The silver state. [volume] (Unionville, Nev.) 1870-1903, 1884-10-24
THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS.

oil New York-an organization winch IS
opposed to the practice of officials, who
hold responsible Government positions,
deserving their posts and neglecting
their duties to participate in political
campaigns-sent communication to
che President, stating that Colonel
Dudley. Commissioner of Pensions, was
absent from his post conducting the
political canvass of the Republican
party in Ohio, to the entire neglect OF
his official duties; and Furthermore.
shat he had given orders that applica-
tions for pensions from persons residing
in Ohio and Indiana be taken mp out Of
order of filing. and have preference in
their examination. over applications
fled by citizens Of other States. The
President referred the matter to the
Acting Secretary Of the Interior, who
in turn sent it to the Acting Commits
sioner OF Pensions. The latter,
Who, of course, desires to palli-
ate the offense of his chief
in violation of the Civil Service Act,
admits that Colonel Dudley left his
post about the Sd of September,
and about the LIST of October returned
TO Washington, and handed in his resig-
nation to take effect on November 10th.
He denies, however, that precedence
of action has been given pension cases
from Ohio and Indiana. and says he is
not sware that Col. Dudley had given
specific instructions to subordinates
to advance applications from those
States, though he does not deny that
the Pension Bureau is behind with its
work, or that Colonel Dudley, who has
been absent from Washington for nearly
two months making stump speeches,
gives as an excuse for not examining
claims for pensions, that he has not
time to do SO.
The custom among Federal officials
at the present time, from members of
the Cabinet down, is to abandon their
posts at every Presidential and Con.
gressional election. for the pnrpose Of
taking an active part in the campaign.
Already the Federal office holders com.
prise an army over one hundred thous-
and strong, every one of whom take
more or less active part, in proportion to
their ability. in maintaining the su.
premacy of the party in power. As this
well organized party Of officials increase
with the growth of the country, and
has q marked influence in elections, i.
will eventually control the politics of
the country, unless prevented by legis.
lation.
That every citizen OF the United
States should be accorded free ex.
preston of opinion on political matters,
no one will deny, but that men who are
paid round salaries by the Government
for the performance of specific duties,
should be permitted to desert their |
posts for months at time every two or |
four years to further the interests of |
any particular party. will scarcely be
countsnancsd by thinking people. and |
it dsyolves upon Congress ct the earliest
day TO pass an act for the prevention Of |
this great and growing injustice to the
aassss Of the people. The plea that
Democrats. if in power as Washington,
would follow the example of Repubh.
cans. may be urged in extenuation of
such conduct. andthough doubtless true,
~ human natursis the same among |
men OF all parties, it should not deter
Congress from enacting statute
10 prevent the practice. whichever
party may be in power. Men
who receive high salaries should be pre-.
vented by law from leaving their posts
two months before election, to make
stump speeches, even though they ten.
der their resignation to take effect at.
ter election. but meanwhile draw their
salaries. without rendering any equiva.
lent, whatever, for the same.