The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1883-01-28

Mr.. EDITOR Why should the President
confne himself to his own party in looking for a
Commissioner! The writer is, and always has been,
Republican, but looking to interests as a people
there many good reasons why this appointment
should not be party one that we feel compelled to
advocate exception to the custom Of '.spos to the
victors.'' The quiet aud order in own local af-
fairs during the past few years, while both parties
have been represented our aboard, - is in agree
able contrast with the complaints, charges, and in
Vestlgatlohs common wheh these ohcials were from
one party, and has been restful TO citizens and
TO the public purse To depart from this precedent
is mistake it Is relapse; 1t Is going back TO the
short sighted policy OF 'spos: IL Is TeCeding from
the reform which requires appointment for the fitness
OF the office for his dutes and while no man worthy
of the Office will be found who will not have his polit
ical opinions-and one without them would be of
little use TO us In COngTess-yet the APP
pointment Of Democrat Is a step away from the
questionable influence which often governs political
patronage. Democratic Commissioner is the rep
resentatiye Of and the only mOulhpeCe for a
wealthy and powerful minority here-nOt a minority
in numbers necessarily, but solely minority In in
huence, and who possibly may he majority over
$50, 900 people, Without such representative they
have no through whom TO speak their needs TO
Congress, they have no oftcer TO whom they com
plain or petition with the confidence which party AZ
faton and sympathy inspires and the time must
soon arrive when the same VIII be true 10 us as Re-
publicans. To keep our whole people satisfied with
this nOndescript government which never hears the di
rect voice Of Its subjects and daily illustrates the
blessings OF despotism IL IL imperative that until
the law is made expressive, shall adhere 10 the
custom well begun. Let US make II uuwritten law;
and whatever may be the experiments yet In store FOR
although our voices may not redch The throne
near, but yet far let US without regard party,
insist iaS believe the intention OF the law
that one Of our Commissioners shall be from each Of
the two great parties, and that both shall be of the
people familiar with needs, past history and
our experience In legislation, taxation OllCal mis-
takes and reckless extravaganza. Inc brief time
allowed Congress u become Informed as 10 our needs
aud peculiar government and the SIX days In which
they consider tine interests Of District require that
they be brought rdppCrt with Olcias At once;
that they shall meet OlhCer WIN whom they have
party aihllatOn, and In whom they have conf
dence, Holding our puTse-stTlngs and hNng our
taxes, Congress determines our veal or Woe No an
gunent OF representation coming from officials Of
opposite political views viii receive that care and
consideration II would receive II coming from or
through political friend 10 get tOeTable consider
alton even for our people ana thrr large Interests we
must have q Democrat as well rs "a Republican Com
missioner. That "A Democratic Commissioner will
influence Win the coming Congress viii
hardly be questioned and should have "a change
ia the Executive Department, soon his iunuenpe
there VIII also be greatest. uue Of the present CY
Ance Win the one peculiar experience In different
forms Of government with our people, The value ul
property our varied Interests, aud the need Of the dier
ent sections OF the District must necessarily be united,
We now need q Commissioner more focal than ma
tOnal Ia MS character and II the President would APP
point Democrat he should be one whose familiarity
and acquaintance with our people our property and
past experience, ana his tlTeWduess aud integrity
would be his chief recommendation, Doubtless 10
number Of competent gentlemen, wei known 10 tie
Identified with It's Interests could he found, but one,
at least, has already been named who unies AN the
qualifications required, Ia the person Of Nj, william
II. ClhgetL VINO b. respected by Republicans as a
Democrat, ana who is alive 10 the Interests of our
people ana the needs Of the nation Capital.