New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-04-01
POSTMASTER PEARSON GEAPPOINTED.

The reappOntment of Postmaster Pearson
gives general satisfaction to those citizens VINO
care for efficiency in that branch of the public
service here satisfaction almost as profound
as the disgust which 1t excites in nearly all
active Democrats. 1t satisfies the public be-
cause it is a good thing in itself; because Mr.
Pearson is one Of many Republican officials
who have proved so cOnspicuOusly tit that their
removal, on whatever ground, and irrespective
of the personal merit of any who may be Sc
lectcd in their stead, would be positive detri-
ment to the public service.
Such an appointment is, of course, to be com
mended most heartily as good thing in Itself
The President is well aware that the Republi-
cans will not find fault if he recognizes the
eminent fitness and worth of one or great
many of the capable men who now make the
public service efficient and faithful. If he VIII
do a great deal more of the same sort OF thing
he will deserve and receive hearty thanks, as
man who really and honestly serves his country
rather than his party. 1t is to be regretted thai
some Democrats, apparently, are not IN the
humor to regard such course with tho same
nfeigned and unqualified satisfaction, but Mr..
Cleveland is the man Of their choice. not OF
ours
In itself, this appointment is admirablo-and,
like good deed in a naughty world, it shines
all the more brightly because it contrasts with
the general tenor of the Presidents appoint
ments thus far. 1t is the simple truth that he
has not hitherto been acting upon the same view
of his duty which, his friends assure us, governs
him in this selection. If it is to be followed by
consistent and answering action in the same
direction, the country will haze reason to re-
ioice. If the President hereafter refuses to put
out Republicans who are cOnspicuously tit for
the offices they hold, at least until he can find
men who are clearly as good to
take their places he will make the
people happy-whether he pleases
the Democratic politicians or not. But nc Is to
be Judged by his course. Ii it should ap-
pear from his acts hereafter that the
selection of Mr.. Pearson Ia mere
screen, behind which to pursue more
successfully the shameless prostitution
of the public service to which many Democrats
urge him, or if this appointment is to be re-
garded merely as payment to the traitorous
faction of former Republicans for services
which, in their malignant spite. they incident
ally rendered to Mr.. Cleveland as a candidate,
III III SnOulu DO iOtinu w DO OuiJ 'hO ohOcVhp
of bargain TO support in a coming State cleo
ton, then such an act would receive the
emphatic condemnation of all men who care for
the public good, and detest government by
false pretences or by bargain and sale.
Thus we have yet to see from the general
course of President Clcvcland's administration
hereafter whether this appointment, good as 1t
is in itself, means that he is genuine re-
former, or an impostor or trader We
have yet to see whether 1t is a
consistent part of a broad and patri-
otto policy. upon which the President has
easered, if rather late, yet with clear under
standing and firm purpose 1t will give great
satisfaction to The TRIBUNE, if this proves to
be the case, to commend President Cleveland
as really the honest reformer which his party,
not bit believing it, assured tho country that
be would be. At present this is to be said in
his favor that he has reappointed one out of
the many Republican officials whose unques-
toned and superior fitness renders their reten-
ton in Office the clear duty of President who
means to improve and not to degrade the
public service. For so much, thanks