St. Landry democrat., 1885-12-19

great value in Spreading among the con-
course of visitors from Mexico ana Centrai
and South America a wider knowledge Oh tne
various manufactures and productions "a
this country AMI their availability IN OK
change for the productions OF those regions
DISCRIMINATION IN FAVOR OF NATIVE ARTISTS
Past Congresses have had under consider
alton the auvisabillty of abOlishtng the dis
elimination made by the tariff laws IN favor
of the works Of American artists Inc our
um of policy which subjects to hig n fase
OF duty the paintings OF foreign artists ana
exempts the productions os American ar
lists residing abroad, and who receive graz
uitously advantages and instruction, IS WIS,
tied upon our citizens engaged in art culture
in Europe and has caused theni, with prac
tlcal unanirnity, 90 favor the abofinon OF
such an unyracions distinction, and In their
interest, and for other obvious reasons, i
strongly recommend il.
CIVIL SERVICE REFoRM-No RELAxATToN OF
IT'S PRINCIPLES TO BE EFFECTED.
The report of the Civil Service Commits
sion, which will be submitted. contains 4n
account OF the manner in which the clv1i
service law has been executed during the
past wear, ana much valuable Information
on this important subject.
lam inclined TO think that there is no zen
ttmeut more general in the minds of the
people of our country than con vlction
of the correctness of the principle upon
which the law enforcing civil service re-
form is based. In its present condition
dnate public position throughout che coun-
try. It applies the test OF fitness to appl-
cants for these places by means OF a Compel
tive examination and gives large dis
erection to the Commissioners rs TO the char
acter of the examination. and many other
matters connected with its execution. Thus
the rules and regulations adopted by the
Commission have much to do with the prac-
tical usefulness OF the statute and with the
results OF its application.
THE PEOPLE
tn
the law with perfect fairness and with as
little irritation as possible, but OF course NO
relaxation of tho principle which underlies
it and no weakening of the safeguards which
surround it can be expected. Experie nee in
its administration Will probably suggest
amendment of the methods of its execution,
but venture 10 hope that we shall never
again be RENTED to the system which dis
tributes public positions purely MS rewards
for partisan service
Doubts may well be entertained whether
our Government could survive the strain OF
a continuance OF this system which upon
every change of administration. inspires
an immense army of claimants for Office to
lhy siegr to the patronage of the Govern
ment, engrossfng the time OF public officers
contagion of their disappointment and fill
ing the air with the tuInuit of their discon-
tent. The allurementS of I'm immense num-
Der of offices and places exhibited to the
voters of the land, aud the promise of their
bestowal in recognition of parSi2bn activity
debauch the suffrage and ROB political ac
tion of its thoughtful and deliberative char
acter
THE EVIL.
would increase with the multiplication of
offices consequent upon our extension and
the mania for office holding growing from
its indulgence would pervade our popula
ton so generally that patriotic purpose, the
support of principle, the desire for the pub
lie good and solicitude for the Nations well
fare would be nearly banished from the ac
tivity OF our party contests and cause them
to degenerate into ignoble, selfish and dis
graceful struggles for the possession OF Office
and public places.
CiviI-service reform enforced by law, came
not too soon to check the progress of demon
aIization. One of its effects, not enough re-
garded is the freedom it brings to the polit-
zeal action of those conservative aud sober
men who Ia fear Of the confusion and risk
attending an arbitrary and sudden change
in all the public offices, with change of party
rule, cast their ballots against such change.
Parties seem to be necessary, and will con
tinue to exist, nor can it he now denied
not disconnected with office mold
Ing, which follow party supremacy.
WHILE PARrIsANsHIP CONTINUES BITTER
and pronounced and supplies so much of
motive to sentiment and action, it is not
fair to hold public officials in charge of i'm
portant trusts responsible for the best re-
suits in the performance of their duties, and
yet insist that thay shall rely, in confidential
and important places, upon the work OF
those not only opposed to them in political
utilization, but SO stepped in partisan injus-
thetr chiefs and no desire for their success.
Civil service reform does not exact this, nor
does 1t require that those in subordinate po-
stions who fail in yielding their best service
or who are Incompetent should be retained,
merely because they are in place.
The whining of such a clerk discharged
tor Incidence of incOm potency, who, though
he gained his place by the worst possible
operation of the SpoilS system, suddenly
discovers that he is entitled TO, protection
under the sanction OF civil service refer!n,
represents an idea no less absurd than the
clamor of the applicant who claims the
vacant position as his compensation
for the most questionable party work,
The civil service law does not prevent the
discharge of the indolent Or incompetent
clerk. but it does prevent supplying his place
with the unfit party worker. Thus in both
the phases is seen benefits is the public serV
ice. And the people who desire good gov
eminent having secured this statute, will not
relfnuuish in benefits without protest nor
are thew unmindful of the fact that its full
advantages can only be gained through the
complete good faith of those having its ex-
ecution in charge, and this they will insist
upon
Service Commissioners be increased TO
sum more nearly commensurate to their i'm
portant duties.
PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION.
The present condition of the law relating
to the succession TO the Presidency in the
event OF the death disability or removal of
both the President ana Vice-President, Is
such as TO require immediate Amendments.
This subject has repeatedly been considered
by Congress, but no result has been reached.
The recent Immediate death OF the Vice
President aud vacancies mt the same
time in all other Offices, the incum-
beuts of which might Immediately exer-
else the functions of the Presidential office,
has caused public anxiety and Just de-
mand that a recurrence OF such n condition
of affairs should not be permitted.
In conclusion, commend to the wise care
and thoughtful attention OF Congress the
needs the welfare and the aspirations of
an Intelligent and generous Nation. To
subordinate these TO the narrow dis.
advantages OF partizanship or the ac-
compItshment of selfish AIMS Is TO violate
Ela 1aennle,s trust and hetraY the aaannla,s