Mexico weekly ledger., 1880-12-02
THURSDAY, DEC. 2, 1880.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.

The official register contains the
names Of los, 900 office-holders, each
Of whom has friends, dependents and
employees. During the campaign just
ended, no less than half a million of
these were made to contribute to Re-
publican success.
Under such circumstances it is
natural there should be disgust for
Mr.. Hayes half hearted reform meas
ures and desire to emancipate officials
from Discrimination.
A Democratic victory might have
purified our civil service ; but as that
could not be had, there is nothing
to be done but administer a suitable
legislative corrective before the list of
public functionaries is increased by a
Republican House.
So far, no entirely unobjcctionahle
scheme for civil service reform has
been proposed. To continue to rely
IN making appointments upon sena-
torial and congressional information
as suggested by Gen. Garfield, would
be to leave o6ice-seekers and office
holders at the mercy and under the
control of political leaders, and to
make superiority in technical exam
nations the test of fitness, as advo.
Gated by Gen. Arthur, would be to
confer advantage upon incumbents.
To remit this matter to the people
and make Federal officials elective in
the cities or districts in which they
serve, would be by far the most ac-
ceptable solution of the civil service
question; but unfortunately the
trainers of our constitution did not
foresee either the extent executive
patronage would attain, or the evils
that would connect themselves with
it, and, therefore, made no such pro-
vision against them.
To extend the official tenure of
present incumbents to a life term, or
n during good behavior, might de-
liver them from their grievous yoke,
but would encounter decided oppo-
sltion from that large and respectable
class who regard rotation in Office as
a protection against incompetency,
weakness and corruption.
The political power of otfice-holders
is out of all proportion to that Of Or
binary citizens. No sensible man in
this country as much IS aspires to
position, who has not many friends
and supporters, and however much
it might benefit society to guard
against misappl'cation of that influ-
ence, it would not do on that account
to forbid their personal and even
active participation in politics. Free
speech, the privilege of the franchise,
and right to take part in determining
who shall represent the people in
Congress and the White House, are
rights beyond Legislative and execu-
tive control. But then 1t might be
made a misdemeanor punishable by
fine and immediate forfeiture of po-
siti,n, accompanied with Disqualified
ton for re-appointment, to contribute
money to be used in controlling cleo
tons, or in aid of any procedure
pertaining to the selection of a presi-
dent, or the securing of electors.
OF course other appropriate and con-
stitutional measures of reform will
suggest themselves. What is attempt
ed should be elevated above the ordi-
nary plane of partisan proceed
ings. The Democracy Of the
present congress might council with
honest Republican civil service re-
formers, since with their assistance it
is not improbable such legislation can
lie had as Mr.. Hayes will gladly con-
sent tn before he retireS.