The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-03-13
THE DEMOCRATIC SCRAMBLE FOR THE
SENATE PATRONAOE

WASHINGTON, March 12.-The Texas Pacific
interest is seeking TO be represented in the or
gnnizaliOn OF tho new Senate by a candidate
from the Southwest for Secretary Of that body.
In fact, 1t may be said there are two aspirants
for the Socretaryship from that section. one
direct and the other vicarious eithor Of whom
would euit Col. Tom Scotts chief agent at WASH
ingtOn. II is said that there have been some
interesting revelations before the Tennessee
Legislature affecting one Of these candidates.
After the experience Of the House Of Repre-
scntatves in regard to its Doorkccper. the Sen
ate viii do well to avoid the possibility Of more
scandals by elccting men Of fitness Of char
actcr. and Of qualities that if they do not adorn.
will not at least lower that chamber in public
estimation. There Is already an unseemly
scramble among old. worn out politicians. cx-
Senators. well-known jobbers. claim agents. and
newspaper correspondents for the prospective
vacancies.
But there are also n few candidates who do
not buttonhoe Senators. beg votes in person.
infcst the lobbes with importunntc friends. or
canvass for nominations. Some of the claim
ants looking to an almost certain change in tho
political complexion of the Senate. started their
campaign two years ago. with no better capital
than the cflrontery which marks the profession
al Office seeker at Washington. They were sue
cessful. too. in obtaining thoughtless pledges OF
support
or course the Democrats are hungry niter
their long exile from power. and they banker.
perhaps naturally. for n taste OF the flesh pots
which the Republicans have so long enjoyed.
The patronage Of the House OF Representatives
has only satisfied the favored few. Tho Senate,
with still fewer offices TO bestow Is now tho
point to which pressure Is most directed. There
nro but three elective Offices. namely. the Secre-
tnry tho Sergeant at Arms. and tho Executive
Clerk.
The Sergcant-at- Arms OF the Senate com
bines the functions " the Doorkeeper and the
Sergeant Arms Of the House. lie appoints
all tho messengers. pages, and employees not
directly connected with the Secrctary's office
AMI Is therefore the chief dispenser Of patron
age on the Senate side The name ~ the can
didates for this place ia legion. and they hail
from all quarters Of the country. Sectional lines
are for once entirely wiped out in the multitude
Of patriots who seek 10 serve the Senate in this
capacity
Under the existing organization. partisanship
in the most Offensive form is everywhere visible
Mr.. Gorham. the Secretary. converted his oflirc
into a mere appendago TO the Republican party.
without any regard TO It's dignity or even To the
dccency Of appearances. Until recently when
some ~ the Democratic Senator's. in view Of the
coming change. have taken time 10y the fore
lock and struggled into soft places several Of
their near relations. the other offices were ad-
ministcred I'm the same way with an occasional
exception to make the rule Of proscript ion more
conspicuous 1t may he expecting too much. in
the wild hunt for employment. 20 suppose there
will be any reform when the majority of the
Senate passes from one side 10 the other. But
the better men In theDemocrntic majority ought
10 have the credit OF the body enough at heart
To- make at least the attempt TO restore some
thing Of its ancient dignity and honor