The Evening critic., 1885-02-24

pubic Military history contains no
darker chapter of error and disaster.
-a-a-f- -
A. rHE ith of March approaches and the
change Of parties is at hand, there is no
subject of more absorbing interest to the
great majority Of our citizens than the
question AZ 10 what construction Is to be
put upon the Ciyil-Sorvice law and the sim
cority and success with which Mr. Ceve-
land will carry out his professed intentions.
The most careful consideration of the sub
iect from every viewpoint, the most careful
consultation with all who are in any way
qualified % Judge, and the most careful de-
liberation ON all tho indications that have
been given and utterances made known,
iustifes the conclusion that the admins-
tration of the Civil Service is to be on
sound aud consistent principles, and that
the reform sentiment Is to govern in letter
and In spirit
Tho spoils seekers have already been
driven TO despair and efficient aud consci-
entIOus Government employees have beon
treasured.
No one fact concerning the coming Al
ministration Is more certain than that Mr..
Cleveland knows that the Civil Service Re-
form sentiment secured his election and
that the Civil-service machinery as a po-
litical power has proved itself worthless In
battle for nomination and Ia Presden.
tial campaign. Democrats who have sought
Cleveland on the hunt for spoils return
with tidings that the Cvil-sorvice may be
used 70 reward political and personal
friends, where consistent with tho princi-
Piles already announced, but Its efficiency
will not be sacrificed TO make room for par
tissn appointees.
They report further that Mr.. Cleveland's
belief is that the machinery Of tho Govern
ment can be useful 10 the Democratic party
only so far as IL is improved In efficiency
and honesty undor Democratic rule. In
other words, 1t is his idea that better
force Of postal clerks, more prompt de-
livery Of mails, fewer mistakes and gen.
orally improved service will appeal more
strongly TO the community directly inter
ested than would the political endeayors Of
a partisan postmaster.
The idea thus roughly conveyed is be-
lieyed TO be his ruling motive. II Is not
pure love of reform, sentimontality, OF tho
sacrifice Of political aims 10 the public good.
II Is tho combined idea that consistent
Civil Service Reform was the issue upon
which he was elected and to which he is
pledged. and that by its enforcement alone
can the mighty appointing power be
utilized 10 promote tho interests Of the
Democratic party.
Politicians undoubtedly benefit by the
award Of patronage. II is the services Of
partisan workers and not the votes OF the
people that are purchased by the distribu-
tion Of the spoils.
II may be accepted as a fact, II any OBJ
tainable information can DO trusted, that
Mr.. Cleveland will base his administration
of the Ciyil-seryice upon the sound prln-
ciple that 10 promote its efficiency, 10 facll-
tate the transaction Of public business aud
TO secure an honest aud efficient collection
and distribution Of the revenue is the
highest aim of the appointing and control.
ling power.
10 is a mistake 10 suppose that this ex-
alted principle does not allow the dis.
tribution OF rewards to political friends or
leave any room for appointments on po.
litical or personal grounds There are
many, very many, instances Ia which tho
President elect will believe that tho OH.
cheney of the service can be promoted by
the appointment Of competent Democrat
in accord with and useful 70 his party, TO
aposition whose present Incumbent claims
I little fitness or qualification other than
his political services to the Republican
party.
In some instances, where such removalsof
officials are iustidable, the promotion Of an
efficient subordinate will be incumbent, but
even deducting these cases the list remains
long enough and includes salaries tempting
enough to permit the distribution Of all the
patronage that Cleveland has given his po.
litical followers encouragement 10 expect
10 may seem like too near an approach
to political millennium aud too startling
a departure from the methods OF the past,
but the prediction is made by those we'll
qualified 10 speak that through every
grade of Government employo, from The
Assistant Secretary to the messenger COM
petence, efficiency, attention 10 dnty. or
any special fitness or valuable experience,
will beashield from all attacks Of the place.
seeker, which the next President is not
likely to. permit 10 be dlsfegArdod by his
a.