The New York herald., 1879-09-06
Stalwart Sentiment in the
Administration.
DEMOCRATIC CLERKS IN DANGER.
Governor Fenton's Action at Saratoga
and Its Results.
THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS.
FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT


WASHINGTON. Sept. 8. 1879.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM AND THE SOUTHERN
POLICY GOING by THE BoARD-FATE oP THOSE
WHO REFUSE TO CONTRIBUTE.
There is the best authority for the statement tha
the administration will no longer apologize for the
appointment to. retention in Office OF men whose
political preferences known TO be hostile to the
success Of the republican party. Clerks IN the DC
partments have recently been called upon to contr-
butte to the political campaigns in Maine ana ohlo
and refused to do alleging that the good OF
the civil service did not require them to give to
party opposed to their political principles
Such boldness has embittered the soldier element In
the departments and the facts have been sown
broadcast in Maine and Ohio, until the remon-
Btrances against keeping such men in Office have
become so formidable as to make change OF front
absolutely necessary. personal friend of the
President in explaining the causes which have led
to this conversion, said:-
"The President does not regret the conciliatory
policy pursued toward the South. 1t was matter Of
conviction and principle with him. but he thinks in
the face of the pledges and promises made there has
been but very little done to merit continuance Of
this policy. Having political ambition to sub
during his Presidential term, he had hoped to
foster in the Southern States such ideas Of
tional regard would make the political rights Of
all persons duly respected. While he does not
change his views 1t becomes a serious question with
him whether the experiment can be continued. Ac-
cording to the sentiment expressed in his inaugural
he serves his party best who serves his country
best" uf
GOVERNOR FENToN's INFLUENCE AT THE SARA
ToGA CoNvENTIoN-wHAT ROBERTSON DELE
GATE SAYS.
Ex-Governor Fenton arrived here to-day and called
Secretary Sherman this afternoon at his resi-
dence on street. After dinner they drove about
thecity and were together for several hours. One
of the delegates to the Saratoga Convention. who
has represented his district for years in the State
conventions, and who is visiting Washington for q
few days. confirms the statement made by the
HERALD correspondent at Saratoga to the effect that
MIR. Fenton active in securing pledges Of sup
port from Judge Robertson's friends for Sherman
delegates to the National Republican Convention.
Il voted for Mr.. Robertson" said this delegate.
-and supposed there would not be q choice on the
first ballot Alter the vote taken l expressed
surprise at the result. particularly a number Of
delegates who understood to be against Mr..
Cornell had voted for him. The explanation was
promptly given that it a choice between Senator
Conkling and Secretary sherman, and they thought
It best to decide this issue by casting their influence
r. favor of Mr.. Cornell. Had it not been for Mr..
Wn0tever
the nomination for Governor would have been DIFF
ferent."
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COMMISSIONERS
INTERVIEW BETWEEN PROMINENT REpUBLI-
CANS AND THE PRESIDENT.
Two prominent republicans Of this District, who
understood that the President disposed to hear
appeals in behalf Of members of their party ap-
po4ntment to office, called at the White House to-
day vi he he aafio Tba
President opened by saying:-
swell, gentlemen. what can do for you ?''
vIsrroRs-Mr President, called to ask for the
appointment of republican Commissioner for the
District OF Columbia You have, unintentionalIy,
we think. appointed two democrats on the commits
sion. and lett republicans without any represen-
tation.
The PREHpESr-You mistaken. gentlemen.
Mr.. Phelps is u consistent republican.
vIsIToRs-It is you who mistaken. Mr. Presi-
dent. Mr.. Phelps is not q republican. is he
willing to be classified
The PREsIDENr-Mr. Phelps is said to be good
republican. OF there may be those who
think differently. There men who say I am OF
republican but docking tenderly at the visitors)
you know better for there Is not better republican
in the country thanI
VISITORS with an incredulous smile)-we usually
Judge by their works. Mr.. President .'By their
fruits ye shall know them" II apply this rule to
Mr.. Phelps he falls far below the standard by
which mems devotion to party is meas
ured. OF the ten heads of bureaus in tho local
government eight are pronounced democrats. and Of
the clerical force ninety per cent democrats
There have been but three republicans appointed to
Office since January last. while places have been
found since that date for twenty graduates tho
rebe army by these republican Commissioners.
The PRESIDENT taking out his note book)-Is 1t
possiblei / suppose a change IN the commission
will remedy all these evils.
vIsrroRs-we think IL would.
The PREsrDEsT-can you name some good mana
vsIToRs-we think the appointment of sayles j.
Bowen or William Dixon would DO satisfactory to
the republicans.
The PnKsrDKST-How do you like Mr. French, late
sergcant-at-Arms in the scnate3
visrroRs-we know nothing Of Mr. French nor his
Identity with local interest You have asked for
our choice aud we have named two gentlemen, both
OF whom are closely Identified with locally and
either OF whom will be acceptable.
The PREsIDFNr-you sec there ID is You cannot
agree upon man. Mr.. French is q republican and
his appointment has been requested by Congress.
men. aud must be careful not to oppose Con-
gress. They are doing good work for the District
paying half of its expenses.
The President assured his visitors that he would
consider the representations made by them. 1t Is
understood that ho is anxious to promote the well
fare Of tho District and has OF late been giving his
personal attention to scheme for the improvement mt
Of Washington which In magnitude IL equal 10 the
comprehensive plan OF improvements inauguratcd
by the Board of Public Works.
GENERAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.