News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1885-07-02
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, D. {
limo 30 1SS5.

June Y, 1850.
During the week many more names
have been added to the long list OF
those who have been required by the
new powers to step out of office in
order to make place for Democrats.
The sweeping out of Republican cffi-
Gals does not meet the wishes of Gen.
Logan, however. He made tour OF
the Executive departments on Friday
last, calling upon old friends and pay
ing respects to new officials. 10 the
latter he said that his only request
was that his office holding constltu-
ents be relieved with a little more
rapidity. The Senator is firm in the
conviction that as no Republican
would think of asking Democratic
administration for office, neither
shorld Republicans. remain in Office
under Democratic rule unless espec-
tally requested to do so. But few
government clerks can afford to be
proud and independent. Many are
disabled, old and have large families.
A few days ago chief of division
in the Treasury department was re-
que sted to resign by Secretary Man.
ming. He refused to do so, as no
charge could be made against him.
He was then given the alternative of
accepting clerkship o. of beir sum-
marily dismissed. He concluded to
accept lower place, and was accord
ingly reduced from salary of s., 100
per annum to 81 400 position.
Nor is the removal of Republicans
rapid enough for Democratic Con-
gressmen who have visited Washing
ton during the present month in quest
of places for their constituents. They
are under the impression that as the
new fiscal year approached, removals
of ineumbents would be even more
rapid. Representative Bennett, of
North Carolina has announced that
next winter be will endeavor to
smooth the way for the appointment
of Democrats by doing his best to re-
peal the Civil Service law. The Civil
Service commissioners have had a
busy week here with the examinations.
A class of over hundred applicants
ran the gauntlet for positions as post
office inspectors alone, although only
about one-third of that number can
get appointments now, They were
men from nearly all the states, and of
nearly all ages and conditions. Some
of the questions were peculiar, as
would naturally be those asked of
detectives. For instance,
the class was introduced to one of the
professors of the Agricultural depart
ment, and then asked to describe him
after he had gone out. This was to
test their power of remembering faces
and persons.
Post-office inspectors have been a
source of great political strength.
They are kept constantly on the move
and can therefore do many political
errands. There are many vacancies
in this department now, because.
coming in the class of offensive parti-
sans, many of them have resigned,
some have been suspended, and no
have been appointed for
six months.
Another class of candidates were
examined for positions in the State
The questions were in
law, government photography, pen
manship, arithmetic, etc. Among
the questions were such as the follow
ing: What is meant by the extra
dition of person? State the differ
ence between corporation and CO.
partnership. State the distinction at
common law between dover and joint
ure. What are the principal func-
tions of the Department of State?
What are the relations of federal and
State governments under the eonsti-
tuition? The applicants were required
to name the Presidents of the United
States and to give some of the char
acteristics of each administration.
Another test required the class to adj
dress aletter to the Secretary of State,
giving the writers views on the duties
of foreign minister.