St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-11-17
CleveIand,s civil service Views.

Cleveland's civil Service Views.
WAsHTSsToS, d. c., Nov. 16.-A southern
member Of the Democratic national commit
tee says that in the course Of conversation
Gov. Clevels nd said TO him: II there Is any
one matter to which have given my fullest
attention II Is to reform aud increase the
efficiency in the civil service. When
came to Albany as governor found
nearly all the departments full of clerks,
whose political predictions were RepubIi-
can. The state officials who came into Office
with me called upon me shortly after my
accession aud asked what were my views in
relation to removals from public service for
political reason. One gentleman,
whose department Is perhaps
the most important Office, said
my Office is full of extreme Republicans,
appointed BY Gov. Cornell. Now, what am
to dol replied: You are responsible to
the people for the good administration Of
your Office. Your confidential subordinates
should have been selected with great care,
and those you doubtless viii appoint from
your personal friends. There can
be no objection 10 your making inquiry
respecting the quali6ca tons, zeal and ability
Of your official force. II clerk is faithful
and competent he should be retained, no
matter what bis political predilect ions may
be. During my term have discharged no
employe from sn executive department
for political reasons and many
Of Gov. Cornen's personal followers
are still in the service Of the state II am
elected PRESIDENT" said Gov. Cleveland,
with emphasis, ''the clerks in great depart
ments at Washington. who are fit for their
positions, will remain in office. Ability and
Zeal in the service will be the measures OF
usefulness. The rules Of the civil service
commission will govern all minor appoint
ments.n
or President Arthur's position, another
member Of the com mittee, tells the two fol-
lowing stories: The first, describing Presi-
dent Arthur's attitude and the second WHY
the New York Democrats employed Roscoe
Conkling to see that they had fair count
On "Wednesday night, Nov. 5,
the Blaine Republicans in New
York became very uneasy over
the outlook and called on the president to
assist them in some way, how do not know,
70 put New York in the Republican column.
He listened to them, and when they had
stated their wishes he replied; 'I don't see
what can do. Ny own opinion is that the
Democrats have carried this state
Everything indicates 1t thus far.
would not interfere II could. aud I trust
no person who claims TO be friend Of mine
will lend his hand to any scheme to thwart
the will OF the people"
Just before leaving New York the presl-
dent learned that VIM. II. Robertson, col
lector Of the port, had gone up into West
chester upon a political mission. He said TO
q friend:
"Tell Robertson to keep out of this business.
do not wish or do not care-either one or
the other of these words was used-to re-
move him from Office at present, but he holds
his position to discharge an important ser
vice 10 the government and not TO tinker in
politics, and h4'will seek his own interests
by attending to the business Of his Office and
letting some one else do the dirty work Of
politics."
When on last Friday we learned that Mr..
Evarts and Geo. Bliss were to have charge
OF the Republican com mittee, we sent
for dozen of the leading lawyers Of this
city and state Of New York and took counsel
with them, among others, such men as ex-
Senator Herman, Judge Theo. Miller Of the
court ef appeals, Judge Schoon maker, ex-
attorney general and others, and asked them
70 suggest one or more persons whose names
and regulations would be guarantee to the
Democratic voters Of New York that their
case would be properly looked after. One Of
the most distinguished of the gentlemen
named said:
IF the case is to get into the circuit court
/ think Roscoe Conkling would be the best
person to defend it. Judge Noah Davis
stands in some awe of him, and the adaman-
tine cheek of Col Bliss will not
serve him so well IL Conkling
is opposed to him. Then Conkling
owes Evsrts an old grudge, and this viii give
him chance to settle it, which will be very
gratifying. Besides this Mr.. Coukling IS
particularly well posted upon the statutes
relating to the conduct OF elections. Every
Democratic lawyer and judge who heard of
the suggestion approved it, and we
followed their advice. The members Of the
committee who waited on Mr.. Conkliug to
retain him all remarked that there was an
air Of qualification in his acceptance which
was marked, and he assured them that their
case should have his best attention.
Maxi Cabinet.
Especial Telegram 70 the Globe