The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1885-11-05
washin~ton LETTER..

WASHINGTON, Oct. 81, 1885 Only a
few weeks now remain before the as
sembling of congress. Not only the
United States but the whole civilized
world awaits with interest the first
message from a democratic president
since 1850. Mr.. Cleveland has not yet
put pen to paper in preparation of
this message to congress, nor have any
suggestions or memoranda been sub
mitted to him. He will commence this
work early in November, and will de-
vote some hours to it daily until con-
gress meets In view of the seelusion
needed for this work came the presi-
dents edIct on Wednesday, closing the
white house to the office seeker and his
influence from the first of November
for an indefinite time. Colonel Lamont
thinks the rule may be relaxed little
when congress meets, so as to admit
senators and representatives but the
desire of the president is to withdraw
/ from the annoyance permanently.
| Under the new arrangement aspirants
tor positions will have to reach the
president through the heads OF depart
mpnts; but he will still feel under obi
CATION to seek information as TO their
fitness for office from such sources as
he may prefer, and in such way as he
may see fit to adopt.
No one at distance from the capital
indeed no one whose avocation does
not bring the matter directly to his no.
tice--can realize the enormous de-
mands that have been made upon the
presidents time since his Inauguration
by petty place hunters. Those who
appreciate the duties :of his office and
know how Mr.. CleVelaud's perform
ance of them has been impeded by
these eXacting importunates will COM
mend the new rule In order TO pre-
pare himself for the questions OF the
winter, the line had to be drawn at
last, not in a spirit of exclusiveness, as
the unthinking may claim, but in de-
Tense of the public interests.
The growth OF the country and the
modern systems of rapid transit may
yet make necessary some limitation to
the'freedOm with which the executive is
approached. This being a republic, oil
course the president belongs to every
body. He is a perennial circus tina
must be seen and shook. He is by far
the most easily approached ruler in the
world. Any citizen can walk into his
private Office unannounced, introduce
himself, and be accorded personal in
terview. Men call upon him because
they voted for Buchanan; bridal coup
les call upon him as a spectacular part
OF the honeymoon; politicians from all
parts of the union insist upon making
his personal acquaintance.
The president is experiencing diff
Guilty in re- organizing the civil service
commission. He regards reform in
the civil service one of the most impor-
tant features of his administration, and
he is trying to secure men for the
place whose names will guarantee a
practical carrying out of the duties OF
the office. 1t is hard to find such men
as possess the necessary qualifications
and who are willing to make the sac
ritice. The salary is only $500 IL year.
Three gentlemen have already declined
appointment. Congress. will probably
be asked during the winter to increase
the compensation.
There are quite a number of house
huntingl congressman in the city who
are deplOring the scarcity of suitable
residences. The transient winter pop
ulation OF Washington is so large that
the supply of desirable furnished houses
for rent was exhausted SOME weeks
ago, and many OF the late corners will
be compelled to put up at hotels. This
mode OF living is not fashions BILE here.
1t is the custom for public men to keep
house