Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1877-06-01

part of the force are deficient in proper at.
tention to business, as well as in business
qualification and integrity of character,
a few of them arc employed more or less
in private business and some fraudulent
ly accept money for services rendered
in their official capacity. For these rea-
sons the commission think the proposed
reduction should be made after careful
scrutiny and examination, to the end that
the Government may retain the most faith.
full and efficient. The commission pro-
nounce the manner of appointment un-
sound in principle, dangerous in practice,
demoralizing in its influence on all con-
nected with the customs service, and
calculated to encourage and perpetuate
official ignorance, inefficiency and cor
ruption, and believe that there can be no
adequate protection in the customs serv-
ice until it is freed from the control of
party and organized on strictly business
basis, with the same guarantees for eff
cheney and fidelity that would be re-
quired by prudent merchant. The
officers appointed through political influ-
ence are expected TO contribute to the
support of their party, and most of them
accede, some of them repairing their di.
minished salaries by accepting from mer-
chants unlawful gratuities. The result
of the inquiries in the Appraisers office
is reserved for future report, but it is
stated that grave Irregularities seem to
exist there.
The report of the commission was re.
ferred to the President by Secretary
Sherman for Instructions, and the fol-
lowing is President Hayes letter in reply:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, May 2s.
Ny DEAR SIR: have read the partial re-
port OF the commission appointed to examine
the New York Custom House. Iconcur with
the commission in their recommendations. II
Is my wish that the collection of revenues
should be free from partisan control and or
ganiZed on q strictly business basis, with the
same guarantees for efficiency and fidelity in
the selection Of the chief and subordinate OFF,
GERS that would be required by prudent mer
chant. Party leaders should have no more in
fluence in appointments than other equally
respectable citizens. No assessments for
political purposes on officers or sHhOrdinates
should be allowed. No useless officer OF en-
ploye should be retained. No officer should
be required or permitted to take part in the
management of political organizations, eau
cuses, conventions, or election campaigns.
Their right to vote and to express their views
VII DuDliC HuGbIlOnb CllnCE orally Ut luEOuEu
the press is not denied, provided it does not
interfere with the discharge of their official
duties. Respectfully, Il. B. HAYES.
Hon. JOHN SHERMAN, Esq,
Secretary Sherman in letter to the COM
mission says the report is approved and a
reduction of 10 per cent. will be made.
In letter to Collector Arthur the Secre-
tary says the former will see that the
most efficient and Trustworthy officers are
retained. Other things being equal,
those will be preferred who sympathize
with the party inpower, but persons in Of
fee ought not to be expected to serve their
party to the neglect of official duty or to
promote the interests of particular caEdi-
dates, or interfere with the free course
of popular opinion, or to run caucuses
or conventions. Where actual miscon.
duct is proven it will be his duty to dis.
miss such employees. The Secretary ex-
poets the reduction will be completed
by the Both of June next.