National Republican., 1882-07-04
AN OPEN LETTER
From Treasury Lndy to George william
Curtis.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,

1REAsUR1 DEPARTMENT.
REGISTERS OFFICE, July 8, 1882.
SIN: find myself addressed through you by an
association, the name Of which imports that in the
civil service venaly exists TO extent that calls
for public censure and organized endeavor for its
correction and reform. Forproof of such depraved
condition hastily perused, with bated breath and
apprchensive dread, Its contents, when lol instead
OF such arraignmcnt, even reference thereto, Ii
simply offers with grave proposal Democratic
pnttagc of ndvlcc with which IL would begule Re-
publicans to surrender of their inheritance of
governmental pow or and birthright privileges per-
tanning. And whnt is the advice thus prudently
proposed? Simply that and others so addressed
shall not by any contribution of our salary assis
the party of our choice instriving
TO ELECT ITS CHOSEN CANDIDATES
this fall, to which is added an enforcing threat
OF statutory fine aud forfeiture of place. Pray sir,
aunulled the living force of that decaratory code
on which was won and founded the Magma Ch arta
Of this free Republic, that recognizes no dis;
occupation, imposes no condition on the one or
avOring the other but gives to each exact equality
of individu gdt Of liberty of speech, with free
control of conscience and pursuit of happiness.
And i'll what higher form can such pursuit be
found than seeking to promote the country's good
through choice OF able, wise, and patriotic repre-
scnthtves guard aud serve lbs interests IN Con-
grc,s2 Tosuch pursuit Republicans stand pledged.
To its accomplishment expense Is needfully in
money is required.
TO STATE THE RATIO so REQUIRED.
by computation based upon comparative ability
and numbers is just and fair to all. 10 win sue
cess through unity OF effort ana direction, their
widely sCattei ed forces need supervising and
directing chief hence for their leadership, in the
approaching struggle to secure accomplishment
o. wise ndministIatiye purposes and plans, they
httingly selected Mr.. Hubble who, thus instated
issues his call for needful funds to execute their
trust, this call addr, ssed TO none more properly
than we who eat the bread ofgovcrnment bestowal
through gift OF place and salary, by which we are
secured against the many risks and cares and toll
n
beset less favored classes If you esteem it wrong
for him to thus require conlributory aid in for
warding his delegated task, how does your own
association find excuse for similar abuse IN its
own practice. 1t has treasurer, see.
WHENCE COME HIS FUNDS?
An aid committee on finance; this proves expen-
diturcs-how else, indeed, account for printing,
p stage, clerk hire, and the like, in issuing and send
Ing forth its PAM hets circulars and postal cards?
Another also is announced on legislation. This
proves lobby ring, and probably explains the
moving spirit of Mr.. Pendieton's assessment reso-
luton, while to its functiOnaire on publication
we doubtless are indebted both for the number
and similitule of civil service dIntribes with
which the columns lately of cer,ain journals have
abounded. But is it, pray, a crime or misde-
time, and means to the support OF principles en-
bracing lofty or benevolent aims?
wHAT'K KIND OF PROMPTING is IT
that induces the quick response of willing generJ
is presented? What dictates the uprearing and
support of charitable homes, asylunls, hospitals,
lnflflnnrles, ana kllOreu institutions, That every
where bestud the land? What is it In their lives
that has TO far;hest time ennobIed the modest
names OF George Peabody, Hopkins, Slater, Vassar,
and Girard? What other than such spirit, zeal,
and sacrifice has reared and still maintains the
powerful theocracies of Christ, Mahomet, Moses,
Coniucius, and Buddha, with their innumerable
affairs of costly temple, mosque, pagoda, vatican,
cathedral, monastery, church anu convent, mis-
sion- house and shrine, with wealthy propGgandas
of college schools and universities, and well paid
hosts of versed and erutlite eXpounders When
you shall have convinced all these that such en-
poyment of their means is venal, that they have
built and toiled and sacrificed in vain when you
shall also lead the labor declarations to accept the
dcta of Vanderbilt or Gould ms to the true rcla
tions which labor holds to capital,
AND YOUR ASSOCIATION
shall itself discard he use of money. Restore that
in its treasurer's hands to those who gave it, rro-
cure its printing, postage, office help, and liter
ary labor gratis, dismiss its lobby, aud have
no further compacls with the press; then,
not before, may you induce the civil service 10
think it wrong to aid in the preserval of power
which realizes every possibility of human aspiru-
prudent prompting of your associated warning
and advice I'll send my little Q per cent of salary
to Mr. Hubbell, albeit he has not asked OF me sucn
proof of fealty, 1t will enable me, however, to
share this fall the sense of having help ed 10 win
victory that shall cOncusively at est the leader
ship of educated NEIL" For your extremely civil
Curtis-y OF warning and advice accept this as my
courtesy OF thanks, whilst still remainin, your
unrelormed, but dutifully civil servant,
MARY J. McBEIDE.
To George William Curtis, vil-Scryice Reformer