Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-12-15
Bayard's Remarks.

Mr. Bayard believed that If an investigation
was made IL great many eases would h, found
of clerks turned out h. cause OF refusal 20 con-
tsibute. "WGo believed that Iii Sc cortribu-
tions were ali made voluntarily; What was
the meaning OF the circular sig.cd by Scna-
tor Malone: 1t Was understood That the
deCapitatiOn of federal officials in Virginia
was extensive. Blanks were prepared to be
addressed to office holders notifying them
that their places were wanted Wanted
Tor what For political purposes, To be
filled by others who would contribute more
libclally. Ii the Democratic party had been
in power it might have acted in the same
way, but the practical QUESTION was whether
both parties should now combine to put AN
end ts this great evil. The organization of
the official corps into vast machine TO CON
tnue party in power without regard 10 the
popular will was one of the greatest dangers
that could menace the Rcpubhc, aud when
the Republicans controlled all branch es of
the federal government they certainly ought
to be willing TO unite with tie Democrats in
cnac;ing law To prevent tie evil.
Edmumds, IIawicy, Allison and HOar.
Mr.. Edmuuds concurrcd in this view, but
thought that neither resolution under consid-
Grafton was entirely satisfactory. lie sug-
gcs,cd that they he referred to the committee
on civil service reform with instructions TO
report n suitable resolution or law On the
subject.
Mr.. lIawley, chairman Of tnr com niItcc
on civil service reform, objected to Edmunds :
proposition that the committee should frame
u law, but it might take the resolution aud
snlytituta and hurnpuiyA Them sD %.
vide for fair, non plrtlsan Investigation.
In his judgment, however, no investigation
was ncct ssary so far as legislation was con-
cern, Il.
Nj. Allison reviewed The history Of The law
Of 1876, to show that 1t was not Intended To
affect the action of Senators or Representa-
| tivcs. Both parties Co.upcrated III eff en- ~
it, He deued that contributions of Co9rlls-
ment employees to the Republican fund were
compulsory. 1t was sham and pre'encc
for those who desired to iuquie into the St
crcts of tue campaign committee 10 put II upol
The ground that the statute OF IS was inciieot l.
al, that the contributions were involuntary or
that men failing to contribute were dismissed
on that aCcount. He agreed that public SEN
! timcnt had crysiallized against The system
Of Cpntrilu,i ius from Office hold IS, and sai |
/ that he would go as lar MS any Senator 10 pro-
! hbit soliciting them ASto Congressional com
mlttccs he thought that it would hc well for
Congress and the country ii they abolished
them, He believed that ON civil service
was reasonably good now, iut lie stood
ready 10 improve it, al d proposed Investigi-
lion to do that,
Hoar believed that whichever might he
thought of the transactions which led t. the
resolutions pending their results would be
fortunate for the country. 1t could not be
expected that the Democratic party when 1t
came into power would cary out II scheme
of civil service reform adopted by the Re
publican party IA tn, termination of its long
lease of power. lie thought it therefor every
fortunate that something had happened to
move the people 10 cali upon their represent
alives of both parties 10 put an end t. that
great evil.
Edmunds asked the general consent 10 sent
the resolution and substitute TO the commit
tee on civil service reform, but voorhees, oh
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