The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-01-05
Sad Fate Predicted for the Agitalors
Of Dead Questions.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM SLOW But SURE.
No Change in Policy and No Change
IN Cabinet.
IMPORTANT INVESTIGATIONS THREATENED.
FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.

THE PRESIDENT on HIS POLICY AND IT'S oP-
PoNENTs-AN OPPOSITION THAT WAS An
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. WITH THE PRES
EST AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
The President has recently spoken with consdera-
bic freedom several old personal friends about
political future and the present situation He Is 70.
ported to have said that so tar be has met with
surprise; that wha. has happened was roreseen by
him before he left Columbus. and that he has seen
reason 10 change In the least the course which
he a,d for himself before he 10 VI shing-
ton Tho results OF tho Southern policy have
boen such rs he expected. He is not surprised
that part OF the republican party opposed that
policy nor at the vigor OF this opposition, and as he
ioresaw aud expected this no is not disappointed
that greater political results have been reached
inevitable that attempt 10 arouse and create
= solid North agans. the policy OF reconciliation
should maintain tar possible q solid South. II
the republican leaders nad at heartily &c.
cepted the Southern policy he Is reported say, the
solid South would have crumbed TO pieces be-
ncd with the beneicent results SO far attained
The present excitement this question will not
last, he ,s reported to say. No party could be tor
m!dable or could hold the confidence support Of
the people, which should plant itself on dead issues,
and he believes that tho republican eade will soon
this and will their agitation OF this subject
He confidence the future of the rspubli
can party, and believes that it has tho brains and
capacity to take up the and live questions and
deal with them as the bes. sense OF the patton de-
mands Those who refuse TO do this and who cling
10 old and dead questions will inevitably drop into
tho background. Tho American people do not stop
to look back ward Their desire now, no believes, IS
for harmony between the sections, tor revival
OF prosperity TO DO secured by intelligent legislation
and not by empty disputes over sectional issues. II
tho republican party could commit the blunder OF
allowing itself be made sectional party 1t would
inevitably lose the favor OF tho people. The time
sectional parties has gone BY there longer occa-
zion for them, and AZ republican as well rs good
citizen it his strong desire TO the republican party
represented in every State by share OF the intsli.
gent and property owning class He believes that as
soon as Southern men are convinced that the
sectional attitude this will come about But
he Is patient and believes events will move
slowly II he is rightly reported he attaches
but little I'm porance to the angry opposition OF
al icnn n mi
personal in its nature, and personal issues cannot
have lasting lie important results 10 the face OF
real questions file appears to have made up his mind
to suffer certain, a perhaps uncertain, amount OF
annoy but he believes that it takes two sides
make quarrel, and no does not quarrel with any
one. He thinks most OF those who oppose him do SO
under msconception, and will by and by see this
Ho Sees ho reported to say, tina; he has mado
takes 10 details Ia the multitude and variety Of
affairs calling the action Of tho Executive this s
But his general policy he Is persuaded is not only
for best interests Of tho country the sy
PATTY Of the people ana OF tho body OF the republi-
party and he believes that the people will pres
emily openly adhere to this policy rs necessary to
their security, welfare and prosperity.
Tho reform OF the civil service necessarily slow
work. II requires cautious action In great number Of
Blu, though, In the opinion OF some friends OF
reform, he has acted too slowly, BIO believes thought
lul will recognize the fact that a new spirit
work better more efficiently done. because the
old officers whom he has removed lecl that they
watched and that they must attend more carefully
than to their public duties He believes. II is
and effectively conducted than It has been At any
period since the wnr, and white he IS py no means
satisfied that the highest standard has been reached
and while he docs not mean TO relax his efforts TO
improve It, yet no Is salisdod with the results so tar
attained
In relation to the New York appointments no Is re-
ported 10 say that II IS less easy than many people
suppose TO and good aud capable to manage so
great a business house as the New York Custom
House Ho regards tina, as the institution winch II is
most necessary to place IN the hands Of only
honest and capable, but positively friendly to thor
ough reform OF Tho cvi service, believes tnai
as the New York Custom House 10 the largest bGsi-
Establishment In the country, not only Is - the
true place 10 make q real beginning OF reform, but
that when this Is done there the effect Upon other
government Offices will be great as 10 mako tho
work oil reform easier every where IL IS Tor THIS
reason and not OF hostility Senators or other
persons, that he has sought 10 place the New York
Custom House IN new hands He Is said 10 dsclam
very positively hostility to any one and believes that
public officer ought allow himself to enter
tain such feelings. Having no personal ends or
billions OF his own he is desrous only TO do his duty
30 the country, and he believes that whatever tenn
porary effect misrepresentation and misconceptions
may have in the long run The American people arc
10 recognize fidelity to their interests and wei.
fare, whle all experience shows that they pardon
errors In minor matters II they are convinced that
the purpose has been TO serve them.
follows from all this II he correctly reported