud ready to
be thrown wherever they can be most
effective in carrying elections for the
Administration. Complaint has been justly
made at the interference OF the N 'litary
IN the States, but this civil organization OF
train bands is nearly double the effective
force of the whole army, and is equally
offensive in its operations against the right
of the people TO govern themselves. This
Is the issue the Republicans have pro-
voked ana they will get their answer ut
the ballot box III November.