The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1885-04-23
Washington Letter.

w ASAlNGTON, ApIll II, 1OOO.-
There is apparently little of in
terest going on in Washington Just
now, but much is expected, and an
ticipation is on the qui vive The
recently appointed heads of the de
partment and chiefs of bureau have,
of course, many things to learn be-
fore they can know even the rou-
tine of their cumbrOus and need
less y complicated charges. The
subordinates, schooled in twenty
years ofrepublican red tape absurd
ity, have many things to unlearn,
if indeed their instruction does not
cost them their heads. l do not be-
lieYe that it will be possible for the
present administration to carry out
any proposed or projected reform
without change of crew. The re-
publican underlings in the various
departments are servile enough,
they will lick the hand that feeds
them, even though it be the hand Of
bloody democrat, but they are
skilled in all the vices Of political
serVility, they were never chosen
for honest work, they are treach-
erous and disloyal. They live in
perpetual fear and ideal exile,
longing for the return Of the repub-
lican party four years hence. How
can such poison trees bear fruit Of
civil service reform. In their heart
they regret every measure and ev-
cry event that recommends their
hated capters to the country. 1t is
only in enthusiastic, faithful hearts
and willing hands that Mr.. Cleve-
land will find sthe genuine sympR-
thy and cooperation without which
his best aspirations will fall fat.
The motives of the president are
unquestionably patriotic, and the
broadest and best democracy is not
partisan. 1t is yet too early to
criticize his policy, for statesman
ship, except in absolute monarchies,
must proceed with compromises.
The last stronghold Of the defeated
party is in the U. S. senate cham
ber. There in desperation and at
bay the worst class Of spoilsmen are
perverting the civil service reform
idea OF the nsw administration into
a stumbling block and a pitfall.
The country last November de
manded change Of personel that
was meant to reach farther than
the white house. Unless it shall
reach much farther than now APP
pears probable in view of the OBJ
structiVe policy Of the republican
majority in the senate, the best ef-
forts Of tho new administration will
be without their full fruition.
There are many things that come
under the personal observation of
an old habitue of Washington that
justify me in the opinions that 1
have expressed. l am in daily coa-
tact with politicians of both parties,
and with the employees of the vari-
Gus government departments. l
hear them talk and / know their an
imus. 1 am persuaded that it is
just as impossible to bring about a
better state of things with such
servants as these as it is to gather
figs from dried thistles.
When Mr.. Lamar, the secretary
Of the interior, puts his foot on q
scandalous abuse that has existed
for years, refer to the use of horses
and carriages by the head of the
department and by the chiefs of
bureau at government expense, the
clerks Of his department make it
the theme of their table talk and
speak of it contemptuousIy as pic
ayune economy. They dsride the
secretary for walking to zand from
the department or for hiring with
his own money g common Gao,
when he wishes to ride. These are
little things, but they are signif-
cant of the low tone of official NOR
ality, and the obtuseness of moral
vision In the civil service which
this administration has inherited,
and which it can only reform only
by plucking it out and casting it
aKQV