The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-05-23
The Custom House Investiga tion.

The commission appointed by Secretary
Sherman for investigating the affairs of the
New York Custom House has brought to
light many abuses which require correction.
So far as we have read the testimony they
are abuses which cannot be redressed by the
Collector Of the Port, but only by the adj
ministrative authority at Washington and
by Congress. Our absurd tariff, with its
double system of specific and al yalorem
duties on the same articles is SO cumbrous
and perplexing that it destroys all posi-
bility of simple and efficient admin
istration, and creates a necessity for
great multitude of employees who
would not be needed if the revenue laws
were revised in conformity with business
principles and common sense. In the next
place, the method of making appointments
is scandalously vicious and subversive Of
all the conditions of efficient service. This
is not the fault of any collector of customs
who may be transiently in Office, nor the
separate fault Of any administration which
may happen to be in power at Washington.
1t is an inveterate abuse of long standing.
It's history dates back more than thirty
years. II is part and parcel of the spoils
system which has so long debased our fed
eral politics and which makes public Offices
rewards of partisan service. The New York
Custom House has been for two generations
the foulest political nest, the nest which has
Matched and harbored more unclean birds
than any other which has been sheltered
and protected by the federal government.
The greater part of the customs revenue Of
the country being collected in this port
there is necessity for quite little army Of
employees, and where so many are needed
it is easy to foist in supernumeraries with
out attracting observation. The conse-
quence is that the New York Custom House
has been, time ont of mind, the great fed
eral hospital for decayed politicians, and a
general soup kitchen for the favorites OF
men in power. The Collector has had
! little choice in the selection of his subordi-
mates. Among the swarms of needy people
who come to him seeking situations he is
obliged to reject many but he must be a
very courageous Collector, indeed, who
does not think twice before rejecting
an applicant who brings a soup ticket from
Senator, Congressman or Cabinet officer
known to stand high in the favor OF the
President. This is thing which an ordi-
nary collector seldom dares to do, because
he knows that he would hazard his own
place Ivy refusing places or failing to make
places for the MANNED, the halt and the
blind who come to him recommended and
urged by politicians whom the administers
ton at Washington does not wish to offend
or estrange. However able, honest and
efficient collector may be in other respects,
in this respect he is the mere slave of a bad
system and the puppet of politicians more
powerful in high quarters than himself
All honest men must approve and applaud
the intention of President Hayes to overhaul
and break up this pestilent nest of abuses
and must wish him success in the undertake
ing But this kind OF reforming zeal, which
is easy to new administration, is so liable
to be obstructed by political exigencies o
which new President and new Cabine
have as yet no experience, that we can as ye
| only praise The intention and reserve on