The Harrison times. (Harrison, Boone Co., Ark) 1876-1938, 1885-04-25
WASHINGTON LETTER.

the present revolution that it is
steady and constant, but noiseless
and without brass band aecompan-
iment. 1t can be seen and appre-
ciated only by those who are pro-
foundly acquainted with the poll
cy and practice of the party that
had been in control of the eonn-
try since Grant defeated Greedy.
This embraces a period of twelve
years, and covers an era In the
history of the United States essen
tially different from the twelve
years of Republican asoendeney
which preceded Grants second
term.
The moderation and cireum.
speetion with which the present
administration has proceeded to
reform deep rooted wrongs and
eradicate fibrous abuses is caus-
ing not only the Office seeking
class, but many honest though
rash reformers to express impa-
thence and disgust. A thorough
knowledge of the political situa-
ton will convince those capable of
seeking and knowing thet the wis
er craftsmanship is to hasten slow
ly in the start. A wise general
will not begin long march at the
top of his speed, and before sur
veying and choosing the safest
route. The new administration
has had little time to do more
than look over the field, and map
its course, and yet real and impor-
tant reforms have been accomplish
ed. All the government Offices
are accomplishing an amount of
work that is astonishing to those
who have been accustomed to the
old dwadling, slip-shod habits of
the departments. In some Offices
they have not kept up the current
work, but have actually gained two
Or three months on the back of de-
layed work. The capacity of the
average government clerk to do
anything but talk politics and
scandal during office hours aston
ishes no one perhaps, more
than the clerk himself. The ap-
pearance on the scene, as his
masters, Of those who are not po-
litieally to him or to his methods
has acted like a tonic upon him,
md for the FIRST month in his cler-
ical life he has been going to bed
with the novel reflection that he
has earned his salary.
The President is being urged to
strengthen the Democratic party
in close states having elections
this year by the removal of repub-
licans holding federal positions,
and the appointment of democrats
- their places. The Virginia
democratic leaders are asking for
early attention to the political sit
uation in their state, and there are
indications that within short pc,
Rod, some changes will be nseorf
in important offices there. Ohio
democrats are also calling for the
assistance of the administration.
The democrats of Oregon repre-
sent that they can carry the next
legislature, and thus secure q sem
ator to fill out the term now va
cant because of the neglect of the
republican majority to choose q
a successor to senator Slater, if the
administration will GUST federal
officials who makeA 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 he shall make certain re-
movals because, as is alleged, the
incumbents are political managers
who give most of their time to po-
litical work. In regard to Oregon
it has been submitted to the Pres
ident that several federal ofticials
of Portland dominate republican
politics in that state; that they
CONTROL the machine, and are now
laboring in behalf of the republi-
can party. 1t is charged that the
arbitrary rule of this clique of
officials really breach in the repub-
liean party which prevented the