Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-08-06

President HarrisOn's Views Expressed
by DanInI Mehster.

In looking over the old records Of the
custom house, few days ago. Deputy
Collector Porter came across an old yell
low paper dated March 20, 1871. CHANGING
over II he found it 70 be a circular issued
by Secretary OF State Daniel Webster,
few days after the Inauguration Of Presi-
dent William Henry Harrison. 1t CON
tanned the views Of the new President on
civil service, and is an Interesting docu-
ment. There is a stri6ing similarity be-
tween the views Of the then President
and President Cleveland on the use Of
government patronage for party purposes.
Assessments for campaign purposes were
evidently levied upon officials by former
administrations. A copy of the circular,
which was sent TO Collector James
Hunter, Of this port, reads:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, March 90, 1871.
To the Hon. Thomas EWing, Secretary Of the
ITeasury:
sIR-The President is Of opinion that it Is
a great abuse TO bring the patronage Of the
general government into conflict with the
freedom Of elections, and that this abuse
ought to be corrected wherever il ma7 have
been permitted to exist, and 20 be prevented
Tor the future. He, therefore, directs that
Information be given TO all officers ard agents
IN your department Of the public service that
partisan interference IN popular elections,
whether Of State officers OF OF officers of this
government, and for WhOm~OeVer or against
whomsoeYer it may be exercised, or he pay
ment OF anv contribution or assessment, or
salaries or official compensation, for party or
ecton purposes will be regarded by him as
cause OF removal 1t 10 not intended
that any officer shall be re
strained in the free and proper
eNpres-l ion and maintenance Of his opinions
respecting u5lic men or public measures, or
ia the exercise to the fullest degree Of the
constitutional rights of suffrage. But persons
employed under the government. and paid for
their services out of the public treasury, are
LOj expected to lake an active or oiliciOus part
IN aitem lts to influence the minds or votes OF
others,such conduct being deemed inconsistent
win the spirit Of the constitution and the
duties OF public agents 1ctlng under It, and tue
President IS resolved. 80 far as depends upon
him, that while the exercise n the election
franchise by the people shall be free from
undue influence OF Oaiclal station and au-
thoritv, opinion shall also be free among the
officers and agents of the government.
The President wishes it further 10 be an
roupced and distinctly understood that for
all collecting and disbursing officers prOmpti-
tude la rendering account and entire pune
tGality IN paying balances Will he rlgor-
Ousy executed. In his OPP MON 10 Is time 10
return In this respect to the early practice Of
the government, ana to I'D any degree OF
delinquency on the part Of those entrusted
with the pubic money just cause OF lmme-
diate removal. He deems the severe Ohsery-
auce " THE rule to be essential to the public
by untaiUh uluess IN Office create q necessity
for new charge up the people.
have the honor TO be sir. Your Obedient
servant, DANIEL WEBSTER.
SINH ar letters have been addressed to
other heads OF departments.