Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-01-07
Following il President-elect Oleve-
1andso rAplv.

NJ xsA
Csstts, and othsys-D1AR SIRs: Your communica-
ton dated December 20, addressed to me on be-
halt of the National Civil Service Reform League,
h:s h. been received: That practical reform in tho
lshed by the fact that the statute referred to in
your communication to secure such result has
been passed In congress with the assent y both
political partes and by the further fact that the
sentiment is generally prevalent among patriotic
people calling for fair and honest enforce
ment Of the law which has been thus
because my conception Of true Democratic faith
and public duty requires that this and all other
statutes should be in good faith and without
made prior to my election as president, approved
by the party to which belong and whi.h have
no deposition to disclaim. have in effect prom.
not unmindful of the fact to which you refer,
that many OF our citizens fear that the recent
party change in the national executive may
n % the ,e1vce
know they are deeply rooted and that the spoils
system has been supposed to be intimately related
TO success In the maintenance OF party organiza-
tiOn and am not sure that all those who profess
to be friends OF this reform will stand firmly
among its advocates when they find 1t obstruct-
ing their way to patronage and place. But fully
appreciating the trust committed to my charge,
no such consideration shall cause relaxation on
my part of earnest effort to enforce his law.
the se gssh
with the policy Of an administration
that removal therefrom Of the 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
putting In their. places those who are in
political accord with the appointing power. But
many now holding such positions have forfeited
all just claims to retention, became they have
used their places for party purposes in disregard
to their duty to the people and because, instead
Of being decent public servants, they have proved
themselves offensive partisaDs and interruptions
manipulators of local party management. The
Lessons of the past should be unlearued and such
officials, as we'll as their SUCCESSORS, should be
taught that efficiency, fitness and devotion to
public duty are conditions of their continuance
In public place and that quiet
and unobtrusive exercise Of individual
political rights Is q reasonable measure OF their
party service. II I were addressing none but
party friends should deem it entirely proper to
remind them that, though the coming adminis-
tration 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 the Democrats may expect all proper con-
siderat1on, selection for Offices 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 per.
sistent importantly or selt-solicited recomrnen-
dation on behalf Of candidates for appointment.
Yours very truly, GROVER CLEVELAND.