St. Paul daily globe., 1884-12-31
CLEVELAND'S EPlSTLE.
Widely Diverging Opinions Regarding
Its Full Meaning.
TSpeciai Telegram to the GLOBE

lSpeclai Telegram 10 the Globe.l
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30.-In the construction
which they place upon Gov. Cleveand's s letter 10
he civil service reform association, Democrats
ind Republicans are about equally divided, and
hey are pleased or dissatisfied accordingly The
general tenor OF the proclamation is commended
~ a large portion of both parties, but
many otlice-holders and the Democratic
'poilsmen puzzled to measure
ne length and breadth Of Cleveland's
meaning in the paragraph which declares that
here are many persons holding Office who have
orfeted all just claim to retention because
-ley have used their places for party purposes,
and proved themselves offensive partisans and
INSCRIPTIONS manipulators Of local party man
agement. 1t is claimed that this paragraph
pens q wide door, through which he may drive
ut nine-tenths of the employees
Il the government and that he
would have not been so careful
insert it unless it had been his purpose to
AXE advantage OF that easy method Of displac-
ng Republicans to make room for Democrats.
lhey say he is obliged, of course, TO take notice
II the civil service law, which is on the statute
book through the ill-advsed action OF theoretical
statesmen. but he seems 10 realize the force of
democratic opinion, that the change OF admins
iration does not mean the substitution Of a
Democratic president for Republican and the
removal of hundred more OF the high priced
jtiicials, but also that the party which elected
he president shall occupy all Of the Offices with
very few exceptions. Only let him diligently
apply the rule which he has himself laid down in
that paragraph, and he viii not disappoint his
party or the country.
Another class OF Democrats approve Of the
theory that merit rather than mere service should
h. rf To-
question the Judgment Of Cleveland in committing
nimsclf on the subject of civil service reform in
anticipation OF his inaugural deliverances upon
public questions, and without sufficient reason
Tor discussing the subject at this time. A gen.
eral reply TO Mr.. Curtis and his associates, re-
ferring them TO the statute, the Democratic plat
form. and his letter of acceptance, was all that
the occasion called for or justified.
''Mr. Cleveland has foreshadowed a policy
which the country viii approve in theory Dut
which he will find exceedingly difficult to
carry out, - was the comment of a veteran DEM
Ocratic leader "He cannot possibly form
judgment Of the fitness of iucumbents by his
own personal investigation as 10 whether they
have actively participated in partisan politics,
and upon whom can he rely for that information?
tie will accept the representations OF men who
have been elected 10 represent localities where
alleged misconduct his occurred. II can be
readily that he will be subjected TO strong
pressure TO make removals upon the ground
laid down by himself Us the cause, and that the
voices OF congressman will be potent in deter
mining the result Bat the president may save
himself much annoyance from Office seekers by
announcing that fitness, other than mere parti.
service, viii be the test which he will apply
in filing Offices that are vacant
SEEN PROM ALBANY.
Especial Telegram to the GlobeI
ALBAST, n. Y, Dec. 3O.-Gov. CleveIands
letter on civil service reform has been the sub
ject OF general discussion here to-day. II has
been heart ly commended by prominent Demo
Gratis who have been interviewed upon the sub
ieet and nearly every citizen who called on the
governor to-day, congratulated him on the let
ter as wise and timely communication to the
public, but some Of the New York
Democrats who are opposed TO the
civil service reform movement are denouncing
the letter, and are declaring that II will prove q
stumbling block over which the Cleveland ad-
ministration will fail and break its neck To the
Republicans the letter appears to give much sat
islaction.
The Albany E0eaing Journal (Republican)
says Of it: The letter OF Gov Cleveland in re-
ply to the inquiry Of the civil service reform
league Is SO creditable to him and Is so
satisfactory to every friend OF good government
that it is simple justice to give it eommendation,
II efoN- SiSse4ano VIII DC true 10 himseU II VIII
60 far toward making his administration popular
with the good men of both parties. however un-
popular it may be to the mere spoils hunting
politicians.
The governor is much gratifed By the favor
with which his letter has been received, and to
the GLOBE correspondent to-day stated his opin-
ion that the people desired the destruction OF the
spoils system. and expressed Ais firm determine
ton 10 do all be could in the administration OF
the government to crafty thiA Hopular dssip->