The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1880-10-23

H. b. Hayes, after parading his civil service
reform professions for three years, has lcl
Washington for the Pacific slope, to remair
during the heat and burden of the campaign
The main object Of his long absence from
Washington is to allow his subCrdinates |,
convert the government into political Cngin,
to be used for the benefit of Garfield "Gor
can't say did it, will be lIaycs's excuse at
ter he returns.
Every Cabinet officer of the present Admin
istration has taken the stump for the repGOli
can candidate. Those who are not engaged
in political work TO day have been or will b'
to morrow.
There have not been three regular members
of the Cabinet with Hayes together at any
Cabinet meeting for two. months past. The
business Of the government has been chiefly
left to the care of subordinates since the Chi
cago ConveHton assembled
1t is impossible for any man to transact
business requiring executive approval in
Washington today.
Clerks in departments and employees in
Federal Offices throughout the Union have
been assessed two per cent. upon their annual
salaries for the benefit of the republican cam
paign fund. Those who have not paid this
assessment are threatened with dismissal from
office
Clerks who are known to be public speak.
ers have been drafted into the service of the
republican party. Their wages are paid by
the working people, while they neglect the
public business.
Ten days leave Of absence with pay, is
granted to such clerks in the departments rs
wish to 60 home to vote the republican ticket,
Campaign documents not property franka
bic are sent through the mails free by the re-
ra -.It pI IN
Documents intended for campaign use bv
the republican campaign committee are
printed at the government printing Office, or
the branch office III the treasury department,
at the expense Of the nation.
Government clerks, paid out of the uationa!
treasury, are detailed to address and mail
documents for the republican congressional
A bureau of statistics is maintained at the
public expense in the treaury department to
furnish grlst tor the republican campaign mill.
The old state associations composed of gov.
eminent employees, have been revived, and
much time properly belonging to the govern.
ment is expended in tins new sphere of party
usefulness.
Women and children, az well AS grown men,
have been taxed TO support the republican
cause.
IlHlStcIS W European CouHlTleS nave Dtcn
granted leaves Oi absence TO come here and
participate in the campaign.
The cost to the people of the republican
cannot well be estimated. A low
figure would be Sl0,000,0O0.
On the 22d of June, 1877, the following or.
der was issued by Il. B. Hayes:
mo officer should be required or permitted
70 take part IN the management OF political
caucuses, conventions, or cleo.
lions, Or election campaigns. Their right to
vote and to express their views on public
questions, either orally or through the press,
is not denied, provided it does not interfere
with the discharge Of their official duties. No
for political purposes on officers
Or suborlinate5 should be allowed. This rule
IS applicable to every department OF the civil
service. 1t should be understood by every
officer Of the general government that he is
expected to conform his conduct to Its require
ments"
In his letter Of acceptance Gen Garfield
,aid
ITO select wisely from our vast population
hose who are best fitted for the many offices
% be filled, requires an acquaintance far be.
yond the reach of one man. The executive
should, therefore, seek and receive the inior-
nation and assistance of those whose knowl-
.dge of the communities in which the duties
ire to be performed best qualitles them to aid
n maxi ing the wisest choice"