Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-01-11
Senator Edmunds First EpistIe
to President Hayes.
lie Believes that congressman Should
Not Solicit Appointments.
All Mr.. Edm'lnds Wants is to be Con-
sidered as Good as He is, and
to be as Good as He is
Considered.
CAPITAL NOTES.
SENATOR EpMuxps, LETTER

SENATOR EDAuNDs' LETTER.
Washington. Jan. 11.-Mr. Edmuuds has
written a letter to the president on the prop
cr relations which should exist between the
legislature and executive departments of the
government, in regard to appointments. AS
the views here set forth by Mr.. Edmunds
are in harmony with those known to be en-
tertaned by the president, the republicans
who have read them, hope that basis for
q perfect understanding between the ad-
minIstration ard the republican SEN
a!ors, may haue been here indicated.
Alter pointing out the corrupting ipflu-
ences of the cd system, stated in genera,
terms in the formal declarations of both pol
t'cal PARTIES of the country, in the national
convention, the scuatnr concludes as fol
'""s: ~ has appeared to me that much
could be accomplished in the right d,rec-
ton, by absolute absten!ion of the senat ,rs
aud representatives, from recommending
pa'tcular appointments at all, unless, their
advice should be asked by the executive
department. and accordingly since the
incoming present administration. Ihsy. on.
!eavored CONSISTENTLY and steadily 10 ab,,aio
from doing 80, and believe | have kent
my purpose. | have thoaght i, consistent
with this position, where applications or re.
concentrations for places were sent me. to
forward them 10 the proper Office with
statement or memorandum Of the .charac
- - - 1.--,r ~. e,rnnrs, ~ N"o"H "
me. l have thought ii right, indeed du
ty, whenever any Of my constituents in the
executive departments have complained of
its action as unjust, in respect to him. to
make nee. ssary inquiries, and endeav-
or to rcc.ify what should appear
to be wrong. These l think ought to be
clear and positive boun !arie- in respect Of
appointments between the members Of the
two branches Of the government. l am
gratifed in believing that this course is sat
isfactory to my constituents, and in feeling
that neither my official course, nor that Of
the executive department, SO far as l am
concerned, can be affected by the influence
to which have alluded. But to have a
proper and fair effect, whatever course is
pursued it ought to be uniform, constant and
universal. Any system will be readily
vicious, and will fail, that opens a cand:
dncy for The duties and honors Of public
trust to the citizens OF state or section
only upon the previous knowledge Of the
executive branch or simple recommends
tions of private persons, while there is
brought to bear for the candidates of other
states and sections the powerful and per
sonal solicitations Of senators and repre-.
sentltives whose gratitude for success may
be drawn upon in an emergency, or whose
disappointment In failure may preiu
dice them against some necessary measure
recommended by the executive. 1t can bt
easily seen, too, that there would be no gai1
to public welfare, if the practice Of following
volunteer recommendations of senators and
representatives was to give place to the in
fluencs Of private cliques, or to a business o
brokerage in offices, as it is said, has some
times happened. 1t i, not probable tha
the fitness Of persons appointed would b
increased, by such a charge as this, and it i
clear that the responsibility Of the promoter
Of such appointments would be less, as the
would be less easily ascertained, AM
would not have 80 strong motive
tn satisfy public opinion, as those VIII
have been elected to the house or senate, b
their fellow citizens, and who are general
supposed t, desire fresh proofs of publ
confidence. With the vast extent Of ou
territory and population. the number G
place holders h.s of necessity become We,
great, and the means Of personal or othe
definite knowledge of men by the executis
branch, has proportionnliy decreased, an
in the same degree exists. Patronag
in Whatever hands II is, practical
cxiss. aud is increased. think thos
can DC greatly mi,igstsd by m entire cess
ton by senators and representatives fro
Whatever ADVICE nr solicitation resprCtir
appointments. and hy the establishment
law Of detini'c regulations rpsN,c'rg u
aelcctioUs Tor many officers aud enpl'
menta, and the terms upon which they shI
h held. so that the executive branch al
the legislative department may be, and {,
perfectly FREQ In their respective sphet,
aud 10 that the holders cf otiiec may I,
also that shcy are shr servants al tho 10,