National Republican., 1877-11-08

lowing In regard to questions of appointment
to office, which has heretofore formed the
strongest point of intercourse between tho
executive and legislative branches of the
Government:
The fifth resolution adopted by tho convon.
tion Is Of paramount interest. More than
forty years ago u system Of making appoint.
mcnts to Office grew mp, based upon the maxim,
TO the victors belong the spoils." The old
rule that honesty, capacity. and fidelity con.
stitute the only real qualifications for Office,
and that there is no other claim, gave place 10
the idea that party services were to be chiefly
considered. All parties, in practico have
adopted this system. II has been essentially
modified since its first introduction; IL has
not, however, been improved. AZ first tho
President either directly or through tho heads
Of Departments, made all the appointments
But gradually the appointing power in many
eases passed into control Of members Of Con-
rrcss. The offices in these cases have become
not merely rewards for party services, but re-
wards for services to party leaders. Thissystem
destroys the Independence of tho several de-
partmcnts of the Government. IL tends di.
| rectly ~ extravaganco and official incaraCity ,
1t is u temptation to dishonesty 1t hindcrs
and impairs that careful supervision and
strict accountability by which alone faithful
and efficient public service can he secured II
obStructs the prompt removal and sure pun
ishmCnt Of the unworthy; In every way II de-
grades the civil service and the character of
the Government. 1t Is felt. l am confident
by a large majority OF the ngmbcrs of Con
prcss to he an intolcablc burthen and an un-
warrantable hindrancc to the proper discharge
of their legitimate duties. 1t ought to be
abolished. Tho reform should be thorough
radical and complete. We should return TO
the principles and practice Of the founders of
the Government, supplying by legislation
when needed that which was formerly the cs-
tablishcd custom.
This doctrine. which Is not based upon the
declaration Of principles made by the nomi-
mating convention, was injected into the can
vaSs by its candidate, and, to all appearance,
was accepted by the Republican party, for 1t
proceeded to his election without dissent. 1t
nevertheless no doubt, has had an effect
upon tho minds of Republican members Of
Congress, which has led to the opinion that
the President desired to break up the for
mer practice OF recommendations for posi-
tions OH their part, and have under this
posture of affairs nbstained from thrusting
either their counscls or wishes into his presence.
Whether this action on their part is justified
or not we will not now arbitrate; but 1t no
doubt has led to what has been interpreted
into an arrangement. II cannot, however, be
justly pleaded that the President closed the door
against their counsels and advice in view of
the following closing sentiment Of his inaugu-
raj address
Looking for the guidance Of that Divine
Hand by which the destinics of nations and
individuals are shaped, | call upon you, Scna-
tors Representatives, judges, fcllOw-citizens
here and everywhere, to unite with me in an
I ... 60 NtsxT la.
blessings, not only Of material prosperity, but
of justice, peace, and uniOn-a union depend
ing not upon the cOnstraint of force, but
upon the loving devotion Of a free people,
'and that all things may be so ordered and
settled upon the bcsV and surest foundations
that peace and happiness truth and justice,
religion and piety may bo established among
us for all generations
Before giving this utterance, however, the
President under advice or the instructive
prcmptings of his own judgment, had Nrmed
his Cabinet, in violation of all rule or prccedeSt
in our Government. He had placed over one
of its Departments political opponent, who
had not only fought the country on the battle.
fields Of rebellion, but had antagonized the
President and hia party down to tho day Of his
election in spite thereof. The great majority
of the Republican party and their representa-
tivcs in Congress were startled, II not shocked,
at this remarkable innovation, and that per-
haps has had much to do with producing q
condition of things which is now represented
by the keen observer and able correspondent
of the Cincinnati Gazette in the following
terms:
Since Congress met the visits of Republican
| Senators or Representatives to the White
m n
other hand, Democrats appear daily in greater
numbers. This last fact is constantly cited
! by Republicans as one of the main reasons
I why they absent themselves. In short, the
situation is not what 1t ought to be, aud both
the President and the Republicans in Congress
should address themselves to the duty of i'm
| proving it.
This condition of things has become SO
patent that 1t has challenged criticism, and
seems to call for some interposition which
shall bring the administration and the party
which elected it into relations far more amica.
/ BILE and fraternal. If there is any just ground
for splitting with the President, then let 1t be
presented and discussed, and if possible, har'
monized. If there Is not then that point
should be promptly arrived at, that better
! feeling and understanding may ensuc.
1t is no doubt very unpalatable to Republi'
cans to SEQ the Democrats crowding the halls
of the White House to tender their wealth OF
advice to the President, and that such things
exist has much, no doubt to do with the grow
ing feeling Of alienation. But there il one
way in which 4 remedy or an open rupture
can DO reached. The present posture Of af
fairs cannot be endured, and should not be
Either peace, unity or harmony between the
President and his party should promptly en-
sue, or n permanent separation bo reached. /
concessions on either side are called for, lei
them be made In fraternal spirit; but lie
us have peac, and unity of action, or let thu
incompatible influences that are now at worl
TO disturb tho public harmony be divorced
each going It's way.
The correspondent of the Cincinnati Gd:eit
presents the following key to an adjustment
: The way to master the situation now, in al
respects where they can properly ask for
change Of policy, i to gather about the Presi
dent daily for full, free, and friendly consulta
iiOms. HIS friends declare that he desire
{ this. Until Republicans have satisfied them
= selves that they ARE not wanted, they tax
wuvr RESPONSIBILITIES upon themselves b.
,lt,uIuuiuy the, President