National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-04-10
Its All IlumbuR.

The Mugwumps who take to them
selves the name Of the Massachusetts, Re.
form Club held meeting recently aud
resolved to this effect
Resoircd, That we regard the rcappointment
Of Mr.. Pearson with especial satisfaction, be-
cause II affords strong encouragement to be-
licve that the President IL determined to apply
the principles Of civil service reform in cases
not within the letter of existing law, so dis.
connected with the policy of the admlnistra.
ton that the political opinions Of those who
hold them are unimportant
Looking at this matter without preju-
dice and with a disposition TO do exact
justice to the President, IL must be said
that tho appointment of Pearson does not
indicate that Mr.. Cleveland "is deter
mined TO apply the principles Of civil
service reform in cases not within tho
letter Of existing law" for the reason that
his case stands solitary and alone, while
opposed to it are arrayed number Of re.
movals of officials who are the peers of
Nr. Pearson in every element OF expe-
rience, qualification, faithful service, aud
whose offices, equally with that held by
Pearson, were go disconnected with the
policy Of an administration that the po-
litical opinions Of those who hold them
are unimportant."
1t is all fudge for the Mugwumps to
attempt to make out that the Pearson
case had any moral significance whatever.
Mr.. Cleveland felt that he was indebted
to that element. He knew very well
that from the beginning tho people had
been watching with intent curiosity tu
see In what manner he would pay his
debt to them. All of his appointments
had been Of Democrats Of the straightest
sort. 1t pleased the Mugwumps oil o.
once to make point in favor Of the re
tontion Of Pearson. With singular unan
unity they Joined from all over th,
country in making it plain to him tina
the Now York postofiice given to Pearson
for another term would square obliga
tions between them, and at tn,
same time be accepted by thom a
n signal proof Of his adherence to thei
favorite hobby. Cleveland saw his OF
portunity and paid his debt. There is nj
doubt whatever that he took that vie,
of the matter. II ho had not folt undo
obligations to the Mugwumps, and ha
every reason to believe that the cours
he adopted would discharge them, Nj
Pearson would not have been reappointed
1t is we'll known that other considera
tions re-cnforced tine Mugwumps' dc
mand; but by themselves they woul
not have been weighty enough to preven
the Office from going into control of
good Democrat.
Mr.. Cleveland is in no great hurry, bu
his course so far shows that, proceedin
with deliberation, he will remove all Rt
publican ofliceholders above the grade
service and fill their places with Demo
Gratis. If this is not so, does any on
suppose that such mon as Clarke, Crowel
Chesley, and many others whose head
have fallen, would have been supplante
by men who cannot possibly fill the
places with equal efficiency until yea
spent in Office shall have made thei
equally acquainted with the duties inc
dent to their positions? Efficiency, hor
esty, and fidelity in the discharge Of of
cial duties are qualities that Mr.. Clev
land no doubt appreciates, but no act I
his indicates that they will operate
prevent tho removal of Republicans
make way for Democrats, unless, as i
Pearson's case, there is point to be mad
growing out of political obligations il
Cured in the past. Furthermore, "
have proof from his alleged admission
as published in the Sunday Herald, tn
the motive that governed him in h
course with regard to Schurz, Curti
Jones, and Bennett was to repay the
with political preferment as direct T
ward for the exercise of their polite
influence toward electing him PreSiden