The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-07-21
THE OFFICE-HoLDERs' VAIL.

HOW THE PRESIDENTS ORDER WAS RECEIVED
AT The CUSTOM HousE--MANY PROTESTS
BUT NO DESIGNATIONS.
When Mr.. Bcechcr described certain class Of re-
ligoniss semasculated Christians he sent thrill
oil horror through the rigid spinal columns OF many
orthodox church goers but the phrase described the
persons we'll that II has continued to be quoted.
The Custom House officials, view OF tho recent order
them shall take active part In politics,
or hold any position IN party organization, might
now be compared to the Christians referred TO by
tho preacher "Why sir, bIurtcd out one OF tho
highest officials after the order had been promugat
'rt's tho Haycses,- Hayescd outrage that ever was
petpetratcd in u rcpubcl II really dsfranchises US,
for who that has been leader among his fellows wants
TO accept the poor privilege that
let Of depositing his ballot aud walking of like
dumb ?"
'I,ut don't you think, sir it will help the civil
vice ~
s.Scrvice be blank-blankcdi No; Il not issued
for that purpose II caused by sort OF Jealousy
Of New YORK and the influence II yields with tue
party. It's the old story OF the belly and members as
told by Esop The federal cfces here the belly,
and when the distant members shall have succeeded
in running 1t they Will find that they themselves will
starve aud dlc Tho pap Is in the Custom House and
Post once I'll not only stay away from the primaries,
Dut, Oy III not v0to NJ Scnerhi eicctiou
don't want to be pointed prescribed from
exercising the paramount rights OF citizenship"
1t was in some such way this that all the higher
officials expressed themselves In relation to tho order
Collector Arthur, surveyor George II. Sharpe and
Naval Oaccr Cornell isod to mako their appearance
during tho day and therefore, tho writer did not con-
verse with them but the officials present. with
oepton, protested against the pronuncamonto us they
called II.
TnE WAY At IT.
.'My belief" said Official "s that 1t will help the
party to have men managing Tie organizations who arc
known TO bo disntorcsiod, prosperous citizens who
would not accept Office ~
con, yes" cnmcd IN "a bystander ''and of course
tsarcastcay) disintercsted citizens will voluntarily
contribute $40 each as wo do periodically, TO carry ON
the party work."
Among the minor Office holders and clerks there pre-
vailed depression which could mot be relieved even
by the sight of portly bottles the butt ends OF which
could be seen sticking out of pigeon holes in the
decks. The men were evidently dazed; they could
scarcely comprehend the new state OF things.
prevailed in tho Custom House since the Oldest aache
could remember it. Inc political ropes which had
always bech chung TO by custom House employees had
been Withdrawn leaving them To sink or swim in tie
civil service according 10 their merits.
well by the shades OF the immortal Abe,'
claimed Inspector in rage, as he read the order,
$50 our right 10 vote ~ not denied What right
has that - - from Ohio to toll me thatY'
In short, the general sentiment OF those connected
with the Custom seemed 10 be that the order is
unconstitutional, unjust, and would Y carried out
ut in the destruction OF the party The feeling
the subject is deep ana viii doubtless be cry slaized
The shape VI formal protest very shortly Out OF
the 700 men employed the establishments 1t is said
that only hity hold positions OF prominence in party
organizations, and tnat they never neglected. their
duties account OF such positions
The position Of Acting Secretary McCormick, who
transmitted thu order, was amply discussed aud much
speculation INDUCED in as TO whether he would re.
sign the secretaryshp or retire from the National
Committee The general opinion was that no would
find much moro expeiicnt 20 give up his saaricd
position than to retire from the committee II he
his connection with the latter at the cost
oi his place. It was sad, no would be regarded as
martyr aud would be rewarded tentold by grateful
party II Mr.. Mccormick does so he will be the first
Office holder who had self denial enough TO give up the
loavcs and fishes