National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1879-03-28
PARTY PATRONAGE.


body revealed some facts and opinions that
are worthy the consideration of all the peo-
pie of the country, and most especially that
of such Republican officials as have the
power to appoint subordnates. Senator
BECK, who is an acknowledged leader Of the
Democracy, and who places himself often
sively, if not olliciously, in the front rank of
that party, in his speech relative to Secre
tary GoRHAM, paid high compliment
to the ability Of that gentleman, and he
also said; "Whcn / am obliged TO vote,
" as l am, for one man rather than
another, as the rules of the Senate
require me- when that election is held, to
so vote, / shall vote in such a way rs to
aid and sustain my party" No one can
object to that language, or TO the sentiment
expressed in it. 1t is fair to suppose of ev-
cry American citizen. who is honest in other
things, that he is honest in his political
opinions that is, that he believes that the
success of the political doctrines which he
advocates will be for the benefit of the
country. Conceding this, it is the bounden
duty of the honest man to do all that lies
i'll his power to make his party successful.
Senator VOORHEES,, another Democratic
leader, said: "And for one say, without n
moments hesitation, that when 1 have to
choose between my political friends and
political enemies for places of trust, honor,
and profit, stand by my friends, as
have always asked them to stand by
"me."
Senator EATON said, in speaking of the
substitution of Democrats for Republicans
in the offices of the Senate: "But this thing
is to be done because it is the right thing
to be done"
Senator BAYARD, who is prominently
spoken of as the Democratic candidate for
President, was not altogether so plain rs his
three compeers but even he said that
cause" for removal was a want of identity
in political principles with the appointing
power. 1t is true that he wrapped this up
in verbose disquisition on civil service and
endeavored cunningly to make distinction
between ministerial and elective offices, and
quoted from Sir WILLIAM BLACKsToNE,who
said: He who uses the offices of the coun-
try to control its elections cuts up its Gov
ernment by the roots;" but Senator BAY
ARD forgot to say that this was applied by
the distinguished iurist to "electve officers"
like Senator BAYARD, who use, or allow to
be used, their position to control future
elections
These four were the only Democratic Sem
atOrs who participated in the debate on the
resolution to go into an election. 1t is true
Senator HILL, of Georgia, made q speech,
but it was on different subject called up
during the debate. The utterances quoted
may then be fairly taken as representing
the views of the Democracy on the subject
of public patronage by political parties
and these views are not new ones. They
embody the same sentiment expressed by
doctrine that to the victors belong the
"spoils;n and President JACKSON only prac-
tised what has been the policy of that party
since; and what had been said eighteen
hundred years before by One greater than
he, "The laborer is worthy Of his hire" is q
nations and comes to Christians in the
shape Of n command.
Hence it is plain that if the Democrats
honestly believe that the political prnci-
Piles they advocate are for the best interests
of the country they would be untrue to
their God, their country, and themselves if
they did not use all proper means to secure
the adoption of these principles and the
success of the party that processes them.
The whole tenor of the speeches from
which we have quoted show that the speak
ers believe party success largely depends
upon judicious distribution of the
patronage the party enjoys among
its political adherents. We believe
so too. No party can successfully compete
for power unless it uses that power for the
advantage of its friends and followers. "ThC
"laborer is worthy of his hire" and when
men work, spend their time, money, talents
and influence, all, or either of them, to se-
cure the dominance of any political party,
and desire to hold offices in the gift of thosC
whom they helped to place in Office, IL
should be given them when proper qualif-
cations and fitness are shown.
Men prate of patriotism" and some will
say, "You deny its existence by saying
this We do not. Instead of 80 doing
we contend that patriotism demands Of
all parties in power just such action as was
taken by the Democratic Senate the ap
pointment of officers in accord with the
party in power, and who will use every
honorable effort to keep it in power. 9th
erwise they do not believe what they pro.
fess, that the success of the party is neces
sary for the good of the country.
1t is not necessary, nor would ii be righ
and proper to appoint dishonest or incompe
tent men to place because of the adoption
by Republican administration of u rule
that none but Republicans should hold Office
under it, The strictest civil-service exam
nations might be required and he who
proved himself best qualified selected, and