New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-03-12
NIP HEWITT'S ATTACK.
nIE CIVIL SERVICE POLICY OF THE PRESIDENT Sc
yERELY CRITICIsED-AN ADMISSION THAT HIS
TITLE is SOUND.

mE CIVIL SERVICE POLICY OF THE PRESIDENT Sc
yrRf1Y CRrTICIsgD-AN ADMISSION THAT HIS
TITLE is SOUND.
ley TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE!
WAsIIINGToS, March Inn Abram s. Hewitt,
of New-York, has given more careful study TO the
consular and diplomatic system of the United states
than any other member of either House of Congress,
and his speech on that subject to-day was full of
valuable facts and suggestions. ln-outhne, MI.
Hewitt proposes to abolish the European missions,
where the questions which come up for consdera-
tjon are mainly political TO increase our diplomatic
service in Central and South America, where the
subjects are commercial and TO reorganize the con
sular service reduce consular fees, and adopt pol
icy that Will promote commerce with foreign conn
tries If Mr.. Hewitt can induce Congress TO adopt
come of his suggestions, he VIII perform Valuable
service for the country.
After speaking hour and half in the develop
nent of his plans for new foreign policy Mr..
Hewitt closed his speech with direct attack upon
the Civil Service policy of the President.
Reading from the Cincinnati platform Mr.. Hayes's
letter of acceptance his inaugural address and his
last annual message, to show what had been prom
iscd in this regard to Civil Service reform, he took
up several classes Of the Presidents most important
appointments to show how the principles repeatedly
announced as governing the Administration had
been violated He admitted that President Hayes
done the work Of the political campaign of the Sum
mer and Autumn, but accused him OF having DIS
tributed the best offices either to his personal
friends or those who had taken prominent part on
the Republican side in the events that succeeded
the popular election and preceded the Inauguration
In referring 10 some Of these appointments, as
well as to those which be did not inc!nde in either
class, Mr. Hewitt was hypercritcal and detracted
from the force of what he said by showing dISpo-
ttion to find fault. The private letter written by
MIR. Comfy in playful mood was rather clever, ana
while the House laughed when Mr. Hewitt caused II
TO be read and the letter may not nave beeh
dignIfed in tone as some OF the literary pioduc-
tons of other foreign ministers, there nothing
in il to dsqualify him to perform his duty as the
representative Of the United States IN the Sandwich
Islands Mr. Hewitt could not fully approve even
of the appointmcnt of Mr.. Bayard Taylor and Mr..
Lowell, although Inc spoke in the highest terms OF
the character and attaInments OF both, and espe-
cialy OF the former
Right in the midst Of the attack upon the Presi-
dents Civil Service policy, Mr.. Hewitt made very
significant declaration that the title OF PRESIDENT
Hayes TO his Office is perfect and unassailable II
there had been any fraud III connection with the
election, Mr. Hewitt said that that was matter
with which the President had nothing TO do, ana,
after the action OF the Electoral Commission and
the adoption of its findings by Congress, the Presi-
DENTS title was as good as that of any preceding
President. This declaration from Mr.. Hewitt COM
mauded the close attention both Of Republicans and
Democrats and the fact that it came in the midst Of
his attack upon the President and from the Chairman
Of the National Democratic Committee during the
campaign of 1876, as well the close friend %
Nh. Tildcn throughout the election and its suisse
oucnt events gave it significance which was rec
ognized by all. Mr.. Hewitt is severely criticised
for il by strong faction among the Democrats, who
believe it TO be a good policy to keep alive the
Question of Mr.. Haycs's title, and also b. some OF
the personal adherents Of Governor Iilden Both
Of these clements are busily at work attempting to
force an invest CATION Of all matters connected with
the electoral count
The Republican Representatives listened attent-
lively to Mr.. Hewitts attack upon the Adnnistra-
tIon but 10 one seemed ready 10 take the floor to
defend the President In the midst of II Mr.. Frye,
Of Maine. in sarcastic way remarked that he
hoped the gentleman from New-York would see to
1t that the Republicans in the House who approved
Mr.. Hayes's Civil Service policy should have am
pie opportunity 10 defend it. This remark re-
ceiyed with loud laughter on both sides Of the
House, and W as not accepted by anyone as having
been made In sober earnest.
tr. Hale, 0f Maine, was recognized, and has the
uoor tor speech tomorrow morning, when lie may