Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-12-31
CLEvELAND'S LETTER.
A sTATxsMAws OPINION OF IT.
Hon. ID. b. Eaton, President OF the CIVIL
Service Commission, Expresses Himself
Rsrcibiy-He Thinks II Timely Paper.

Hon. ID. b. Eaton, Pressdsnt or the CIVIL
Service Commission, Expresses Himself
Rsrcibiy-He Thinks II Timely Paper.
IBv telegraph to the Dispatch.I
WASHINGTON, December 39.-Iion. Dor
man Is. Eaton, president OF the Civil-oer-
vice Commission, was to- day asked by
representative OF the Associated Press for
his views 10 regard TO Governor Cleveland's
letter published this morning. Mr.. Eaton,
In reply. expressed himself as follows:
ut would be objectionable presumption
In me to assume to speak for Governor
Cleveland. but may speak freely for my.
self. regard the letter rs the deliberate,
significant, and timely u.terauce % man
who copprehends the situation and has
the courage OF his convictions aud his
duties. II Is platform on the subject 10
which II relates. The views OF the letter
are those commoH 10 all true statesmen Of
both parties. These views are those most
ruDidly growing in the heart, OF the peo-
pie. The policy disclosed in the letter is
that 10y whIch alone his party can retain
power or the country escape decay. IL
shows plainly that we are to have no mixed
CaLinet and no timid or compromising
policy, but strong, positive, honest,
courageous, aud absolutely Democratic Adj
miOistIa alton. IL will be one OF convictions
and principles, in broad contrast to the
last Democratic Administration. which was
weak. cJwardly, evasive, and scornful OF
noble and growing sentiment, and was
consequently ruinous TO the party and dis
graceful TO the country. | may do in
justice to my political opponents, but /
must think that many u them have been
hoping that Governor Cleveland would he
found ready TO break his pledges and trifle
with bis convictions. This letter ought to
dispel such Illusions. and Is, therefore,
timely. The place-huniers OF bis party
may yet give him much trouble, and per-
haps may bring their party near to ruin
by their greed for office. The Democratic
party now stands, "a It did when
Buchanan was elected, where two roads
serarate-o one leading to honor and vic
tory. and the other TO shame and defeat.
H. fate depends on its choice OF
roads aud Of leaders. II cared more for
my party than for my country | should
hope Inst greed and clamor for places and
spoils would break through the civil-ser-
vice law and rules and engulf the new
President, with all the statesmen OF his
party. The declaration OF the letter, .thIt
the lessons Of the past should be unearu-
ed" may well be pondered by Republi-
cans as well ns by Democrats. 10 Is Just
ten years since President Grant, through
special message, was asking the Republic
can Congress to make small appropria-
tion Tor the enforcement Of the clyl-ser-
wee rules, to which the Republican party
was solemnly pledged. Unfortunat ly there
was then no statesmen in Congress
who could sec thar a new cause, with the
oil 70 ~ ia ba no. fntt
beginning TO stir the hearts OF the people.
In the eyes Of the Republican leaders the
carly friends OF the cause were " enthusi-
asfs" and doctrinairPs," ut whom parti-
san journals especially delighted to sneer.
No member in either house cared to even
call for the ayes anG noes on the appropria-
ton. Amid leers and laughter the civil
service reform, in the opinion OF the lead
ers OF its enemies, was consigned to the
iomb Of the capulets. About that time the
Republican party entered upon slow de-
cline. JObbery and patrOnage-m0ngering
more and more fiourlshed. At that time,
too, began, on deliberate method. land
soon afterward was carried forward
through many affiliated Organizations.)
that troad appeal to the virtue and
wisdom OF country which two years
ago conyincela reluctant Congress that the
reform sentiment must be needed. The
ciyll-seryice reform bill was prepared.
Courageous and patriotic DemOcrats-Pen-
dletOn in the Senate and Willis in the
House. TO whom the country owes much
brought in that bill which the Republicans
contributed by far the most in speech
carnestness, and votes TO make Il law. But
their return 10 sound principles on this
subject was rather late. and their support
Of them in the last canvass was rather fec
BILE and oquiyocal-f which, in NV
opinion, ensured their defeat. They thus
gave the Democrats chance to capture that
cause; and now that the reform sentiment,
having grown to be great political force.
having captured the Empire state, and
under the leadership OF Governor Cleye-
land shaped its administration to reform
methods, speaks in firm, decisive, AID I'M
mistakab!e language through the letter OF
the PresIdent-elrct, whom that sentiment
thus early in it, course brought TO the head
Of the nation.
/" In these facts we may see part OF the
lesson TO Le unlearned. 1t seems to ME
plain where the new President stands and
which road he regards as the true road 10
honor and duty But will his party I'M.
learn the lessons OF its own folly or gain
wisdom from the folly OF its opponents !:
Will itrf sist bis wise leadership Under the
new clvi.seryice law the Republican Admin
istratIon. with magnanimlty unprecedcnt-
cd in cur history. has given Official places
10 from 500 to 1000 OF its political oppo-
ncnts. viii the Democratic Admlnistra-
ton have the patriotism and courage needed
to follow that examplei These are vital
questions which that letter suggests. and
which impart TO it profound significance.