Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-11-18
OFFICE.HOLDERS IN POLITICS.
District Attorney Benton Reinstated.
THE PRESIDENTS LETTER EXPLAINING HI:
WARNING TO FEDERAL OFFICERS.


WARNING TO FEDERAL OFFICERS.
The President has directed the reinstatement
OF NJ. e. Benton, whom he suspended from the
office OF United States district attorney in Mis-
souri, during the last campaign TOR taking too
active part In the canvass In that state. Mr..
Benton wrote to the Attorney General Novem.
ber 10th explaining the part he took in the
campaign, and showing that he did not permit
his political engagements to interfere with his
official duties, and concluded by saying that he
had no idea from the Presidents order that
making political speeches would be considered
violation of it, His letter was referred to the
President, who, under date of November 10th,
wrote to Mr.. Benton follows:
"DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 10th inst. ad-
dressed to the Attorney General has been sub
mitted TO me and carefully considered. Its
frank tone and all know of your character
convinces ME that the truth is therein related
touching the matters which led to your suspen-
sion from office. When issued the warning to
0ftce-hoiders, TO which you refer an an order,
l expected TO be much harassed by all manner
OF loose and frivolous tales, originating In mall
ice or disappointment, and deliberate design
on the part OF political enemies to annoy and
embarrass me concerning the indulgence by
appointees under the present administration in
the 'pernicious activity in politics against
which my warning was directed. I hoped
however, that by a careful consideration OF the
spirit as well rs the language OF such warning
those in good laith intending to respect il
ulS Sut uOl De III UOuUL 1S 10 meaning, anu
would themselves apply it to conditions and
circumstances which it was impossible Tor me
to specify.
III did not intend to condemn the making of
political speech by a federal official TO his
nelghbors and friends nor at any time and
place where 1t Was merely incidental, il the
speech itself was decent and fair. But do not
think that such an official can enter q busi-
ness political campaign, and consenting to u
long list Of engagements to address political
meetings, widely separated and of daily recur-
renee, I'LL such engagements without neglecting
his duty If he holds AN Office worth having, nor
without taking with him in the canvass his OF
hcial power aud influence. Therefore this course
is condemned The number OF speeches that
can be properly made cannot be specified. nor
the time when, the place where, or the cir
cumstances in which they are proper, nor can
their character be prescribed. But correct
line OF conduct can be determined on without
difncuity, believe, III the light OF desire TO
follow the spirit OF the admonition given by
divorcing the conduct of a citizen from the use
of official influence in political campaigns, il
Illustrating at all times the truth that official
duty is paramount to partisan service, main
tanning he dignity of officehOlding, avoiding
any pretense oI control over the political action
Ing the lesson TO the people that public posi-.
tions are not bestowed or held under pledge
o! active partisan service.
"A printed list, taken from a newspaper and
submitted to me, contained engagements to
speak, made by your consent, daily for quite a
long period, aud not unireQuentiy twice day
in different parts OF the staLe of Missouri. And
was led to believe that on many of the days
specified court at which you had duties to
perform was In session This seemed me TO
present case OF fragrant, defiant neglect OF off,
ctai duty and propriety, and even with the ex-
planaton given, your course appears to be
thoughtless, and at least subject To criticism.
"But the statement in your letter showing
that you did not permit campaign engagements
TO interfere with the performance OF official
duty, yoar satisfactory discharge of such duty
during your term and belieI in the truth of
your allegation tnat you honestly supposed you
might properly do all that was actually done,
have induced me to reScind the order suspend.
ing you from office and to reinstate you TO the
same"