Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1885-01-06
Cleveland d on Reform.

In reply 10 letter from Geo. Will
liam Curtis, the President-elect CAV,
his views on civil service reform In
the subjoined letter:
ALBANY, December 25, 1885.
Hon. George William Curtis, President, &C.:
DEAR SIR: Your communication,
dated December Goth, addressed TO
me on behalf Of the national civil
service reform league, has been re-
ceived. That practical reform in
civil service as demanded is abund-
anlly established by the fact that the
statute referred to in our commune
cation 10 secure such result has
been passed in congress, with the as
sent of both political parties, and by
the further fact that the sentiment is
generally prevalent among patriotic
people, calling for fair and honest
enforcement Of the law, which has
thus been enacted. l regard myself
as pledged to this, because my con-
ccption of true Democratic faith and
public duty requires that this and all
other statutes should be in good
faith and without evasion enforced,
and because in many utlerances
made prior 10 my election as Presi-
dent approved by the party to which
| belong, and which have no dispo-
silion to disclaim. l have, in effect
promised the people that this should
be done. am not uninindful of the
iacl TO which you refer; that many
OF our citizens fear that the recent
party change in the natiola execu-
tive may demonstrate that the abus,
which have grown upon the civil SER
vice are ineradicable. l know they
are deeply rooted and that the spoils
system has been supposed to be init
mately related to success in main
taining party organization, and am
not sure that all those who profess to
be the friend of this reform will stand
firm among its advocates when they
find it is obstructing their way to
patronage or place. But fully APP
probation the truth committed to my
charge, no such consideration shall
cause relaxation on my part of earn
est effort TO enforce this law. There
Is a class of government positions
which are not within the letter of the
civil service statute, but which are SO
disconnected with the policy of an
administration thatI.removal there
from to the present incumbents. in
my opinion, should not be made DUR
ing the terms for which they were
appointed solely on partisan grounds
and for the purpose Of putting in
their places those who are in politi-
cal accord withthe appointing power,
but many now holding such positions,
have forfeited all just claim to reten-
ton, because they have used their
places for party purposes in disre-
gard of their duty to the people, and
because instead ofbeing public serv-
ants they have proved themselves
offensive partisans and unscrupulous
local party leaders. The lessons ofI
the past should be unlearned and
such officials, as well as their success
ors should be taught that efficiency,
fitness and devotion to public duty
are the conductions of their contin-
nance in puolic places, and that quiet
and unobtrusive exercise of individ-
lal political rights is reasonable |
measure 10 their party service. Ii |
were addressing none but my party |
friends. l should deem it entirely |!
proper to remind them that the COM
my administration is to be Demo-
cratic. A due regard for the peoples
interest does not permit that faithful
party work be always rewarded by
appointment to Office, and to say to
hem, that while Democrats may ex-
pect ali proper consideration, selec-
ions for Office not embraced within
he civil service rules, will be based
upon a sufficient inquiry as 10 fitness
instituted by those charged with day
luty rather than upon persistent i'm
or self-solicited recommen-
lation on behalf of candidates for ap-
pointment. Yours very truly.
GROVER CLEVELAND. I
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