Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-06-18
Mr.. Blaine ON Reform.
A DEcLARATTox OF PRINCIPLES WHICH
GEORGE WILLIAM Curtis CoxxExDED-


Mr.. Blaine il on public record in favor of
civil service reform. In discussing this
topic before a public audience At Winterport,
Me-. in 1882, Mr.. Blaine said:
There are many reforms which / should
be glad TO see and which I have for many
years believed in. / should be glad 70 see
every federal officer, however honorable, ap-
pointed for a specific period, during which be
could not be removed except for cause, which
cause should be specified, proved, and made
matter Of record. should be glad to see the
tenure of all subordinate officers made longer
at least than q presidential term, so that the
incoming Of a new administration should not
be harrassed, annoyed, crippled and injured
by the distribution of Offices Seven years
would be 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 spoken. There are
q great many honest advocates of reform IN
the civil service who believe in life tenure
for all subordinate officials. / have never
been able TO persuade myself that this would
be wise, even IL practicable, and l am quite
sure that il Is not practicable. Life tenure
means q pension in the end to the incumbent,
and with hundred thousand ofice-holders
this would impose an intolerable burden on
the taxpayer. IL would create what might
be termed privileged class, which is
always sure in the end to prove unpop-
ular ard odious in the eyes Of the people.
Nor do believe it vas ever demonstrated
thar life tenure insures the best, most faithful
and nost honorable service Ii may often
be wise to retain a man in office for all the
wears of his active life, but believe he will
be better officer il his commission shall ex-
pire at stated periods and his efficiency shall
be his claim of reappointment and continu-
snce in our administration of State and coun-
ty Office. The gentleman who has practical
charge Of the treasury of Maine has been IN
his position for forty -one years, his appoint
ment being annually renewed in recognition of
his ability and fidelity. Even with his strict
integrity. do not doubt that he has been
more careful officer than if he had been
originally appointed for life, or term OF
forty -one years. In the county of my resi-
dence we elected the same man annually tor
thirty-three years He was a better 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 as these. and
many others which could name, that it will
prove far easier task to educate public opin-
ion to renewal Of Appointment to efficient
and valuable officers, with sufficient salaries
to enable them to lay by something for
rsiny day. than il will be to get popular con-
sent to life teaures, with pensions to large
civil list, constantly growing in numbers and
amount, and constantly provoking opposition
in the popular mind.
George William Curtis. who is now oppos-
ing Mr.. Blaine. mainly on the gpound of his
being "spoisman," referred edtorially to
the foregoing in Harper's Weekly of Septem-
per %, 1882, as follows:
The speeches of Mr., Blaine in Maine and
of Senator Harrison in Indiana, with brief
and unmstakeable order of Mayor Low, in
Brooklin, relieving every employee of all
fear of the local Hubbell, and the significant
declaration Of more than a thousand leading
citizens Of Massachusetts, Of all parties that
they will vote for no representative in Con-
gress whose character and record do not
promise an earnest and aggressive action for
reform. are all unmistakable signs of pub
lie conviction and purpose which will certain
ly have their way. Mr.. Blaine pronounced
plainly for some kind of reform, and Mr..
Blaine said in detail that he should be glad to
see every Federal officer. however honorable
his position, appointed for specific term dur
ing which he could not be removed except
for cause, to be specified. proved and re-
corded, and for subordinate officers he
thought that seven years would be a proper
term of office.