Connecticut western news., 1885-01-07
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
Governor Cleveland Dehne es His Position
 Enforcement of the Law Promised.

The National Civil Service Reform League, of which Geo. Wm. Curtis is President, an as- sociation composed of citizens of all parties, whose sole purpose is indicated by it's name, and which takes no part whatever in party controversy, has addressed Gov. Cleveland on the subject of Civil Service reform. Gov Cleveland replies as follows:-
 Your communication, dated December 20, addressed to me on behalf of the National Civil Service Reform League, has been received.
 That practical reform in the civil service Is demanded IS abundantly established by the fact that statute, referred to in your communi- cation, to secure such 8 result has been passed in Congress, with the assent of both political parties, and by the further fact that senti- ment is generally prevalent among patriotic people calling for the fair and honest enforce ment of the law which has been thus enacted. l regard myself pledged to this because my conception 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 utterances made prior to my election as President ap- proved by the party to which belong and which have no disposition to disclaim. I have in effect promised the people that this should be done.
 I am notunmindful of the fact to which you refer, that many of our citizens fear that the recent party change in the national Executive may demonstrate that the abuses which have STOWu up III GQ6 CIVIL S6rVlC6 hI6 lQ6rhQlC6Dl6. l know that they are deeply rooted and that the spoils system has been supposed to be inti- mately related to success in the maintenance of party organization, and am not sure that all those who profess to be the friends of this reform will stand firmly among it's advocates when they find it obstructing their way to pat ronage and place. But, fully appreciating the trust committed to my charge, no such consid- eration shall cause relaxation on my part of an earnest effort to enforce this law.
 There is class of government positions which are not within the letter of the civil service statute, but which are 80 disconnected with the policy of an administration that the emoval therefrom of present incumbents in my opinion, should not be made during the terms for which they were appointed solely on partisan grounds and for the purpose of put ting in their places those who are in political &C., cord with the appointing power. But many now holding such positions have forfeited all just claim to retention, because they have used their places for party purposes in disregard of their duty to the people; and because, instead of being decent public servants, they have proved themselves offensive partisans and unscrupu- lous manipulators of local party management. The lessons of the past should be unlearned, and such officials, as well as their successors, should be taught that efficiency, fitness and de- votion to public duty are the conditions of their continuance in public place, and that the quiet and unobtrusive exercise of individual political rights is the reasonable measure of their party service.
 If were addressing none but party friends I should deem it entirely proper to remind them that though the coming administr ation is to be Democratic, due regard for the peoples interest does not permit faithful party work to be always rewarded by appointment to office, and to say to them that while Democrats may expect all proper consideration, selections for office not embraced within the civil service rules will be based upon sufficient inquiry as to fitness, instituted by those charged with that duty, rather than upon persistent impor- unity or self-solicited recommendations on behalf of candidates for appointment.
 Yours, very truly, GROVER CLEVELAND.