Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1877-06-26
Onice-HOlders I'm Policies.

A special to the New York Times from this
city says:-Gentlemen who have talked with
the President touching his recent letter TO
federal office holders say he is very earnest
upon this question, and expresses a determi-
ration to rigidly enforce its instructions.
When asked how far an officer may go in
taxing part in election affairs without be-
coming liable to removal, the President re-
Piled that IL is not intended to prevent or
discourage federal officials from taking part
In political affairs, but their services to the
party must not be at the expense Of the pub
lie service, nor will they be permitted to
take advantage of any power and influence
which may attach to their official positions to
influence political conventions aud control
caucuses. They may devote to politics all the
time not required by their public duties, aud
spend as much of their own money as they
choose, but they must do this without in
ringing upon their public duties and by
conducting themselves generally the same
as though they We're not connected with the
punllc service. The interference of federal
officers in the preliminary work of elections
is " hat the President desires to correct, and
he believes the only effectual way to do this
is to prevent these persons from putting
themselves forward as controlling spirits In
committees charged with the conduct of
political campaigns. This is no new theory
with the President. He referred to the case
of Col. Wykoff, of Ohio, who, in the last
Presidential campaign, was chairman of the
Ohio state committee and adjutsnt general
of the state. Although his own election as
President was In issue, Gov. Hayes notified
Col. WykOff that he did not approve of his
acting rs chairman of partisan committee
and holding the Office OF adjutant general of
Ohio at the same time, and that he would be
required TO give up one OF the two places. In
pursuance OF that notification from Governor
Hayes, Col. w koff did resign his state COM
mission, that he might be free to direct the
campaign in Ohio. The President says il is
notorious that the federal offices in some large
cities have been run in the interest of fac
lions, ard for the purpose of securing
the prefermeut of certain individuals
and for the defeat and punishment of
others, the power and influence of the
offices being frequently used for the prefer
ment of the office holders themselves. cit
is this condition of affairs" said the Presi-
dent, "thet desire to correct. and am de-
termiDed TO show my earnestness and sin
certify TO produce reform In this direction by
making an example of the first federal Off
Ger who shall violate the order issued on
Saturday. Every man must be left free to
act for himself in political matters, without
dictation or intimidation from men possess
ing special opportunities for influencing pO-
litical results by reason of holding public
Offices" Those who have conversed with
the President on this subject are convinced
that he is determined to enforce the spirit of
his letter, and that he will direct the removal
OF The first official reported for its violation.
SMoKFD FISH In various sta ges OF decom-
position have been sent from Atlantic cities
to tine distant west by mail, and the depart
ment is taking steps to prevent such viola
tions of the postal laws. Some of the mer-
chants in Arizona receive three fourths of
their eastern goods by various kinds of mail
at a cost OF cents pound, against 80 to
cents pound by express.
No POLITICS IN THE NAVY YARDS.-The
Secretary of the Navy has issued circular
commandments of navy yards and
stations to see that labOrers shall be en-
ployed in the several navy yards with refer
ence 10 skill and efficiency, and without
regards TO political or other considerations;
that none be discharged for political opinions,
and that they shall not be requested to con-
tribute for political purposes.
board OF Inspection, consisting of a line
officer AID paymaster in the navy, shall be
appointed by the com mandant of each navy
} ard from tie officers of the yard to serve
tIl.e months, unless otherwise ordered. The
GO mmandant may add a third officer To the
board, To be taken from the department
" hose mate rial is 10 be inspected, and these
three officers will inspect snch articles as
may be submitted to them, and shall report
10 the cCmmandant in writing.
--"~sS>-