Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-08-15

are reluctant to give up the influence which the
control OF public patronage gave them. They are
grieved to see ofHce-holders compelled to relin-
quish political management SO Miss Abigail IL
put forth to argue for the overthrow Of Schurz,
Evarts and the class who have inaugurated this
new change. As scold, this lady has always
been a success. In that peculiar line she has
written many books, entertaining for their pi-
quancy and satirical wit. But when she descends
to argument she is out of her " forte AS Arte-
mus Ward used to say
We know whereof we speak when we say that
under Secretary Schurz the civil service in the
Department Of the Interior has been thoroughly
reformed. No appointments have been made ex-
cept after a competitive examination Of practical
tests, tending to prove the real merit Of the appl-
cants. Political influence IL done away with in
this department Civil service reform has been
the Secretary's hobby too long for him TO give II
up now 1t IL his delight to snub Congressman
who asks for what does not belong to him. as is
shown every day. These are facts which the
political croakers Of the day are complaining Of,
| and which no one can deny.
THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
has hitherto been Of but little practical value be-
yond the collection Of statistical information re-
gardng crops and the ravages Of insects, which,
though in themselves valuable to the commercial
and agricultural interests Of the country is still
but slight measure Of the usefulness which
might be derived from the operations Of the de-
partment. General lie Due, the new Commits
sioner of Agriculture, has instituted series OF
inquiries from which he expects shortly to be able
to prepare plan designed to largely increase the
economic value of the operations of his depart
ment. A system Of inquiry is TO be established
to ascertain the physical characteristics Of tho
various sections of the country with view to the
propagation of products adapted to certain local
tiles, but hitherto not cultivated He also pro
poses to stimulate the cultivation of those agri
cultural productions for which we are now de
pendent largely upon foreign countries. Reports
show that the climate and soil Of the Pacific coas
are admirably adapted to the cultivation of teas
which would be an important industry. TIT
same also applies to sugar the production o
which can be largely increased by proper man
agement. A liberal system of experimental pro
ducton will be introduced through the eo-opera
ton of agricultural interests in growing produc
tons which are of commercial value, and ar
largely imported into the United States
| THE PRESIDENTIAL PARTY,
consisting Of President Hayes, Secretary McCrary
Attorney General Devens, and Postmaster-Ger
eral Key, leaves here ON Tuesday for Vermont
The only members Of the Cabinet remaining her
will be Secretaries Schurz and Thompson, as See
rotary Evarts is in Vermont and Secretary She
! man in Ohio Vermont has never entertained $
| large share of the administration before, NJ
has it seen together nobler set of men than sue
e group will present. The presence of such me
as Hayes Wheeler, Evarts, McCrary aud Devon
is always in their own favor. We are confder
it will be so in this case
POLITICAL FACTS AND FANCIEs.
Secretary Mccormick says explicitly that durr
the last campaign Mr. Schurz neither asked NJ
received from the Republican National Committ'
one dollar for his services. When it offered
pay his travelling expenses, he replied that he pr
: ferred bearing them himself, and did bear the
: throughout the campaign. And, strange
may seem, the President had not ntimated
Schurz that he would put him into the Cabine
either.
Sam Randall has been seen meandering up al
down the avenue for the last day or two He
l. free to confess that he entertans no doubt of beil
chosen speaker by u large majority.
1t is said that Senator Conkling will make W
: on the administration unless Secretaries Eval
and SEIZURE do not retire from the Cabinet Tn,
= presence are not congenial to the aristocra
It Senator tastes.
= An exciting session of Congress is confident
e expected by politicians hereabonts. Sol.