New-York tribune., 1884-12-31
tho near future, beginning to stir tho heart, >,
TEXT OF THE CORRESPONDENCE,


fArioSAL CIVIL SERVICE RrropN I,.,,
orrlpE. No 1 iISs.sr. ''"'os'
SEw-YoRK. Dec. Vi. issl I
The Hon. 0rorer Cisre,and.
SIM We have Tho honor 10 address you on bob,l, n, Ar
National Ctil Service Reform League. an asspci.Ing
gomioaei OF citizens OF parties whose soo ~
Indicated by its name aud which takes no part weaee
Tho vas Increase IN tho numbsr ~ persons s,,..,.
the civi service and the grave ,mschof and dansops
nrlalng from TIN general toacflpon IN tho safs,as
control Of ho Saoma hdni"S" m o"a"sc .." a. ps'
profound an impression upon the public mIad iha, ,ss
niat elective steps toward reform taken Win Nv
OF bot paruos Ia tho passage " tho oiorm
Tho abuses which that not seeks 10 correct hovsy.,
fc NJ strongly intionched In the traditions and usage.J n
both parties ha' there IL naturally Widespread ansle,,
Loot tho party change Ia tho National Executive enecsi
~ tho late election should show tom ms lper,bs
Hut believing ~ we do that tho reformed yssn eaono
bo held ~ bo securely established until IL has s.fs,y
passed tho ordeal Of such Tary change and Teeali,
Win satisfaction nnd confidence your public expressing
favorable to reform, and your official aes the chief
Executive OF tho state OF Now York we confidently ca,
mend this case to your arioc caro- In tina exercise o.
the great power with which the American people have
inrlistod you. Respectfully yours
Tho letter IA signed by George william Curtis William
Potts. John Jay, Moorfed Storey. j. Hall Peasants w
W Montgomery. Everett +. Wheeler Frederic Crom.
we'll. Morrill, wyman. Jr Carl schurz sllas w. Burt A
II. Macdonough, william Cary sanger, william ". Akin
GOVERNOR CLEvELANDs REPLY
Following Is Governor. .Cleveland's reply:
ALBANY. Dec 25, 1884
The Hon. George william Curtis, Irssideat. ee
DEAR SIR: Your communication dated December %
addressed to me behalf OF the National CIVIL serxcc
Reform League. bas been received.
That practical reform in the civil service is demanded
IL ablndanty established by the fact that statute re-
ferred 10 In your communication to secure such result
has been passed IN Congress with the Of both
political parties and by the further fact that q ennent
Is generally prevalent among patriotic people calling or
the fair and honest enforcement OF the Law which has
been thus enacted regard myself pledged to this be-
cause my c0nce tion OF true Democratic faith and public
duty requires that this and all other statutes should bc In
good faith aud without evasion enforced and because
many ucrances made prior TO my election a. President,
approved by the party to whcn belong and which
have disposition 10 dsclam have ia effect promised
the people that this should be done.
not unmindul OF the fact to which you refer that
many OF our citizens fear that the recent party change In
the National Executive may demonstrate that the abuses
which have grown up in the civil service ARE are I'm, n
the spois system has been supposed TO be intimately
related to success In the maintenance or party organiLa
tiOn ana am not sure that all those who profess 70 no
the friends OF this reform will stand firmly among It's adj
yooates when they find 1t obstrucDg their way TO pat
rOnage and place.
But fully approaching the trust committed to my
charge. such consideration shall canse relaxation
my part OF An earnest eii0rt 10 enforce thls law
There IA class Of Government positions which are not
within the letter OF the civil service statute but which
are so disconccted with the policy o an Administration
that the removal thcrefrom OF present ncumbents in my
opinion should not be made during the terms Tor which
the purpose Of putting in their places those who are in
political accbrd with the appointing power.
But many holding such positions have forfeited all
just claim to retention because they have used their
the people and lccause instead OF being decent public
servants, they have proved themselves offensive
partsans and INSCRIPTIONS manipuator OF local party
management.
The lessons Of the past should be unearncd and such
officials well rs their sccessOs should be taught that
efficiency, fitness and devotion 10 public duJ are the
conditions of their continuance I'm public place. and that
the quiet and unObrrusye exercise OF individual political
Iights &. the reasonable measure Of their party service
4 n | were addressing none but party friends should
deem n entirely proper 10 remind them that though the
coming Administration Is to be Democratic due regard
for the peoples interest does not permit faithful party
work 10 he always rewarded by appointment 20 olce
and to say to them that while Democrats may expect all
proper consideration. selections Tor Office not embraced
within the civil service rules will be based upon sufficient
inqurv ~ 10 fitness instituted by those charged with
that duty. rather than upon persistent importuny OF
SELF; solicited recommendations benaf OF candidates
for appointment Yours very truly.
GROVER CLEVELAND.