Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-09-24

the spoils system OF Office on one side and
the merit system OF Office on the other.
Friends Of the latter contend for the free
opportunity OF every citizen to win office
Tor himself by his own merits; friends
Of the former for the exclusive
right Of great officers and great polirci.ns
TO use all Of the hundred thousand places be
can control and all the assessments they
can extort to buy the press to elect them
selves and to keep their party in power
against the will Of the people. Between
,hese extremes there is unQuestionably
large number Of candid and patriotic cltl-
zeDs.
do not refer to these facts so decisive
Of the perpetuity OF the merit system with
vain corceit, that If they were otherwise or
The prospect was discouraging, my remain
ing a commissioner would avail anything,
but wish to leave no doubt of my absolute
faith in the continuing triumph of q reform
policy and no friend CT reform has the least
leason tor thinking ought to remain in my
office, Indeed the trump ph OF that policy
8 Low absolute Ia other words, were it
not TOR the interference by Congressman
ard politicians with constitutional func-
ions and the intended liberty of the Presi-
dent and Of other officers having the ap-
pointing power there would be no opposi-
| Jon worthy of notice to merit the system OF
Cthce. Those who oppose it will with few
Exceptions be those only whose participa'
ion in appointments and remov
alS as an 40 lule usurpation
and intermeJdliug By which the
couEterpiecs Of government has been i'm.
paired and its perpetulty is being threat
tned. To that usurpation to the selfish
inns OF those who promote ii, to tue gather
.rg Of spoils, and the distribgion OF offices
which are its motive force open competl-
tons CT merit for appointment and sup
lression Of political assessments are fatal,
| President Grant approved civil service
ru.e-;o arrest that intermeddling.
Coucede 10 the President aud other ap-
ointing officers the liberty which the con
rtitution cotemp!ates. allow those who have
est means Of making wise choice D.
'ween the spoils system and the merit sys-
;em . be Judges and repeat the tnal de-
yisiun is already given and the contest is al
ready over. President Grant decided that
he Issue in his last official declaration to
Congress. lie declarcdu asoarce Of mor.i-
1ca,on" t1at Congress had refused an ap
rrupriation he had in special message re
,uested in aid OF the continued enforcement
4 the merit system which h. declared had
cen beneficial.
PRECEDENT Arthur in each annual message
after the civil service act reai,irmed that
.udgment OF the Executive Department, a
| .4dgment which he declared expressed the
lew Of every member Of his Cabine,. In
,ae daily acts Of the present Administration
he same Judgment is approved aud en,
forced.
1t is possible that a number Of Congress
men and politicians of the dominln p.rt7
With considerable following OF Office seek
ere nay, Notwithstanding the Vastly aug
mepttd strength cf an eu,. .n'rGed puohc
opinion rcr~a' the folly Of ,hose OF my own
party in lc1l by resistlUg the we'll matured
Judgment aui definite poll Y o: their oSn
Administration on the reform issue. II such
; 20 be tact this is not the place tor
ho%irg why such al attempt would be far
| more disastrous than the Republican restora
ton of the spoils system against the advice
! 4 President Grant such u course, and the
conflict il would prec'pitate, you'd he re
.ardless OF the good results OF the civil se-
ice set, or any experience in its admins
ration. If any part misht have in such
. contest, could far better serve the ca1st
Of reform in the exercise OF that full liberty
which is hardly compatible with thu pro
yriety Of my pr sent office. And have
he honor Of being,
With the highest respect,
Your oJeGjent servant
p1guAN B EATON.