The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-03-12
TURNING Owe R"
The Way in Which the Government
Changes Hands.
PEACEABLE REVOLUTION.
Delivering UP the Offices, the
Army, the Navy, and the Cash.
ERA OF GOOD FEELING.
The Republicans Resigned, the
PEACEABLE REVOLUTION.
ERA OF GOOD FEELING.
The Republicans Resigned, the
Democrats Jubilant.

There is an old tradition concerning Office
holders that "few die and none resign"
While the truth of this, rs abstract PROPOSE
ton NAV be granted, there is still one factor
entering into our political system that is no
less potent than grim death itself in enforcing
an unwilling retirement OF those holding high
Government positions. An illustration OF this
has been afforded by the events of the past
week. A change of administration - not
merely within the party, but one brought
about by political revolution--is notice TO
quit that cannot be ignored, however unpleas-
ant may be the summons. The election OF 3
new President which brings with il no change
in party supremacy. usually involves little
more than change of Cabinet officers, and the
complicated machinery of the Government
moves right along, without even squeak. Bat
when party is ordered by the people of the
country 10 evacuate the fort of which it has
held uninterrupted possession for 81 years and
marches cut with trailing banners to sit in
the shadow Of defeat while close upon its re-
treating heels comes the triumphant procession
of the victor. with gongs and cymbals and
gaudy planes, and flags borne high in air,
then il is that the eyes of the country are
turned upon Washington with peculiar in
1creSt.
THE JJTsILANT HOSTS
of the Democracy, flushed with victory, came
painting the town" brilliant red. 1t is
putting it mildly to say that they carried out
their purpose 10 the letter. Not within the
memory OF the oldest citizen has such lurid
effect been produced by the efforts of polit
Teal artists in this direction. Washington
has never before seen such an impos-
ing pageant on any civic occasion. Mem
CRY only recalls. by way of comparison,
the grand review in 1865 when the magnificent
columns Of Grant and Sherman swept through
Pennsylvania avenue. That parade stands
upon the record without parallel. What those
men did who followed those faded and tattered
battle-fiags made possible the great popular
demonstration Of the past week. Had they
failed of the purpose for which they marched
and fought and "slept in the leaves" the Gov.
eminent would to-day have had no existence.
But the war has been over a score of years and
such have been the mellowing influences of
time that in the National Capital one of the
most famous Confederate cavalry leaders may
ride at the head of grand division in an in
augural parade, and share almost equally with
the President himself the plaudits of the null
titude; and another, who led Mississippi regi-
ment into battle, may control the pensions of
the soldiers of the Union. This observation is
not in the nature of a criticism, but is the SIM
pie statement of fact which would have
seemed anomalous indeed 20 years ago. 1t
only shows what a fckle and elastic thing is
public sentiment The pensioners of the Gov
ernment viii 30 doubt continue to receive at
the regular stated periods the money they
so DoUBLY DESERVE,
and we will indulge the hope that those who
have waited patiently so many years for the
adjustment Of their claims may receive at least
rs much consideration As they have had under
the tardy action oil the past regime.
Ii IS an eloquent tribute to the stability Of
our popular government that the most radical
change of National administration is made with
= Z L.
the Grew" Of a railway train at fixed inter-
walls. The passengers arc wholly unconscious
of the change save thai the conductors Ian
tern shines np3n new face, and strange
voice shouts " Tickets, pleased" along the aisles.
Another hand is at the throttle, but the train
moves right on 10 its destination. The hun
dred years and more Of our existence As nation
have fully solved the problem of self govern-
Iuent by an educated aud enlightened people.
Some other nations, which do not know as
much as we do. have tried to initiate ex-
ample. Most OF these efforts have resulted in
failure. Ia Mexico and yarious countries of
South America and Europe changes OF admins
tration, whether under republican or other
forms of government. are, more frequently than
otherwise, occasions of spirited encounters. A
party of ambitious men, who imagine that they
have been called 10 fulfill a special political
mission, just march into the offices,
SHOOT DOWN THE INCUMBENTs,
aud inaugurate themselves. 1t is a very sim
pie process, and often effective, although il has
It's drawbacks Sometimes the other fellows
shoot, and the preponderancc Of funerals is on
the wrong side for the enterprsing patriots
Just at this time ia our own country, Judging
from the clamOr in the ranks Of the victorious
party. and the painful suspense that exists
with reference to the probable scope Of Civil
Service Reform under the new dispensation, it
IS not unlikely that some such scheme TO get
possession of coveted positions might have its
ady oCates. 1t is in the highest degree probable
however. that our law abiding and order loving
people will still prefer the old way, admitting
the right of the " in to stay in as long as DOS
sible, and the out " to get III if he can. La
fact this appears TO be about the only issue
there is between the two parties. 1t is little
else than question of who shall represent the
Nation IN salubrious climates abroad, collect
the customs and get chance to read the pos
tai cards LIZ there is any other great dividing
issue between the Democrats and Republicans
il does not at this moment occur 10 the writer.
The history OF our Government furnishes but
8 single instance IL which
TRoUBLE WAS THREATENED
in the transfer Of an Administration. 1t was
when John Adams went out and Thomas Jefcr-
s0n came in. The retirement Of Adams was the
end OF the Federal party. The odious term
" Tory" had alsO been applied to il, aud had il
become exceedingly unpopular with the people
81 tiic country. Jefferson had been elected as a
Republican. although the name had Is different
Significance from that of the great party Of later
years The story may be told in a few words.
Condensed from the narrative in Parlon'5 Life
Of jefferson" Ia the expiring days of the
Adams Admins ration the offensive judiciary
law had been passed. and the FeGcFaiists were
anxious 10 secure FOR themselves all the life
appointments under its provisions. Nomina-
ti0ns were sent 10 tie Senate as late rs o'clock
ia the evening of March 3: and Judge Mar
shall, the Acting Secretary OF STATE. was in his
office at midnight Eti signing commissions
Tor men through whom another Adminstra-
lion was 10 act. Bat, as the clock was precisely
upon the stroke Of IL, the Secretary and his
busy clerk were startled AS II by an appacition
IL was the bodily presence of Levi Lincoln, of
Massachusetts, whom the Pfesident-elect had
chosen for The Office Of Attorney General.
j have been ordered by Mr. Jefferson" said
Mr. Lincoln, 10 take possession CO this Office
and is papers"
Why exclaimed Judge Marshall with I'M
concealed sarprise, Mr. Jefferson has not yet
qualified"
Mr.. Jefferson" was the reply. considers
himself in the light Of an executor bound 20
take charge Of the papers of the Government
until he IS duly qualified"
But 1t is not yet II o'clock" said Marshall.
taking cut his watch.
Mr. Lincoln took from his pocket a watch.
and said dccisively:
this IS THE PRESIDENTS WATCH
and rules the hour."