The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1882-12-26
A STORY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
Ex.Secrctary Hit Entertainx u Fc,
HenntOr~ During Debnte OH the Riu.

EN.Secrcthry Hit Entertalnx u Few
senntor~ During Debate OH the Bill.
NEw foEE, December ga Washing.
ton correspondent Of the Tribune tells the
following story:
While the civil service reform debate
was going on in the Senate, day or two
ago, q number Of gentlemen sat together
Oh one OF the Senate sofas, discussing the
practical side OF the subject, and especially
the opportunities OF onice-seekes. Con-
gressman Hit, Of Illinois, formerly Assis.
tant Secretary Of State, was one OF the
group, and he told story. Among the
crowd which thronged the ante.room Of
the State Department, seeking for Con-
sulships at the beginning Of Gen.
erai Garileld's administration, there
came man Of modest, patient demeanor
who hailed from Arkansas. lie aspired to
be Consul at some unimportant point, and
had secured the Endorsement Of number
Of Congressman who youched for the ex-
ccllence OF his record rs a soldier, The
case was one which appealed to sympa-
thies OF the Assistant Secretary, before
whom the matter came primarily ior decis.
ion. lie was, however, unable to take ac-
ton for several weeks. The, man was Il
daily visitor Ut the department, and, as it
seemed to the kind-hearted official, WIS
growing seedier as the weeks passed by.
Toward the end Of May, us the man enter.
cd the office one day, Mr.. Hit said:
"You have been here long time, have
you not"
The man hung his head and meekly nd.
mitted that he had.
'Now, tell me truly" said the Assistant
Secretary, "haven't you been here since
the 18th Of March, seeking this office?"
The applicant blushed, and after MO.
ment's hesitation admitted that he had
been in Washington since the inaugura-
ton Of the new administration.
Have you wife,"
Eyes" ,-a.
Sand YOU have her here, too, have you
not? The answer was u whisper in the
affirmative. "And have you children ?"
"Yes, sir" "IIow many?" "Four."
"And, you have had them here all this
time, too; wife and children, have you
not?' Tears choked the voice of the poor
man us he verified the Assistant Secretary's
suspicious.
"Well, now" said Mr.. Hit, his sympa.
thies for the misguided fellow overcoming
his customary official reserve, III will make
you promise which have made to no
other applicant. But on one condition. II
you take your vile ind children and start
for home tomorrow will nuke your case
special one, and will see the President
personally about it during the week." The
applicant heayed sigh, reflected mo-
lnent, and, with choking voice, asked ii
he might not return next day. "So," said
the Assistant Secretary; "yon have been
here too long already. i will do as have
said, but only Oh condition TINT you 70 to
your home Tomorrow" The applicant
again reflected, and pleadingly asked to be
allowed to come once more. "No, SIR" eaid
the oaiclal. "iou have your fate in your
hands. Go home, OF ! do nothing in your
case.'
The man turned slowly on his heel,
heavei G sigh, and with lis hand on the
door-knob, said he SoYld think OF it, Just
ut this moment the door was pulled open
open from without and local reporter en-
tered. The reporter and the ofce.seeker
saluted each other familiarly with, "IIello,
Bob. "llow are you, Tom," rs the one
passed in and the other went out. "What,"
queried the Assistant Secretary, addressing
the reporter, do you know that man from
.Arkansas."
"slan from Arkansas," repeated the re-
porter, with an infection Indicating sYr-
prise and smnsen,ent. &fIe is no man
IRON Arkansas. He is q clerk in the Pen.
sion Office. His vile keeps boarding.
house on + street. I've known 'em for
eleven years. Uced 10 board with them"