The Portland daily press., 1883-12-11

Der One, (which is not yet revoked) but the
view to which Collertor Dow gives pointed
expression, that cit is indicate, if not alb
solutely improper, for Federal Office holders
to actively interest themselves in contests
for such positions" is becoming more gem
eral, in fact almost universal It is obvious
that the same considerations lead logically
to the view that it is equally indicate and
improper that Federal ofice-holders should
interest themselves to give direction to the
work OF party committees, caucuses and
conventions. We do not know that Collec-
tor Dow has reached this point in his rea-
soning on the subject; but we think it will
be difficult for anybody who has got
as far as the Collector has, to give a
good reason for drawing line there.
He is not SO far from the kingdom of civil
service reform as some people think. We
count him among the almost persuaded.
Sometimes we question whether he himself
realizes how short is the distance from the
point TO which he has arrived to the prom
ised land. We presume he does not agree
with all the notions of persons who have
looked at the subject more from the theoret-
ical than the practical side, and as to some
of these disagreements very likely his iudg-
ment is best. Possibly he thinks that some
who profess to be reformers do not, by their
performance, give evidence of much sinceri-
ity, This is too true, but it is weakness of
human nature. 1t has long been observed
hat NH fo11 Il 8
righteousness. are hardly safer to do business
with than the children of this world; never
theless there is a christianity which is sim
cere, and whose advocates honestly aim to
be righteous. Honest and sincere men who
stand outside of the church commonly get
on very well with the good men Who stand
inside. And whether or not Collector Dow
joins civil service association, we do not
believe he will fail to receive from all reason
able men who do belong to such associations
full credit and applause for every word and
performance of duty which shows that he
appreciates the Improperly of the active
interference of Federal office holders in party
management.
The general question suggested by the Col
lector's happy definition of his motives, both
when out of Office and when in office, is so
attractive that we have been drawn away
from the particular matter which was the
occasion of eliciting it. Concerning his re-
relation to the candidates for Postmaster,
he makes the following statement:
My personal preferences among the candidates
named for the office of postmaster, or my opinion,
If have any, as to whoa among them it would be
wisest to appoint not matters in which the pnb
lie has any interest; and regret that the news
papers have mentioned my name in connection with
the subject at all But, they have undertaken to
state my position, don't know that there is any
improperly in saying that, while was an out 1
was of the opinion that it ndelcate If not alb
solutely improper for Federal office holders to ac
lively interest themselves in contests for appoint
ments to such positions. And have not been sim,
long enough to change my views in that particular
Accordingly am net, nor have been, working for
any one for the position of postmaster ard no one
has at any request or suggestion of mine taken part
for or against any of the candidates for that posi-
ton,