Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-08-09
RAISING CAMPAIGN FUNDS.

A New Device-PrOtection of Govern
ment Clerks Who Refuse to Pay Po-
liticaI ''Assessments''-TheR Republican
National Committee.
Gen. Raum's assessment" committee.
says a Washington special of Aug. 6, has
hit upon another device to raise money
outside of the government clerks. Thou
sands Of circulars are to be sent to pro-
perty holders in this city, urging them to
contribute to the Republican funds. The
rs reasO given are, that a change Of adj
ministratiOn will involve a clean sweep
in the departments. This would throw
thousands of people out of employment
and a great deal of real estate upon
the market, thus depressing values.
To prevent this disaster the money
IS called for. Two years ago it is claimed
that more was raised from property
holders than from clerks, and, with proper
manipulation, It is thought this plan will
yield at least 500, 900. In 1882 Jay Hub
bel's committee raised about $43. 900 from
the government officials. The result of
the assessment call on the department
clerks is being watched with some anxiety
in view of the civil service protection now
offered, which practically destroys the
elect Of cOmpulsiOn, real or imaginary,
which has heretofore proved so potent.
DOrmau ,B. Eaton, the civil service
commissioner, is reported to have said
that clerks would be unwise to pay any
thing to the campaign committee for this
election. If" he argued, ''the Republi-
cans win, the clerks cannot be turned out
for not paying, while il Cleveland is elec-
ted, those who contribute will be more
likely to 90 than those who do not"
Whether Mr.. Eaton ever said this or not,
he IS credited with it, and the argument
is frequently used about the departments.
The finance committee is not pleased
with such sentiments, as it does not think
they are calculated to promote liberality.
Up to date il is reported that $3.50 have
been paid or promised to the committee.
Republican politicians who come here
make no cOncealment in private of their
disappointment at the management of the
National Committee in New York. Chair
man Jones was chosen to that place be-
cause Of the great money contributions
that be was expected to make. So far he
has only put S20,000 into the campaign
box, which looks small in comparison
with the S25, 600 which he gave in 1882 to
the Independents in the State canvass,
when the Blaine section of the party de-
teated the regular candidate and elected
q Democrat. Mr.. Jones has promised to
do something more later on, but this does
not safety those who expected him
to give at least 100000 when
they chose him, Another complaint
against him is his ignorance of prominent
Republicans. Several of them, well
known in party councils, have been to
New York, and experienced great diff
Guilty in getting at Mr.. Jones. One prOmi-
nent campaign speaker was four times
refused admission to Mr.. Jones' presence,
and only able to see him upon the per-
sOnal introduction of a mutual friend,
who happened to hear his remonstrance
az the door. This is due simply to the
Chairmcn's lack of acquaintance even of
names in Political circles. When the
campaign is fully opened, 1t is proposed
to practically shelye Mr.. Jones and put
MF. Elkins in charge. Before that is done
the managers want to get the rest Of Mr..
Jones' subscription.