Daily globe., 1879-06-19
POLITICAL ASS SESSMENTS.

s. POLxTXCdL <1SS ESSM ENlSs
The bill forbidding employees of the gov
ernment from contributing money for politl-
cal purposes, now pending in Congress, is so
proper measure that we are
surprised that it should meet with opposi-
ton from any source. Nevertheless the
whole Republican party has arrayed itself
against it's passage, and under the lead OF
Conger and Hayes violently attacked its pro-
visions and denounced it as an infamous
measure. Opinions will differ as to this
Characterization. We certainly can see
nothing infamous in it. LII
It has been universally admitted for years
that the assessment of government officials
for political purposes has been fruitful
source of injustice and. corruption. When
Mr.. Hayes assumed control of the executive
department he announced that the practice
must cease, and his order was universally
applauded. He did not have backbone
enough to en- eorce the order, however, and
the assessments proceeded as usual, with the
only difference that they assumed the form
of a REQUEST for certain percentage OF
the officials salaries instead of a demand as
previously. The effect was the same, how
ever, for it was we'll understood that the
services of those who refused the request
would be dispensed with, and that right
| speedily. Secretary Schurz was the only
cabinet officer who dared to set the politicians
at defiance, and he received many kick in
consequence, and saved himself from de-
cap1tation only by personally entering the
canvass in behalf of the party.
It has been the custom to assess every
person in the employ of the government,
from the cabinet officer down to the poorest
clerk or watchmau for, funds with which to
carry on the campaign. These assess
ments are illegal, it is true, and could not
be collected by process OF law
but tLey have been paid promptly simply
because these officials knew they would lose
their positions if they refused or neglected
to do so. The politicians call it a privilege
to DO allowed to subscribe to these funds
which employees of the government ought
not to be deprived of. 1t is to be feared
that few of them appreciate the privilege
Certainly there is no difference to them be-
tween the system of "voluntary contribu'
tions'' that is extolled SO highly, and the
old system of assessments. It is as great .
hardship, and depriyes them of many o
the luxuries, If not the comforts of life
Then, too, it is a fertile cause of corrup
ton. The immense funds collected in thi
way have been used for the basest pur
poses-for corrupting voters and officers O
: elections, and for other equally disreputabl
schemes. It is time that the system ended
It has had a terribly demoralizing effect upo1
our politics-has made the franchise a thin
of barter and sale, and made it next to I'm
possible to carry an election without th
lavish use of money. The longest purse a
most invariably wins, and poor man, be b
ever so capable, cannot hope for prefermer
\ unless he can command the funds thus e.
a torted from the employees of the government
o The argument against the bill that it dt
y prives people of chance to exercise the
= own pleasure has no force, for if the syste,
= is permitted at all, it will be compulsory VI
der one disguise or another. An absolu
prohibition is the only means by which tt
J. wrong can be righted.