The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1885-07-24
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.

wiz NloNpploh VI NlNll SGl-
vice reform was not direct issue
between the parties in the recent
Presidential election, yet whatever
influence the word carried was
largely with the Democrats, on ac-
count of the favorable recognition it
received in Mr.. Cleveland's letter of
acceptance. That this was no empty
profession on the part of the Demo-
cratic candidate events are proving.
For a time subsequent to President
Cleveland's Inauguration, it appear
ed as if the traditionary doctrine,
''To the victors belong the spoils,"
was going to prove too strong for
his good intentions. The tremen-
dous tide of partisanship was drag
ging the anchor of principle thrown
out by the head of the administra-
ton. Departmental chiefs were
causing official heads to roll into the
basket in all directions. Not the
least conspicuous instance of the
Presidents ideas being overborne,
was the policy pursued toward the
Consular service. Notwithstanding
that it was authentically announced
from Washington that the national
agents abroad, who had served the
country faithfully and were accept
able to the respective communities
in which they held office, would be
retained in their positions, ministers
and consuls of the previous admins
tration, in every quarter of the
globe, were summoned to deliver up
their commissions. By the last mail,
however, intelligence has come that
the President had ordered halt in
the indiscriminate decapitation per-
formances. He had given orders
that all dismissals and appointments
to places not vacant must stop at
once. His determination was to
stand by his declarations of civil
service reform in his letter of ac-
ceptance and in his inaugural ad-
dress. Previous to this some of the
chief appointments of the admins
tration had been made much IN con
sonance with the principles of an
bipartisan civil service. Notably
the appointment of Collector of
Customs at New York. This official
has always been regarded as the
chief of the dominant party organi-
zation in the commercial metropolis.
SO completely has this been recog-
nized, that the late Republican in
cumbcnt said he would not serve
under the Democratic Government
if he could, and could not if he
would. President Cleveland ap-
pointed to the position Mr.. Hedden,
a gentleman altogether unknown to
the political machine, but q Demo.
crat of thorough commercial attain.
ments well-fitting him for the i'm
portant duties. The responsibility
of the incumbent toward the reform
principles to which he owed his ap
pointment, may be appreciated tc
some extent by those who can weigl
the fact that he has IN his patronage
some thirteen hundred positions. A
mere politician occupying the place
would make sad week of the cause
of civil service reform in filling al
those places. Other appointments
in New York of similar nature, ant
the retention of the Republican post
master for his marked efficiency
otherwise attest the sincerity of tht
Presidents professions. 1t is to b'
hoped Mr.. Cleveland will pursue
his policy with tirmness to the enc
of his term, and that his appoint
ments will be characterized through
out by wisdom. Then the succeed
ing administration could hardly dar'