Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-04-08
Staunt0il Spectator.
CIVIL SERVICE.

In the ranks of the Democratic party are
very many active workers who have neve
been applicants for Office, either by ap-
pointment or election. To many politi-
clans, however, the emoluments and oppor-
tuni;ies of ofice seem to be the only OBJ
jects worthy of Jealous end -avor, and there
is no more prolific eau>e of dispute tlar
the ambition of party leaders and then
dependents to get control of Office. The
history of both of the lie ding political par
ties illustrates this truth. President
Cleveland, his Cabinet, and members OF
Congress are daily besieged, and have but
little time to concentrate attention on the
important functions of administrative re-
form. The President and several OF his
Cabinet have spoken emphatically on this
matter, and have proclaimed their deter
mination to carry out the civil-service law,
not only in spirit, but to the letter. No
faithful public officer to be removed except
for cause, and this cause either incompe-
tency or having neglected public duties by
an active and partisan participation in po-
litical matters. The appointments, both
foreign and at home, made so far, have
given very general satisfaction-the ap
pointments being staunch and prominent
Democrats, and as the time of other public
officers expire, the President will doubtless
continue to place true and tried Democrats
in the positions thus made vacant.
The South has nothing to complain of.
Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Ken
lucky, Texas, &C., have already been hon.
ored in the appointment of foreign minis
tiers, and number Of lesser offices have
been filled by Southern men. The civil
service law practically protects some IA, $50
officials in the departments in Washington,
and clean sweep at once would be attend
ed with many disadvantages. The duties
of these offices require for their etfc;
performance special training and skill, and
any sudden change in their incumbents
would seriously retard the wheels of gov
eminent and hinder good administration.
We believe in Civil-Service Reform, but
where Office has simply been given to un-
worthy men as reward for partisan SER
vice, and not in the interest of the people,
then these incumbents should be politely
requested to sstep down and out" The
numerous postofices in the country will
eventually be filled by Democrats, but it is
we'll to move slowly, even in this desirable
IA fai
to see the wisdom of President Clevelands
course.
We of Virginia will shortly enter upon
Gubernatorial contest, and whilst we are
no alarmists, the Democratic party cannot
afford TO be lukewarm. We must stand
together as a solid phaanx, if we are to
hope for success. Many active workers
during the Presidential campaign will be
disappo: nted in getting Office, for it is an
evident fact, that where there are ten arpli
clnts for position, but one applicant is
going to be successful. This, however,
should not prevent these workers from
again '.buckling on their armor," and as
sisting in saving the Old Dominion from a
return to Mahoneism and misrule. This is
especially important at this time. as last
November, whilst Virginia pronounced for
Cleveland, the majority gEaas Gniy 8, al; or
but g. per cent. of the entire number OF
votes cast. Next November Governor,
Lieutenant-Governor, Attorney General,
half the Senate, and the entire House OF
Delegates will be chosen. As the Legisla-
ture then to be elected will choose Malone
successor, he and his followers will make a
determined effort to reverse the result OF
the last legislative election. So let us all
be up and doing, and show to the country
that old Virginia is solidly Democratic,