The Republican journal., 1884-07-03

EXTRACT FROM A SPEECH DELIVERED AT
WINTERPORT, MAINE, IN 1882.

EXTRACT FROM A SPEECH DELIVERED AT
WINTERPORT, MAINE, IN 1882.
There are many reforms which / should be
glad to see, and which have for many years
believed in. | should be glad to see every fed
eral officer, however honorable appointed for
specific period during which he could not be
removed except for cause, which cause should
be specified, proved and made matter of record.
| should be glad also to the tenure of all
subordinate officers made longer at least than
presidential term, so that the incoming of new
administration should not be harrassed, annoy
ed, crippled and injured by the distribution of
offices. Seven years would be a good length
of term, and would effect the desired end. 1t
would break joints with the presidential term,
and would avoid the evil of which have spok-
en-. There are great many honest advocates
of reform in the civil service who believe in a
life tenure for all subordinate officials. | have
never been able to persuade myself that this
would be wise, even if practicable and | am
quite sure that it is not practicable. Life ten
ure means a pension in the end to the incum-
bent, and with hundred thousand otfice-hold-
erS this would impose an intolerable burden on
the taxpayer. 1t would create what might be
termed privileged class. which might in the
end prove unpopular aud odous in the eyes
of the people. Nor do believe it was ever de-
monstrated that life tenure inSureS the best,
most faithful and most honorable service. 1t
may often be wise to retain Il man in office for
all the Years of his active life. but believe that
he will be a better officer if his commission
snail expire at stated periods, and his etficien-
cy shall be his claim of reappOintment and con-
tinuance in our administration of State and
county office. This is frequently illustrated
The gentleman who has practical charge OF the
treasury OF Maine has been i'll his position for
forty-one years. his appointment being annual
ly renewed in recognition of his ability and IL
dtHtv. Even with his strict integrity do not
doubt that he has been more careful officer
than if he had been originally appointed for
farm M tIp tl.,.. of
residence we elected the same man treasurer
annually for thlrtv-three years. He was bet
ter officer than though he had been originally
chosen to serve for the full generation. during
which he honorably discharged every duty |
believe, therefore. from such instances rs these,
ulu ii many olneI' wien 1 t"u'" il''lle' thaV II
onrian to J r"nnw,I nf ,nnointmcnt ~ an
.ient AMI vaIrnhIa ~t,i,.nrs ,,.;th l,,d iant sol
aries to enablr them tn Inv nv .dr,nthino for =.
rainy day, than if win be to- oct popnlar con-
srnI to lfe tpnure. win n4n.ions fn a Iaroa
civil list constantly oroyino in Numbers and
an,0unt ana rou.tantIv nrov7,ina o1,rn.ition in
tha ,ln,,',Iarn,inI 0''''7 -
Wv
tNlkACi From NIX. hLAlNLs ll,N,, III Lo"f ON
PkHHipENl GARFIELD.
In the beginning of his Presidential life
Gartield's experience did not Weld him pleas
ure or satisfaction. The duties that engross 50
lnrSe a portion OF 'hr lfc>ldents time were
trasteI win hi. oisIative work ~ hay. been
dealing all these Years with IDEAS" he impa-
tiently exclaimed one day, land here | am
dealing only with persons. | have been here
totore dealing with the fundamental principles
of government, and here am considering all
day whether A. or b. shall br appointed to this
or that office" lie was earnestly seeking some
practical way of correcting the evils arising
from the distribution of oNer@rOWn and un-
wledly patronage-eyil> always appreciated
fta,1 III I,i,t