Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-09-07
BY TELEGRAPH.
Associated Press kilograms 70 the Daily
KennebecJournal.l
MAINE DISPATCHES.
BLAINE IN wINTERPoRr.
An Eloquent speech ON Civil Service
Reform.

BANGOR, Sept. 6.
Mr.. Blaine in the course of his speech,
before mass meeting at Winterport this af-
ternoon, referred to the civil service reform
defending the republican appointments in
Maine as having always been in accordance
with the principles thereof. He further said !:
II am not BY this recital of facts denying
that the civil service of the whole country
may be improved, am only asserting that
in our part of the national vineyard we have
endeavored to do we'll and have succeeded.
There are many reforms which should be
glad to see. and which have for many years
believed in. l should be glad to see every
federal officer, however, honorably appoint
ed for specific period, during which he
could not be removed except for cause, which
cause should be specified. proved and made
a matter of record. l should be glad also to
see the tenure of all subordinate officers
made longer at least than presidential term
so that the incoming of new administration
should not be harrassed, annoyed, crippled
and injured by the distribution of Offices.
Seven years would be good length OF term
and would effect the desired end. 1t would
break joints with the Presidential term and
would avoid the evil of which have spoken.
There are great many honest advocates of
reform in the civil service who believe in
life tenure for all subordinate officials. l
have never been able to persuade myself that
this would be wise even if practicable, and
am quite sure that it is not practicable. Life
tenure means a pension in the end to the in
cumbent, and with hundred thousand Office
holders this would impose an intolerable
burden on the tax payers. 1t would create
what might be termed privileged class,
which is always sure in the end to prove UNI
popular and odious in the eyes of the people.
Nor do believe it was ever demonstrated
that life tenures insures the best, most faith
full, and most honorable service. 1t may
often be wise to retain a man in Office for all
the years of his active life, but believe he
will be better officer if his commission
shall expire at stated periods, and his eff
cheney shall be his claim of reappointment
and continuance. In our administration of
State and county offices this is frequently
illustrated. The gentleman who has practi-
cal charge of the treasury of Maine, has been
in his position for Al years, his appointment
being annually in recognition of his ability
and fidelity. Even with his strict integrity
do not doubt that he has been a more care
full officer than if he had been originally ap-
pointed for life or for term of Al years. In
the county of my residence we elected the
same man treasurer annually for 33 years.
He was a better officer than though he had
been originally chosen to serve for the
full generation during which he hon.
orably discharged every duty. | be-
lieve, therefore, from such instances as these
and many others which l could name, that it
will prove a far easier task co educate public
opinien to a renewal of appointment to
efficient and valuable officers with sufficient
salaries to enable them to lay by something
for rainy day, than it will be to get popular
consent to life tenures with pensions to the
civil list with constantly grow
ing numbers and amount, and constantly
provoking opposition in the popular mind.
Every State l think, except Massachusetts,
has abolished the life tenure, even for the
judiciary, and believe it will be hopeless
task to pursuade the American people that
ordinary officers in the civil service shall be
appointed for life. That system belongs
where royalty rules by right of birth, and
where mobiles inherit the power to legislate
for the people. l do not believe it can be
domesticated in the republic of the United
States. The gentlemen who agItate for it
may cherish an IDEAL they will never reach a
practical result.