Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-08-15

Numerous Northern Journals are ue-
voting much space to this long-mooted
but none the less obscure question. 1t
is theme wonderfully adapted to the
hot weather, since it can be treated with
all the calmness and serenity that the
editorial mind can bear. 1t requires no
high flights of fancy, no depths of analy-
sis and little of the fervor of invec-
tive and exhortation, in the
use of which the average
editor is wont to get in his best work.
1t is admirably adapted to "of year
discussion, and it is singular to mark
the fondness of Republican editors for
the theme at such seasons, and their
studied avoidance of it when the offices
are staked on the issue of Presidential
struggle.
The Hon. Henry L. Dawes, the senior
Senator from Massachusetts, who but a
few months ago was shrieking for "a
free ballot and a fair count" has
come down from the watchtower, whence
he proclaimed the dire purposes of the
treacherOus Democracy. and is sharing
in the diversion of the editors, and has
furnished quantity of reflections and
suggestions Mr. Carl Schurz, seated on
the tripod, and relieved from the cares
and vexations of the Indian Bureau,
likewise pursues the well worn theme,
and with an eE cdthedrd air frowns
on the sage Dawes and the coterie Of
editorial reformers, who seek amusement
in ventilsting the subject. One so long
''behind the scenes" as Mr.. SchurZ was
could doubtless "a tale unfold" if he
would, but when one remembers that
the Missouri Legislature could have
made him a Democrat, lie will hardly
look for any alarming apostacy on the
part of the gifted editor from the ap-
proved tenets of the party. who earned
his devotion by the bestowal of its re-
wards.
There is no honesty in any of the pro-
LESSONS of Republicans on the reform of
the civil service From Curtis, the pio-
neer in the discussion, to SchurZ, who
unites the shrewdness of the politician
with the skill of the logician,
there is not step proposed
which would be lasting in its
consequences. We hear great deal of
''pass examinations" and life tenures,
ETC., but that any but good Republicans
should fill the berths not one of the
pseudo reformers ventures to hint. If it
be true that stability of tenure, coupled
with capacity, lies at the bottom of the
purity and efficiency of the service, one
would suppose that a representation
of the opposition in the posts
under the government would
have much to do with insuring this re-
quisite. 1t is just the fear that the hor-
rid Democrats may come in any day and
send all the faithful Republicans pack
ing that forbids the mass of the party
from acquiescing in reforms, and it is
this that silences the eloquent champions
of purity when the battle for place RACES
in Presidential years.
Let Mr.. Schurz, Mr. Curtis and the seek
ers after purity make square offer of a
fair deal 10 the Democrats, and it would,
probably, be accepted, with the stipula-
ton that one good turn deserves another,
and when the next campaign should be
upon us there would be many good Re
publican placemen who would not lose
sleep and whose pockets would be fuller
than they are wont to be at such times.
Such a proposition would be at
least honest, and if Mr.. Schurz
and his associates could convert their
party to its acceptance, matters of detail
could be speedily arranged, and the ex
pertinent could have fair trial Should
the Republicans succeed in the next con.
test their magnanimity would be respect
ed and appreciated Should the Demo
Gratis triumph they would live up to the
agreement, for, should they violate it,
they would pay dearly for their treach
cry.
There can be no permanency without q
division of the spOils, unless the Re
publican party is to have perpetual
lease of power. If its leaders are as
surcd of this they ought to be able tC
settle the question satisfactorily. But,
as they are liable at any time to be in
vited to step down and out, they car
only put the service on an honest and
pure basis by conserving to fail
deal with their opponents. To ex
pect the Democrats to make such a
proposition, when they get in, after hav
ing been out so long, would be asking 6
great deal too much of party that has
already made some costly sacrifices.
Mr.. Garfield, should he be spared, can
take the bull by the horns and make the
attempt. Should he fail, there will be
just one thing left, and that is q
change of rulers in the next cam
paign. Meanwhile, for the sake Of
the sweltering public, we trust Mr..
Schurz and his fellow reformers will go
right on on their line if 1t takes all sum
mer Their diverting drivel does nc
harm, aud it may leaven the hardened
spoilsmen, whose chickering's and selfish
ness gave us GuIteau.