Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-07-17
Relieved Cabinet omcers.

Thank God, the greatest worry Of my
official life will soon be over" said Secre-
tary Teller last Friday night. The Secre-
tary was looking forward to the coming
Monday. when the civil service act would
20 into effect. 1t seems that last Friday
there were two vacancies in the Interior
Department. and there were at least fifty
applications by telegraph, by letter and
bv personal solicitation for them No
wonder Mr.. Teller expressed relief at the
near approach Of the time when
ne would no longer be
worried and annoyed by the place hunt
ers and their friends. No doubt all the
other Cabinet officers experience the
same feelings Of relief that Mr.. Teller
does. At least half their time was taken
up listening TO appeals of men and wo-
men. or their friends in their behalf, for
position of some kind. These applicants
would not take no for an answer. In
fact, a good many Of them could not af-
ford to take denial of their petition.
Their fortunes were at such a. low ebb that
the future was full Of horrors to them.
The saw themselves tramps and beggars.
They knew not where to turn to earn a
meal or TO get a nights lodging. Starva-
ton stared them in the face, and made
them desperate. This was not the case
with all. of course, and. perhaps, not with
a majority. II was the exact condition,
however. Of hundreds. Not only the
hungry ones. but nearly all who sought
places pressed their claims upon the
heads of the departments, either per-
sOnally or through influential members OF
Congress. with persistency and deter
minatiOn witnessed nowhere else in the
world. 1t did no good to tell them that
there were no vacancies. They wanted
somebody turned out to make room Tor
them They were extremely selfish. Their
own necessities hardened them. As in
cases Of extreme danger, when panic
eusues. the strong crush and trample the
weak without pang of remorse, so in the
struggle for government places those who
had powerful friends pushed out Of their
positions those who had no influence to
support them. The Secretaries of the de-
partments are glad the great struggle for
places is ended. They will now have
duties. Men and women who have
heretofore looked towards Washington
as place to earn enough to keep body
and soul together when misfortune has
overtaken them, will now seek other ave
nues to cain living. The cheap board
Ing houses of the national capital will no
longer be filed with weary and anxious
seekers Of government positions. The
Cabinet officers will not mind the loss OF
patronage. They never enjoyed much OF
it because the Senators and Representa-
tiyes claimed it all. What little they did
have did not pay them for the annoyance
they endured. Congressman will growl
a little, at first, perhaps,
when they find they can't
provide for their friends, but they will soon
become used to the new order Of things.
1t Is possible that they may eventually
appreciate the change, because they can
not now make an enemy Of one constitu-
ent by recommending another for an
office.
The civil service act has begun its eX-
perimental period. 1t has been discussed
! from every standpoint, and opinions have
been freely expressed and predictions
made with regard toit. Whether it will be
/ a success or not is a question that cannot
be determined now. 1t is probable its fate
viii be known by the time the next adj
ministration takes control Of the govern
ment.