Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1885-04-02

manhood and womanhood for the sake
of the paltry ease and comfort of
departmental position It is to be
hoped that the appointments under
President Cleveland have been wisely
made. Indeed, the public can feel
confident that, no matter whom he
may have overlooked, every man
whom President Cleveland has select
ed received his appointment upon the
ground of merit. If he neglected to
appoint one, he did not neglect to ap-
point a better and worthier man. Much
has been said against his methods and
delay, but time will fully show that
there was wisdom in his methods and
caution in his delay 1t is almost
Providential that he has proved stron-
ger than mad rabble of effice-seekers
who would undoubtedly have besieged
ex-senator Blaine had he been elect
ed, just as piously and determinedly
as they have besieged President Cleve-
land.
THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
is almost forgotten in this mad rush
for office. Its rules are too rigid, its
examinations too exhausting, to suit
the delicate fancy of the average of
fce-seeker. In fact, the average office
seeker will not have his ability ques-
toned. He will apply for any office,
regardless of its duties or its burdens.
Indeed, one man is an applicant for a
bonded office which, if he even receiv-
ed, he could not enter, as the bond
would be an impossibility as far as he
rs concerned. But let me say word,
regarding the Commission. The Civil
Service Commissioners are gentleman
who are undou btedly just, honest, and
efficient; they have spared no pains
to do Justice to the law and to the ap-
plicant; they have endeavored to use
every fair means towards afording
access to the examinations they have
left nothing undoEe to give all an OPP
portunity to enter the civil service;
they have not, as Carl Shurz' minions
did, attempted to puzzle, but to test,
the applicant; they deserve credit for
efficient service. But, nevertheless,
the Commission is open to amendment.
First Of all, there should be more than
one examiner, and secondly, the small
clerical force now allowed should be
considerably increased. Under the
present allowance, great injustice Is
| done. Lack of examiners and clerks
causes delays which must eventually
limit applicants to 81 class which, al
| though it may not be called aristocrat-
| ic. is distinct from the masses which
| the civil service law was intended to
reach. Such distinction would be a
gross violation of the spirit Of the law,
and yet that spirit can not be practi-
cally observed uuless the force Of the
Commission be increased. Under these
circumstances the Commission is liter
ally refuge for the fortunate and a
barrier to the unfortunate. The Com
mission fully realizes the danger that
threatens the spirit of the law. 1t is
hoped that Congress will remedy the
evil as soon as practical. One more
word. OF course, the Commissioners
may not be directly responsible for all
that occurs, but they must have OBJ
served the latest monstrosity in the
blank application. First, let it be un-
derstood that five reputable citizens
have signed their names to voucher
in which you are represented as "a
person of exemplary habits and OF
good character" The monstrosity to
which TIE SENTINEL representative
begs leave TO refer, is the question, in
the application, "Have you within the
last or present year been convicted OF
any crime?" That question is a gross
insult to every American citizen whom
circumstances may compel to seek the
degradation Of an office 1t is vile
gentlemanly, and unmanly. We
cannot reconcile the belief Of the Com
missioner's honesty with the fact OF
such incompatible and yillainous i'll,
breeding and rowdyism. There is
nothing calling for such question. Il
is not only out of place, but it is dis
graceful. By what mysterious reason
ing this question (Which is rccent) wa.
inserted, VIC can not understand. The
beast who suggested its insertion, ne
matter whom he may be, deserves, not
only to give way to better Commis
sioner,s but the contempt of every
American citizen.
ROBERT L. DOWNING,
who produced "Tally-IIo," Joaquin Miller
new drama, here last week, is Washington
boy who has risen from mere "supe' Il
the exalted position of star actor. Hi
circle of friends is large and fttingly cele
brated his appearance ,in his native city
Mr.. Downing soon took a front place in thu
profession which he entered a decade ago
a and has been long known and recognized al
an accomplished and painstaking actor. Hi
record is enyiable, having supported Mis-
Mary Anderson, Joseph j Jefferson, and 9th
4 He is still member of Mr.. Jefferson's ad
mirable company, but has been starring il
s'Tally-Ho" during that gentleman's vaca
} tion. His tour has proved very successful
!, The play is interesting and weird, and 1t
| chief character, Hank Mark, whom Nj
| Downing impersonates, is strongly drawn
. It is laid in a county with which Joaqui
Miller is peculiarly familiar, and is faithful
as far as the .inias nation will carry the aud
} itcr, to thoSnature Of the Sierra Nevada.
The character ef Hank Mark, however,
, small compared with the ability of Nj
Downing, and is one with which he ca
never make lasting success as Star. j
9 may answer as one of repertoire, but
Z can scarcely stand long alone. Mr. Dowr
) ing resumes his position, in the latter pal
! of April with the Jefferson Compan,
among which are the Misses Lillian Lee,
most promising actress, and May Woolcot
!. SHADOW.
Q There is something soft and tender in I'll
t / fall of a single snow flake, but it always n
minds us to look after our bottle of DR.. Bull
j. f.nuoh gvf,1r,--ol1r old stand by in the days