Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1885-12-09

adopted BY the commission have much to do
with the practical usefulness of the statute,
and with the results of its application.
TIE people may we'll tru.t the commits
sion to execute the law with perfect fr1ness
and with as little friction As possible, but, Of
course no relaxation of the principles which
underlie the safeguards which surround it
can be experienced. The administration
will probably suggest amendment Of
tho methods Of its execution and ventures to
hope that We shall never sgsin be RENTED
to the system which distributes public posi-
tions purely O. rewards for partisan service.
Doubts may we'll be entertained whether
nur government could survive the strain Of
+ continuance of this system which upon
every change of administration inspires an
immense army of claimants for Office TO lay
-iege to the patronage of the government.
engrossing the time of public officers with
their opportunities, spreading abroad the
contsgion oftheir disappointment and filing
The air with the turmoil OF their discomfort.
The allurements of an immense number OF
offices and places exhibited TO the voters Of
The land and the promise Of their bestowal
IN the recognition of partisan activity de-
bauches the suffrage aud robs political ac-
ton of its Thoughtful and deliberative char
scter. The EVIL would increase with the
multiplication of offices, consequently upon
our extension and the mania for ofice-hold-
ing growing from its indulgence would per-
ia our population so generally that
patriotic purpose. the support of principle,
The desire for the public good and solicitude
for the nations welfare would be nearly
oanished from our party contests and Cause
hem TO degenerate into ignoble, selfish and
.f,,l CT for
Jon of Office and public place.
Civil service reform enforced by law. came
iot too $40 to check the progress Of democrat
z.tion. One of lis effects is not enough re-
sarded and the freedom it brings TO the
political action of those conservative and
,ober men who, in fear of the confession and
risk attending any arbitrary and sudden
:hsnge in all the public offices with change
If party rule, cast their ballasts against such
: chance. Parties seem to be necessary and
sill continue TO exist. Nor can it
be now denied that there are
legitimate advantages connected with
flee holding, which follow party supremacy.
While craftsmanship CONTINUES so pronounce
d and supplies SO much motive to sentl-
| ment and action, it Is not fair to hold pub
| ic officials in charge of important trusts re-
| .ponsible for the best results in the perform
,nce of their duties and We. insist that they
| ,hall RELY in confidential and important
cases upon the work ofthose not only oppos-
| ID to them in political utilization, but are so
| stepped in partisan prejudice and RANGER that
| they have no loyalty TO their chiefs and no
| desire for their success. Civil service re-
! form does not exact this nor does it require
that those in subordinate positions Who fail
IN Welding their best service or who
are incompetent should be retained merely
| because they are in the place.
The whining of clerk discharged for in
| 1olencc or incompctency who, though he
| gained his place by worst possible operation
If the spoils system, suddenly divines that
| he is not entitled TO protection under the
| sanction OF civil service reform, represents
an idea no less absurd than the clamor of an
| applicant who clims a vacant place as his
compensation for the most questionable
party work. The civil cervice law does not
prevent the discharge of the indolent or in
| competent clerk, but it does prevent sup
plying bis place with the unfit party worker.
Thus in both the phases it is some
benefit to the public service. And the
people who desire good government
| having secured this statute will not relin-
quish lis benefits without protest; nor are
they unmindful of the fact that its full ad-
L
complete good faith of those having its exc
| cution in charge. and this they will insist
| upon; | recommend that the salaries of civil
service commissioners be increased 10 n sum
| more nearly commensurate with their impor-
| tant duties.
II is a source of considerable and not I'M
| natural discomfort that no adequate provls-
ION has been made for accommodating the
principal library of the government.
Of the vast collection of books and PAM
phle,s gathered nj the capitol, numbering
| .une 100, 900, exclusive of manuscripts, maps
md the products Of the graphic arts, ais" of
| .r.at volmme und value, ouly about 0,O0O
| volume, or les than half o! the collections,
,r,. PROVIDED with shelf room. The Others,
which are increasing at the rate OF from 25,-
100 to 10000 volumes a year, are not only
| inaccessible to the public, but are subject To
serious damage and deterioration from other
causes. in their present situation.
Consideration Of the fact that the library of
the capital has twice been destro, ed or dam
aged BY fire; its daily increasing value, and
lie Importance as Il place of books under the
law relating to copyright, make manifest the
necessity of prompt action to insure its
prope: accommodation and protection.
Nv attention has been called to Il contro-
ver.y which has arisen from tho condition
If the law relating TO railroad facilities in
The city of Washington which has involved
the commissioners of the District in much
annoyance and trouble. hope the difficulty
will be settled bv appropriate legislation.
The commissioners represent that enough of
the revenue of the district are now on de-
post in the treasury of the United States to
be paid the sum advanced by the govern
| ment for sewer improvements under the act
of June so, 1884. They desire now an ad-
vance of the share which ultimately should
be borne BY the district of the cost of ex-
tensiye Improvements TO the streets of the
city. The total expense of these contem-
plated improvements is estimated at 81 ,000,-
600 and they are of the opinion that a con-
siderable sum could be saved if they had all
the money in hand so that contracts for the
whole work could be made at the same time.
They express confidence that if the advance
asked for should be made the government
would be reimbursed the same within a rea-
sonable time have doubt that these i'm
provemenis could be made much cheaper if
undertaken together and prosecuted accord
ing to general plan. The license law now
in force within the District is deficient and
uncertain In some of its provisions, and
ought to be amended. The commissioners
urge with good reason the necessity of pro-
viding q building for the use of the district
government which shall better secure the
safety and preservation fits valuable books
and records.
The present condition of the law relating to
succession 10 the presidency in the event of
the death, disability or removal of both presi
dent and vice-president is such as to require
amendment. This subject has repeatedly
been considered BY congress.but no result has
been reached. The recent lsmentsble death
of the vice president and vacancies at the
same time in all other offices, the incumbents
of which might Immediately exercise the
functions of the the presidential Office, has
caused public anxiety and a just demand that
reoccurrence of such a condition
of affairs should not be permitted.
In conclusion | commend TO the wise care
snd thoughtful attention of congress the
needs, welfare and aspirations Of en- apprecia-
tive, generous nation. To subordinate these
harrow sdvantaCes Of craftsmanship acc omp-
lishment of selfi-h aims Is devoid of the peo-
pies trust and betrsys the peoples interest.
bat an individual sense of responsibility on
the part o. all and stern determination TO
perform our duty well, must give Us place
among those who have added in their day
and generation 10 the glory and prosperity Of
cur beloved land.
Signed. GROVER CLEVELAND.
WASHINGTON, d. c. Dec. $, 1885.
FINANCE AND COMMERCE.