The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-06-17
Offensive Partisans. :"

/ We copy from that staneh Democratic
paper. the New Orleans States. still an
other definition of what it takes to make
man an offensive partisan" coupled
with which are some suggestions in bar.
mony with views which we have hereto
fore expressed in the columns of this
paper.
Says the Stass
The appointments made by the Presi-
dent. which have provoked criticism, can
generally be traced TO too large conces-
sion to the demand and influence OF mem
bers OF Congress by the chiefs Of the de-
partments.
This has been the greatest evil and abuse
OF the appointing power. Ii has degraded
! the peoples representatives, &c the level of
not reputable brokerage business. quite
unworthy Of their high trust. II has been
through this concession by the Executive
that most Of the evils have crept into the
administration OF our government which
the civil service acts aimed to extirpate.
Congressman are thus made the dispen-
sers of patronage, without responsibility
therefor and with special reference to the
TO the increase OF their own influence and
( foliowings. Thus rings. clans and factions
are created. nourished and kept alive The
public offices are filled with the satellites.
the trained bands. TO whom the Congress
man looks for his support and reelection.
II is this class OF partisans who make mp
the offensive partisans" that ought not TO
be appointed or kept in office. Not those
who honestly stand by their party and
political principles, in the great political
contests among the people. but those who
attach themselves TO the personal fortunes
Of individual aspirants and chiefs. who
give time labor and influence that belong
to the Government and the party 10 the
support Of some particular faction or clique.
in opposition to some other faction or
clique.
As long as the President Yields TO the
demands and influence Of Congressman
in the disposal of public Offices. they
will be filed by appointees Of this class,
and these factions will be kept alive. 10
the very great disturbance Of the har-
mony of the party. We do not mean to
condemn the practice OF the Executive and
7 his chiefs OF departments consulting Con-
gressmen as to the personal character and
qualifications of the aspirant for Office. and
| as 10 his standing and fidelity to his
Z
are pressed in his behalf, and manifest
evidence is given that he is the special
friend, clansman and supporter OF his
recommenders, there should be great
caution and hesitation in appointing him,
lest the consequences we have described fol-
low from his selection, and a faction and
clique be strengthed and promoted. 1t
was under this system Of the Congressional
distribution of the Government patronage
that the offices in the South, and especially
in this State, were filed with the follow
ers and servitors OF disreputable jobbers
and yenal creatures, who happened 90 be
sorsted into congressional seats during the
wild reign of Radical and carpet-bag
vlllanity in this State.
The removal Is a duty of the President,
which We have full confidence will be sat
isfactorily performed. But in the appoint
ment OF their successors we hope that he
will avoid the criminal error of his prede-
cessors and decline the recognition OF the
qualifications or deserts OF candidates who
are jealous followers OF ambitious chief
tains rather than faithful Democrats, who
scorn to be the tools, claquers and promo
ters OF selfish ambition.