Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-03
Federal Pasrsnags.
BucKrSaHAN couNTr,(
March 81, 1885.

To The Editor Of The Dispafch
I have just read the communication
from your correspondent, jackson
Democrat and in some particulars
agree with him most heartily. Not
that the distribution Of patronage BY .
member Of Congress is an inherent
right by any means, but il does seem
to me that no one is so fit 70 recommend
or point out to the Executive the most
suitable Of the applicants for Office in
his district as he who is acquainted
with and knows the wants of his con-
stituents.
Place yourself, Mr. Editor, in the
position Of Postmaster General. Here
are five applications from southern
California for . small postmastership,
all protesting to be the staunchest Of
Democrats, and each applicant backed
by long list Of clamorous personal
friends. How are you to decide who
is most worthy, which one will give
most perfect satisfaction? Strange
names, strange faces If they apply in
person), long lists filed for all you
know with fictitious names, and hours
of valuable time to be spent in exam
lining their respective claims. And as
the result of this patient labor does the
right man loom up before you, or can a
correct judgment be formed? In this
quandary Mr.. NJ. G. steps in, informs
you that Mr.. Jones is worthless Office
seeker, Mr.. Brown dishonest, Mr..
Scott a bar-room keeper, and either
points out to you the most worthy OF
the applicants, or say lif you choosel
recommends some friend Of his
whose good character and BUSH
ness efficiency he vouches for.
You appoint him on his recommends
ton, feeling relieved that you need no
longer draw name by lot from the five,
and impressing on him the fact that you
hold him responsible for that appoint
ment, and feeling sure that his constitu-
ents at any rate will see that their con-
gresham gives them the services of an
efficient man. If you do not follow this
course, what are you to do? In the
first place, the clerical forces at the De-
partments must be swclled to twice
their present proportions. The work
of hearing claims, which can. now be
scarcely attended to by the 1916 con-
gressmen, must be divided up amongst
clerks and sub-clerks-these infal-
lible, most honest tail-cnds Of the
Departments, who are incapable
of mistakes and injustice. Of making
appointments the offspring Of ignorance,
venality, and fsvoritiSm /! Yes. these in
their total lack Of information. in their
blindness. are to do the work which our
well-paid congressman cannot be trust
ed to do as they might appoint only per-
sonal friends, and these fat-salaried, in
dependent @ fellows will go home to
have an easy time until Congress meets
again. Now, in all times appointments
TO Office have been made by and through
the recommendation and advice of those
who are already in office. Need we
then depart from this timc-worn
custom? and need we take such mar
row and theoretic view Of this practical
matter? For in the vast majority Of
appointments there would be the same
difficulty as in the appointment for that
little post-ofiice.
These appointments by congressman
are, think, for the most partnv SO
The small posts are given to those Who
have given their time and labor to the
achievement Of victory by organizing
clubs and doing good party-work-and
if any can lay claim to these so-called
"spoiIs" these workers can-and in
the selection for important positions an
honest effort is made to appoint the best
man. We do not hear any complaint
at the great prerogative NJ. C.s have in
not only recommending, but what is
equivalent to actually appointing naval
cadets. The wisdom Of this is seen and
recognized. The different sections Of
the country are thus represented.
And just 30 this striving of the
representation from each State for
all the honors possible, and then Of
each congressman for the interests Of
his own district. Yes, this war Of fac
tons is grand thing for the country.
By means Of it every district of this
great Union is linked to the central
Government by ties Of Office and inter-
est. II is a strife annoying to behold,
but, philosophically viewed, bringing
forth the survival of the fittest and
stamping out corruption and stagnation.
Let, then, the recommendation by
congressman continue, the Departments
reserving the privilege las Of course
they do) of rejecting them, and let us,
the voters, at the ballot-box hold them
responsible for not appointing good,
faithful public servants.
NoN-0PFICE-SEEKINe VOTER.