The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1882-10-20

is lost sight of or modified, the way is
open for an immediate, certain and con-
stant degeneracy of the public service.
A merely mechanical and negligent
performance of official functions follows
the obliteration of these standards of
duty. This results from the long con.
tinuance IN power of selfish political
leaders, and is most serious evil in
the public service. No one can esti-
mate the injury and loss the people suf-
fer from this cause alone. .".
THE "Boss' SYSTEM. .....
There is widespread discomfort at
what is forcibly called "boss' govern
ment. This is not without much rea.
son. Popular discomfort has generally
good cause, for the people have no ad.
vantage in unnecessary agitation and
disorder The great evil of "boss'
government is that the interest of the
official is made inimical to faithful pub
lie service. His interest is not on the
side of fidelity to the public veal, but
on that of abiect obedience to the
orders of the machine and he follows
his interest
A wise economy must be enforced in
the public expense. Profuse expendi-
ture by government is not only burden
some in itself but generates in officials
spirit of profigacy which permeates
even private life. Extravaganza breeds
extravaganza. Every useless expendi-
ture creates an excuse if it does not
cause a necessity for further waste.
This is true in many ways, not always
perceptible to the public, but which be-
come apparent upon an investigation of
systems. Peculation may be gross but
can be detected. Mere financial extra
vagance can be measured and corrected.
The usual and ordinary "leaks" at last
discover themselves and can be stopped.
But there is a protligacy that invades
systems, that is wrapped up in statutes;
that has the protection of the law and
warrants of long usage. 1t is the growth
OF years, has been line upon, line writ
ten into your Legislation, represents the
concentrated ingenuity of succession
of public blunders and extends from the
highest department in the state to the
lowest in the municipality.
One manifestation of this abuse may
be designated by the term "place-mak-
ing. The numerous multiplication of
offices. The creation of useless and ex-
extravagant boards, trusts and commits
sions is q broad channel of waste thorugh
which the people are yearly despoiled
of millions. A serviceable politician
is out Of place and must be provided for
arecorders Office is Immediately created,
A iunto of leaders determine to pool
their designs upon the treasury-a de-
pendant Legislature lnficts delinquent
tax upon the community. The "spoils
still being found insufficient, some vast
public Improvement is suggested and a
scheme for public work is designed, big
enough to take in some of the needy of
both parties.
AN URGENT AND PRACTICAL RE-
The abolition of unnecessary offices,
the reduction of the number of public
dependents, the narrowing of RESPONSE
bility and economy in public expence,
constitute an urgent and practical re-
form. This would be a substantial ben
eft to the people. To lessen the cost
of government lightens the burdens Of
labor. The authors and abettors of the
evils under which the people suffer, are
now on their trial in this common.
wealth, After long stewardship they
will be judged by deeds and not by dec
larations. Professions are easily made;
but the people have been fed on such
dry husks so long that they have resol
we'd TO determine who shall be their
servants, not by what has been prom
ised for the future but by what has
been done in the past, ...
l again thank this organization fol
the kindness of this reception and the
opportunity it has afforded me of saying
these brief words.
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