The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-10
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSASSINATION.


He is superficial observer who does not
see more of wrong in the dismissal Of federal
officials than the mere loss Of place. The adj
ministration has repeatedly advertised that it
has virtues never before possessed by prede
| cessor. The civilservice rules were to be re-
ligiously observed, and their spirit honored in
such removals as might be made among of
ficials not protected by the ciyil-seryice act.
How quickly and how completely the civil
service rules have been dishonored is known
to all the people. The scandalous and dis
graceful subterfuges resorted to in order to
get at the spoils of victory, while at the same
time making a specious pretense of superior
virtue, is growing scandal. The attitude of
the government toward it's g-trusted and
faithful employees has become infamous, and
we use the word with all the term implies.
The President is party to a wrong such as
has never hitherto been put upon honorable
men. By implication, at least it was given
out that no officer disconnected with the pol
icy Of the administrator should be disturbed
without cause other than the desire to get at
his place and pay. 1t was not many
weeks until the head Of one of the
departments issued confidential and sneak
ing circular to Democratic congressman
making plain the manner of procedure in
order to secure coveted places for their impor
tunate constituents. Realizing that tens Of
thousands of Republican officials could not
be disturbed if the spirit Of the civil-service
rules was honored, Mr.. Villas suggested that
| all that would be necessary would be to make
| some kind Of ''charge' against such as were
to be beheaded. No arrangement for the sub
sanitation of such charges, nor for allowing
the "accused" an opportunity for defense was
made. It was simple formula "You make
charges-I will attend to the rest" And in
this the infamy lies. Men, who through long
years had built up reputation for official
probity, have been dismissed under masked
charge, and such as have been indignant
enough to resent the outrage and ask to see
the charges have been insulted by being told
they were open only for tho inspection Of the
congressman Of the various districts. This
makes a close corporation, and in such
districts as are represented by
Democrats the deposed officer has no redress.
1t is outrageous that this thing is possible,
and it is preposterous to expect men to calmly
submit to having their official records put
under a cloud causelessly. 1t were infinitely
more manly, more honorable and better for
the credit and dignity Of the Democratic
party, were this mean business abandoned.
No honorable man can patiently sub
nit to being stigmatized without redress.
The whole business is infamous and cowardly,
unworthy the support Of honorable men,
whatever their prejudice or desire. Let these
faithful servants be dismissed and their places
given to Democrats. No fault will be found.
But send them forth without the marks Of the
assassin's blow. Drive them all out because
they are Republicans, but let them wear the
laurels of honest manhood that they have won
through years of faithful service.