The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1885-07-07
CIVIL SERVICE, SENTlMENTALLY
AND PRACTICALLY.

For fifty years in the United States,
but more particularly for the past
quarter of a century, machine politics
have controlled this country. Party
organization, working through COM
mittees, and conventions from every
civil district up to the nation at large,
has become apparently and most
probably imbedded in our political
institutions. Party service has be-
come the recommendation tor party
reward, and the hardest campaigns
are fought by those leaders and men
who see preferment or recognition in
the end. 1t cannot be denied either
that as campaigns are now conducted
the time and money and energy Of
these "party workers" are the factors
that enter most largely into and make
up party success. A party can hardly
now hope for success except by organi-
cation and Jealous work, and jealous
work cannot be secured but by holding
out to the leading workers the hopes
of reward.
In view OF these facts the course be-
ing pursued by PRESIDENT CLBvg-
LAND, in the matter of appointments
to office and civil reform in its higher
sense, is source OF paramount inter-
est to the Democratic party involving
perhaps its future success and har-
mony. A reform of civil service
means, in its higher sense
a publication and honest adj
ministration OF the service of
the government and the selection of
honest, good men for office. Mr..
CLEVELAND recognizes this fact, but
takes sentimental view OF the mat
ter. He seems to think that civil
service reform Is to ignore the poll
ticians and party workers and select
new, often unknown, men. The erratic
character Of his selections, the indii-
ference toward men composing the
great party organization and his fond
ness for obscure individuals have be-
come subjects of national comment.
Now, this sentimental view may be
from a sentimental standpoint all
right, but will it win?
1t may as general proposition be
stated that in every community the
more prominent, intelligent and In
fluential men compose the party lead
ers, the chalrmen of executive COM
mittees, the district and State electors.
Position is mark of distinction and a
badge OF recommendation every
where but in the slums of ward poll
tics. These men give their time and
talent and money to the cause. They
are as capable and honest as men gen
orally are. Their very prominence is
presumption of worth and capacity.
They are, all things else being equal,
as much, II not more, clearly entitled
to the rewards their party can bestow
than obscure individuals, who were at
home when the others were at work.
And their Appointment would just as
fully meet the requirements of civil
service reform.
Hardly single appointment has yet
been made from these ranks of active
party workers. What can be expected
OF them hereafter, or from other see
ing their fate? They will, when
the future campaigns and conventions
comeupon US, either remain in different
and allow the enemy to win by de-
fault or they will actively enter the
list against the administration and
crush it or produce schism in the
party. Some one of these results is in
evitable under the present organiza
ton malpractice OF party politics.
IfMR. CLEVELAND is larger man
than tho great party machine he may
smash it. If he is not, tho machine
will crush him. 1t is extremely doubt
full if he can so utterly, or any great
length of time, ignore the men who
control the nominations and insure
the success of the party. The matter
Is not one for Mr.. CLEvELAND's tastes
and methods and inclinations alone
but one in which the welfare and per
manency of the entire party are in
volved. 1t is question of sentimen.
talism against practical good sense.
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