New-York tribune., 1885-09-20
WILL MR.. EATON RESIGNs
DISSATISFIED WITH APPOINTMENTS.
WAITING FOR THE DECISION ON THE coNsTITU-
aI.,r

WAITING FOR THE DECISION ON THE CoNsTITU-
TIoYALITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE ACTS
WASHINGTON, Sept 19.-DOrman Il. Eaton,
chairman Of the Civil Service Commission, reached this
city from NewYorl this evening He has come to pre-
pare defence in the action begun by Major Hnckey
Of NewYork in the United States Circuit Court TO test
the constutonaiy OF the Civil Service law. An OH
cla connected with the Civil Service reform movement
makes the statement that about weeks ago. just be-
fore Major Hnckley began the suit Mr Eaton addressed
TO the President letter containing his resignation 1t
s well known that Mr. Eaton has talked OF resgning
for the last five six months II s given out that he Is
in need OF and purposes to seek recreation abroad
His means considerable. and he has held the olce
only because he felt be his duty. There those
however, who assert that Mr. Eaton wishes 10 resign
because he is dissatisfied with the way in which the Civil
Service law is being carried out under this
Administration. He has been known to crlticse 1t
verely although he still reposes his trust in the Pres
dent
The resignation was offered It is sad after consuta-
ton with several OF the officers OF the Civil Service Re
form Association. among whom George William
Curtis, L. =. Wheeler. William Potts and Carl schurz
These gentlemen endcavored TO dssuade tho ConInis-
sioner from his purpose, and mt one time 1t was sup
posed that they had succeeded. The one point upon
which they desired to satisfied the identity Of the
person whom the President would appoint in the event
OF Mr. Eatons resignation. Commissioner Eaton held
of long enough for the President to be soan.
Mr.. Cleveland assured the reformers that
lie would be sorry to have Mr.
Eaton leave the He professed entire satIsfac
tion with the way in which the Commission was uphold
the law. He the heartest sort OF expression
OF his purpose to support the law no matter what 1t
cost 1t s not believed that he any intimation as
to whom he would appoint II Mr. Eaton resigned To
that matter he promised his thoughtful consideration
and the reformers well satisfied that he meant to
his duty. They told Mr. Eaton. therefore, that II he
really determined resign, they did not believe
that the interests OF the reform would be seriously
imperilcd by the Presidents choice OF a
The resignation was accordingly sent to Mr..
Cleveland. At that time he was on
his vacation in the AdirOndacks, and
the paper awaited his return. In the meantime Major
iuckcy brought his action involving the constitutions
ality Of tho law attacking the Commissioners directly
him. 10 Mr. Eaton letter In which he used almost
these words: 1.-THE coDstutiOnaty OF the law shall be
and the law shall be enforced to the very
letter. The date OF hs letter back only three or
days. He desired the Commissioner not to press
his request relieved Of his duties until the su
disposed OF. suggesting that any such action would
look like retreat Judge WaaceB order to show cause
Is TetuTnablo September %. Tho Presidents |
written and verbal language addressed both to Mr.
Eaton and to tho reformers who have him again
hs return from the Adirondacks, with regard TO
the law, WAS exceedingly strong.
There can be doubt that Mr.. Eaton's disposition TO
leave the Commission has been strengthened by the
tRpgle IN the NcwYOrk Custom house. His friends as
that he finds great deal OF difficulty In reconciling
the Presidents reform expressions with his appoint
ments In the place of ali places where the spols
system II dangerous II IL believed here that II the Com
InsslOners arc not heartily sustained they VIII all