Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1883-05-09
From our regular correspondent,
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, d, c., May D, 'S3.


1t is generally said that office hold
ers seldom die and never resign. This
common idea is based upon pretty cor
rect observation, but there are excep-
tons to this like all other rules. Not
to mention the deaths that have occur
red among officers of the government
during few months past, there have
been quite number of surprises caus-
ed by designations. In the Patent Of
flee they have been especially numer-
Gus. But the reason of it is, in nearly
all cases, that the information gained
by few years service on the outside,
and the Patent Office expert resigns be-
cause he thinks he can make more
money by going into business on his
own hook. A principal examiner in
the class of electricity has just stepped
out for this reason. When he took
charge of the class Of electricity it from
ed subdivision of the philosophical
class. Now it is the largest class in
the office, employing the greatest num-
Der of assistants. 1t has grown so fast
that even with the increase in its work
ing force none of the applications of
electricity have been assigned to other
classes. There have been more appli-
cations for patents filed in that class
during the past two years than there
has been patents granted relating to
electricity in the whole previous histo-
ny of the office.
But the greatest surprise Of the sea-
son was created by Commissioner Of
Internal Revenue Raum when he so
Suddenly retired. 1t is pretty cold
day when all Office holder drawing &c.
600 salary lets 20 of his own accord.
Yet it is no doubt true that Mr.. Raum
resigned because he expects to make
more money Us attorney for the settle
ment Of accounts and claims before the
department. Recent legislation causes
so many changes, and there will be so
mnch Of this kind Of business to do
that the opportunity is really unusual,
and man like Raum, who has been at
the head Of the bureau and knows all
the workings of it, as well as many Of
the litigants, must certainly have a
chance. So, he like, others, leaves
the government service at q time when
he thinks the knowledge gained in it
will be most useful to him. Though
his administration of the Office he held
has been fairly satisfactory, in other
respects he has been severely criticised
for not ceasing to be vigorous poll
tician when he became commissioner.
Much of his time in 1880 and 1882
was spent away from his post of duty
in frmtess campaign for the govern
orship of illinois first and subsequently
for the seat of Judge Davis in the
United States senate. Both places
were too big for him, and he never at
any time stood chance of success.
He would have shown better qualities
for craftsmanship by remaining here
and attending properly to the duties of
his office.
If the future of our civil service
commission may be judged by that
bOdy's recent selection of chief examin-
er the outlook is not promising. Never
was more unfit and ridiculous APP
pointment made. The announcement of
the name of Klein caused broad smile
all over Washington where this cheeky
snob is known. He not only lacks the
ability and qualifications for the place
but has been for years machine man
and a tool of machine men-a hanger
on the skirts of public men whom he
cultivates and hatters and forces HIM
self upon. His appointment was pro-
cured by an array of political "inAu-
ence" secured in this way, and is not
II very suspicious opening for body
treated to do away with "inhuence'
in the civil service. This man select
ell to manage the examination of appli-
cants could not himself pass an exam
nation for an ordinary clerkship. AT
this writing he is still waiting for his
commission to be signed, the unfa, or
able reception of his nomination having
led to some hesitation at headquarters.
PHoNO.
IL Alexander Sullivan, the Presi-
Al. ~