The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1881-05-24
WASHINGTON LErrEn.
THE AUTocRAT OF VIRGINIA, DraPKNsINa THE
FRUIT OF HIS BARGAIN.


FRUIT OF HIS BARGAIN
From our Regular Corrsspondsntl
WASHINGTON, D. c., May 1s, 1881.
When President Garfield entered so serenely
On his four years course, but two months ago, no
one foresaw the complicated situation Of to-day.
Every one will remember how even political
antagonists were disposed to congratulate each
other on the beginning of political, industrial,
and financial millennium. Robertson had not
then been mentioned, and the portentious Ma
hone was just appearing equivocally above the
horizon. There ia no equivocation In the aiti-
tuds OF Malone now, nor indeed, in the attitude
of any Of the distinguished personages who are
playing In the petty politics Of the day. Senator
Mahones carriage may be seen, at almost any
hour in front of the south side Of the general
Post office Department where he spends much of
his time, closeted with Judge Tyner, farming
out the little post-off1ces in Virginia which, re-
gardless Of the wishes of the patrons of these
postofaces, both Republicans and Democrats,
have been given TO him. 1t is his policy 10 place
Readjuster in every post-office in Virginia
where the postmaster does not have to be ap-
proved by the Senate. This will make him dis
penser Of hundreds Of Offices, and enable him 10
play the despot in hundreds of localities that
the country at large has never heard Of 1t is
needless 10 say that this is not right; that il is
not according to correct civil service principles ;
that it il not Republican or Democratic in prin-
ciple but what we are accustomed TO call in
Europe or Asia despotism and tyranny know
of more than one instance where the pos-mas-
ter, Notwithstanding his years of experience, his
perfect record with the Department here, and In
spite of protests signed by large majority of
the citizens, both Republicans and Democrats,
has been ruthlessly removed to make place for
incompetent and characteress men, whose emily
recommendation is that they hold Mahone's pc
cular views with regard to the Virginia State
debt. The paternal functions of the Federal
Government should not be felt in this way in
small, weak, and isolated communities, whose
protests cannot be sufficiently loud to raise that
general public indignation which can command
redress. Neither Mr.. James nor the President
would dare 10 appoint postmaster against the
protests of ninetenlhs of the good citizens of
st. Louis or New York II is cowardly to force
upon the weak what they would not dare attempt
with the strong. 1t is unstatesmanlike and un-
patriotic to ALLEVIATE small provincial communi-
ties and force them TO feel the central government
only as mischievous intermeddler with their
local affairs, and as the champion OF those whom
men of both parties hold in the least esteem
The people of small village have confidential
and intimate relations with the postmaster, they
advise with him, and trust him in all business
matters beyond the limit of their acquaintance,
and to thrust upon them stranger or neighbor
IN whose experience and integrity they have not
confidence, is such mschievous and serious
interference with their business interests as
would not be attempted or tolerated in larger
and more powerful communities.