The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1884-02-23
N0.~51.
UnPOpuIariEX Of Ghe Civil Ser
a#. vice Law. - @#
American Registe

Notwithstanding the professions of
Republicans, the Civil Service Law is
as unpopular with them as with Dem
ocrats. In both parties there are sin
cere believers in the alleged reform;
but the majority of both, Judging
from what members of Congress say
when conversing in private, do not
believe in it. Pendieton's defeat, with
his responsibility for the law among
the principal reasons, has given de-
cided impulse to an already growing
| disposition to repeal the law outright,
or Withhold the necessary appropria-
ton, as in the early attempt at Civil
Service reform in Grants time.
There has been large amount of
false pretence on this subject by politi-
clans, especially on the Republican
side, commencing with the head of
the Administration. Very few in the
Administration pretend to like the
working Of the law. Generally they
will say that it is reform that re-
forms nothing in the service. 1t is
a piece of experience that the examina-
tion Of candidates does not insure
exceptional capacity as tested by actual
service, and that no inconsiderable
number of old clerks are required to
supply the deficiencies and correct
the mistakes of the new. The new
law has destroyed the sense of respon-
sibility in the service, aDdthus lessen
ed its efficiency. Secure in their
places, the feeling of accountability
has been measurably removed from
the minds of employees. 1t is the
opinion of not a few whose positions
give opportunity for correct observa-
ton, that the character and efficiency
of the service is deteriorating under
the operation of the new law. Ohio
Congressman on both sides say that
IN their State the opposition to the
creation of an otice-holding aristoc-
racy is strong and increasing, and
that Senator elect Payne touched the
popular chord on the subject in his
late speech. Representatives from
other States say that they are hearing
similar expressions at home since
Payne's speech, and there are other
indications which may eventuato in
Congress carrying out the present in
cination to repeal the PondIeton law.
The following is that portion of Mr..
Payne's speech, referring to the Civil
Service, and which places tho Ohio
Democracy, through him as their
mouthpioce, in direct opposition to
this law:
For tweut-three years the disponsa-
ton of Federal patronage has been in
the hands of the Republican party.
Appointments have all been made
from the adherents of that party, and
mostly from the class of active politi-
clans. The Federal Judges, Supreme,
Circuit and District, with their Clerks,
Marshals, Assistants, Deputies, Regis
tiers, Master Commissioners, Assign
ees, have been and are Republicans.
The heads of departments and their
subordinatos, through all grades,
down to the messenger aud porter,
the Sub-Treasurors, Collectors of both
Custom and Internal Revenue, Sur
veyors, Postmasters, etter-ca carriers,
in the aggregate more than
one hundred thousand, have been
supplied from the one party, whilo
of that party and the en-
tire Democratic party have been, and
are now, absolutely prescribed and
debarrcd the public service. During
this period money by the thousand
millions has been collected and dis
bursed, and the books kept by these
partisan agents, furnishing an oppor-
tunity and temptation for specula-
tion, fraud and concealment, to which
| should dread to expose even the
iron clad integrity of Democrats. In
eyitably, corruption and great abuses
have crept in and have been covered
up; favorltism, protegism, nepotism,
and senility have obtained
secure lodgment; Generalization has
followed, and the public believe that
tetid mass exists, permeated with
rottenneSs and gangrene. Now, can
his service be reformed and by what
process! answer, yes. And the pro-
'ess is: First, by electiug a Demo
'ratic President-and that is assured
he present year unless unwisdom and
madness from the gods are permitted
o block the way. Secondly, by
'itiIess and radical overhauling and
'urging of the present service. An
Augean stable can not be cleaned with
toothbrush ! You must turn on the
lose, ply the hickory broom and
crub-brush, disinfect the premises
nd give them a wholesome atmos-
here for honest incumbents. Then
ct care be taken that none but such
S bear the Jeffersonian stamp Of
honesty and capacity" be allowed to
inter-, and those only from the Demo
ratio party, until its full ratable share
nter to guard and protect the public
interest.
"Ah,n said the nice Young man
18th bangs, as the little boy let him
the other evening, eah, my little
ian, is your sister at home ~ Eyes,
he's home, but she isn't expecting
ou." Chow do you know she isn't
mel" "'Cause | heard her
III ma that you're too mean to hire a
orse and sleigh, and she didn't ex-
ect to sec sign of you while the
now lasted" The little boy is now
oldest when he sits.-Middtetoga
transcript.
One way to prepare onion haYoring
u q vegetable soup il lake large
Mon, remove the outer skin, then
iek cloves into the onion, and bake