The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1885-04-22
MAsmINGTONLETTER
[Frpm our ReruIar corresp ondent!l

WAsHIgcTuK, Apfill7, 1885
Nothing ofgreat political impor.
lance has occurred since my Last
letter II d q peculiarly Of the
present revolution that Unsteady
aud constant, but noiseless and
withoutibrass and accompaniment.
II can be seen and appreciated on
~ bythpse who are profoundly ac
quainted with the policy and pfac.
tice cfthe party that has been in
controlof the country since Grant
debated Greeley. This embraces a
period oftaelye years, and covers
an era in the history Of the United
States essentially different frcm the
twelve years Of Republican ascen
dancy which proceeded Grants SEQ.
ond term.
The moderation and circumspec,
ton with which the present ad
ADMINISTRATION has proceeded to re
form deep rooted wrongs and dera
climate librous abuses is causing moi
oplythe Office seeking class, but
many honest though rash reformsrs
to express impotence and disgust.
A thorough knowledge of the pc.
litical situation willconyince those
capable eeing and knowing that
the wiser craftsmanship is to hast.
en- slowly in the start. A wise
general will not begin a long march
atthe top Of bisspeed, and before
surveying and choosing the safest
route. The new Administration
has had time 10 do little more than
look over the field, and map its
course, and yet real and important
reforms have been accomplished
All the government Offices are ac.
complishing an amount Of work
that is astonishing to those who
have been accustomed to the old,
dawdling, slip.shod habit Of the
Departments. In some Offices they
have not only kept up the current
work, but have actually gained two
or three months on the back or de
layed work. The capacity Of the
average government clerk to d.
anything but talk politics and
scandal during Office hours aston.
ishes no one, perhaps, more than
the clerk himself. The appearance
on thescene, as his masters, Of those
who are not politically friendly tn
him or to his methods has acted
like a tonic upon him, and for the
first month in his clerical life be
has been going to bed with the
novel reflection that he has earned
his salary.
The President is being urged tn
strengthen the Democratic party
in close states having elections
this year by the removal Of repub
cans holding. federal position, and
the appointment of democrats in
their places. The Virginia demo.
cratic leaders are asking for early
attention to the political situation
in their state, and there are indi.
cations that within u short period,
some changes will be made in i'm.
portant Offices there. Ohio demo.
Gratis are also calling for the assis.
lance Of the administration. The
democrats of Oregon represent that
they can carry the next legislature,
and thus secure a Senator to fill out
the term now vacant because Of the
neglect Of the republican majority
10 choose a successor to Senator
Slater, il the administration will
Dust federal officials who make use
Of their places for political ends.
The President is not asked to make
changes simply for the purpose Of
helping his party, but the request
is that be shall make certain re.
movals because, as is alleged, the
incumbents are political managers
who give the most Of their time To
political work. In regard to Ore
gon, it has been submitted to the
President that seven federal olfici.
ais Of Portland dominate republi.
can politics in that state; that they
control the machine, and are now
laboring in behalfofthe republican
party. It is charged that the ar.
Oitary rule Of this cliqe of officials
really caused the breach in the re.
publican party which prevented the
election Of a Senator last winter;
that a faction of the republicans
revol'ed against the despotic sway
of the Portland ring, and that the
interests of the people generally
call for the smashing Of this politi
cal machine. The President has
been advised. also. that the po.t