News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1885-06-11
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, D. c.,
.Juna L 1885.

UuuC LOU"
Although President Cleveland has
given no intimation of creating SEN
sation, the air is full of rumors that
there will soon be "clean sweep"
in the various departments here.
These rumors are speculative, of
course, no one being able to claim the
confidence of the administration, but
changes, removals and dismlssals
without cause occur constantly, and
the government clerks are kept in
such state of anxiety that 1t is
very difficult for them to perform
the best service of which they are
capable. The first of June was pre-
dicted as day for distribution OF the
fatal yellow envelopes, and the first
of July, it is stated, will be q certain
day of doom for many Republican Of
flee holders. However this may be,
their fears will not be quieted until af-
ter that date.
Secretary Manning's return to the
Treasury Department after a few
days absence, started new rumors OF
dismissals and appointments. At
the instigation of one of his new
Democratic subordinates, he at once
dismissed four chiefs of divisions,
against whom no charges could be
made. While such infraction OF the
civil service law is committed every
Republican feels insecure, no matter
how invulnerable his record, or how
necessary his experience may be to
the public service.
On Friday last the crowd in Man
ning's office was so large that he could
hardly dispose of it in time to attend
the cabinet meeting. Politicians from
Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and
Missouri were there, using all the
pressure in their power to force
prompt removals of Republican Off
Gals in their respective localities.
The Virginians are appeased to an ex-
tent by the dismissal Of hundred or
more Republican Postmasters, but
they are not satisfied, and say they
will not be until they get the Republic
cans out of the departments here.
Office seeking Democrats are trying
hard now to make capital of contri-
buttons to the Republican campaign
fund. They have even gone so far as
to get transcript Of the record OF
contributions made TO the local finance
committee, whose headquarters were
in this city during the campaign. The
transcript gives the names of contrib
utors and the amounts they gave to
aid the Republican cause. Contrib
utors made no concealment OF what
they had done, except in rare IN
stances. Many of them were anxious
to have it known that they had done
what was conceived to be their duty
in this respect. Now, however, 1t is
common for them to be met by know
ing Democrats with the threat to
''look out; you are spotted" "Why"
is often the interrogative reply. sob,
on such a day." giving the date, "you
contributed so much to help Blaine.
You are an offensive partisan" 1t
has been alleged that Civil Service
Commissioner Gregory's contribution
was one of the campaign secrets.
But when that gentleman was ques-
toned as to his record, he said Eyes,
l gave to the committee. l did so be-
cause L am Republican, and want
ed the Republican candidates elected.
There are expenses in a campaign
that must be met. Believing the
cause to be good one, / see no rea-
son why should not help it along"
Last Saturday being Decoration
Day, the executive departments were
closed. The day has never been
made legal holiday for the District
of Columbia, but by usage and con-
sent it is given to government en-
ployes. 1t was observed here in the
usual way. Official services were held
at the national soldiers cemetery at
Arlington, at the Soldiers Home, the
Congressional and Oak Hall cemeter-
les. Orations were delivered, poems
read, and flowers scattered over the
little mounds that mark the soldiers
resting place.
This was done in honor of the dead,
but the claims Of the living who
fought for the same cause should not
be ignored. Law and public senti-
ment demand that the Union soldier,
all things being equal, shall have the
preference for official positions, either
elective or appointive. The policy
Of the present administration has not
been in consonance with what law and
public sentiment demand in this mat
Ter.