The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-11-05
COMMISSIONER TH0mAM.


The resignafions of Civil Service Com
missioners Eaton and Gregory had already
been accepted by President Cleveland, aud
now that of the remaining commissioner,
Judge Thoman. of Ohio. has also been ac-
cepted. The following 10 the correspond
ence:
THoMAN TO CLEVELAND.
Respectfully referring to . conversation had
with you as early as March 10. in which ex-
pressed the wish to be relieved OF my duties az
q member OF the United States civi-seryice
commission. and also to the apparent tact that
IL was not then your pleasure TO consider my
request. have now the honor to tender for
early consideration of the same and It's accept
ance. While thus asking release from so honor
able trust desire to record my qualification.
over the proved practicability and remedial
effectiveness OF the reform procedure. Tried
veterans in political warfare view with amaze
memt the fao,ie though
system of distributing the patronage.
Strenuous and sincere argument. and also de-
liberate perversfon, mark the opposition of
different groups of antagonists, and yet it must
be concluded that majority OF political leaders
In either party is in accord with the Pendleton
Law, II its original enactment and emphatic in
dorsement by a subsequent Congress were hon
est legislative expressions and not the coercion
OF moral cowardicc by popular sentiment nor
partisan legerdemain. In the great task Of ad-
ministTative reform which you have under
taken, in accordance with personal and party
pledges. the people will give aid. 1t has been
quite a number of the states and Territories OF
this Union, and IL was my good fortune to meet
with many OF their citizens 1t is gratifying to
know that the people confde In the unequivocal
intention OF the President ID sustain the merit
system In the civil service. They had con-
demned the evils of the former method. Long
experience had made their knowledge &C
curate. They welcomed the Inauguration
Of the new. The distinctive features of
American sentiment, which recommends and
advances merit. With the precise details of the
new procedure their acquaintance was not 80
intimate. To this they are fast succeeding. and
the result will be cordial approval. The incep-
ton and maintenance of great reforms are with
the people. 1 believe that the fundamt ntal
American thought. Popular hesitation over the
acceptance or statutory details suggests merely
a safe conservatism. In the initial stages or
this reform there was response throughout the
nation. Political contests assumed new tone.
Old time methods of corruption dis
outraged. and bossism was grappled with fresh
vigor. The Improvement is vet marked. IL
vicious elements still seek obtrusion into cleo
lions the chances of their success have been
iessened. The reform spirit Is militant and
by ofhcial patronage has been removed. With
the imparting OF purer lite to official circles
the power OF the private purse TO purchase
POLITICAL honors will be less dangerous
Public appreciation OF the fact that this re-
form does not trench upon sturdy craftsmanship
came late. 1t was sedu0usly maintained that
the civil service was to be composed of men who
should abJure certain rights of citize nship.
With the gradual but inevitable reputation of
iis false Jew the outlines OF the reform at last
stood forth in clearne s. 1t is reform which
views the evil service as a vast business agency
i - search il for the best attainahe merit. In
business which is not political it enforces no
lasts of party. With confident trust in the sue
,sss OF your administration. am your obedient
bsrvant, LEROY ID. TaoMAN
THE PRESIDENTS REPLY.
have received your letter. rendering your
resignation member OF the civil service
commission, which is in furtherance of an incli-
az N ead " a " in
suguration President. The resignation thus
tsndel ed is hereby accepted. TO take effect
the first day Of November next. L congratulate
you upon the fact that in the Office which you
feinqufshed you have been able. by silcere and
earnest work, and by steady devotion to the
Cause Of which you have had charge. to do so
much good in the interest of government and
improved political methods. Yours, sincerely,
GROVER CLEVELAND.