The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1885-08-05
Collector Wells Removal.

and chiefly for the reason that it APP
pears to be case where the President
has most openly beied his reform
declarations and yielded to the pressure
of democratic partisans. 1t is hardly
reasonable to explain the removal of
Collector Wells upon any other ground
than that the democrats hold that the
federal offices under this administration
rightfully belong to them, and they
think they should have them, irrespec-
tive of other considerations. The Ar
gus said last week that a strong case of
partisanship had been made out against
General Wells, and charged that he had
used his official position to aid the re-
publican party. But we are informed
by those who ought to know that Gen
eral Wells has taken no active part in
politics for several years. Some Of his
subordinates have been political work
ers, but it is represented that they acted
contrary to his advice and wishes.
However, it is conceded on all sides
that he has been an honest and efficient
officer, and that his administration has
been creditable in all respects. 1t will
probably be difficult to make out plain
case of 4" offensive partisanship against
him; and his removal affords another
practical illustration of the fact that the
President has quite determined to pay
less regard hereafter to the much
Wanted schemes of administrative re-
form, and to give more attention to the
claims of his democratic friends, who
thoroughly believe in the doctrine that
to the victors belong the spoils.
Since the change in the Burlington
collectorship the prediction has been
made and widely commented upon, that
it will create a contest between the
senate republicans and the President
next winter. 1t is assumed by the
Free Press that Senator Edmunds will
oppose the confirmation of Mr.. Smalley,
or at least that he will demand to
know the reasons for the removal of
General Wells. The Burlington In
dependent confidently predicts that Sen
ator Edmunds will make no factious OPP
position in this case. The Bellows
Falls Times thinks that, in view of the
reported expression of Senator Ed
munds, made early, that republican Of
ficials would have to very generally
give way to democratic appointments,
there is little reason for supposing that
he is going to make fight against con-
firming the nominations of the new adj
ministration. There is rumor that
the President has secured the support
of enough republican senators to ensure
the confirmation of his appointments,
but this is not entitled to much Gre
dence. The conflicting statements
about the matter indicate good deal
of guess-work. That the question may
be made one for caucus action on the
part of the senate republicans is quite
probable, but what course the majority
will determine to pursue cannot at this
time be predicted with any certainty.
The removal of Collector Wells is not
the only one that this administration
has made from purely partisan motives
and many people are asking why this
oh hn @; 1a1 -
for contest between the senate and
administration, unless it is intended to
serve some Interior or selfish purpose.
There are other cases of removals anal
agous to that at Burlington, and there
are several where the circumstances at
tending the change might be considered
as more grievous. If the senate repub-
licans make any contest with the Pres
ident upon this matter, it should not
be waged on personal but on public
grounds.
The prospective issue between the
senate and administration, relating tc
removals and appointments in the pub
lie service, is one that requires in its
consideration the wisdom of statesman,
ship rather than the bigotry of partisan
ship. But it is perhaps too much tC
expect that it will be decided indie
pendent of partisan considerations. Or
the one side, it will be urged that il
cases like that of Collector Wells, who
still had nearly three years to serve
under his last commission and who ha,
been competent and faithful official
such removals are in violation of thu
tenure of Office act. On the other side
it will be argued that the republican,
have often disregarded the provisions
of this law that it is unconstitutional
and that it is not possible for nationa
administration to be successful if it
subordinates are hostile to it. The ten
ure of Office of the President and othe
administrative offices is constitutional,
fixed at four years; and it was so fixed
Hamilton says, on one hand, that j
might contribute to the firmness of tn
executive, and, on the other hand, be
cause the period is not long enough t.
warrant any fear of executive encroach
ment. II has been very LARGELY th