The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1886-06-19
Correspondence Baltimore County Union.
LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.
Mr.. Gibson's Maiden Speech-Some OBJ
servations on the Civil Service, &c.
BALTIMORE, June 18th. 1SS

Mr.. Gibson's Maiden Speech-Some OBJ
servations on the Civil Service, &c.
BALTIMORE, June 18th, 1885.
Messrs. Editors Hon. Charles H. Gibson,
member of Congress from Maryland, made his
maiden speech in the House during the latter part
of last week. 1t was short, being limited to a
tain time, but is generally spoken of as peculiarly
eloquent. 1t attracted the marked attention of
members on both sides of the House and is said to
have been highly interesting for q new member,
especially with those of the Democratic school who
sided with him. He attacked the civil service re
form doctrine as it now stands without gloves, but
at the same time sustains President Cleveland in
his views that subject when fully understood.
He thinks, however, that true Democracy, in its
essence, has always been in favor of civil service
and wants only to carry out the doctrine of the
party long since held by it. True Democracy, he
says, always favored it, but he thinks there is
enough of true Democrats wanting Office to be
found in the party who are competent of carrying
it out this the old principle of "to the vic
tors belong the spoils." This principle would
probably work very we'll if the same party always
continued in power, but there is no guarantee of
it doing so. 1t may be in one term and out the
next. The true principle of government does not
rest in a mere name. 1t goes beyond this and
looks to what can best be done for the whole peo-
pie and the government without depending upon
name. Get the best, most competent and honest
men that can be found to fill Office without regard
to what they have been or may be in mere parti-
zanism. The country does not belong to one po-
litcal organization more than it does to another.
People are nearly equally divided in this respect
and vet both may be conscious of being right
They are each for that kind of reform, if honest,
looking wholly to the general good of all. So long,
however, we 60 on the principle that "to the VIC
tors belong the spoils," so long there can be no
actual civil service REFORM There will always be
found enough of the victorious party who think
themselves perfectly competent to fill offices to the
full satisfaction of those who appointed them and
to the government. 1t is a mistake however,
Those who think they are most deserving of favors
are they who have been active at ward meetings
and other partizan gatherings. Many of such, it
is true are good and active in this way, but when
they come to fill an important and responsible
Office they are totally untitled Those who appoint
them go upon the principle that one favor deserves
another without reference to anything else; that
they are indebted to them, to an office. There
is one thing true, that civil service reform never
can and never will be carried out strictly by OPP
posing parties so long as favors are expected as
a reward for voting for or sustaining the success
full party. People forget that one portion OF the
community-nearly divided-are as much entitled
to favors as the other. They help to make up the
whole popuIace and are equally interested in re-
suits with them. 1t is natural for the party in
power to look for some favors and preference in
appointments to Office, yet it cannot and should
not be all esided. 1t would create disposi-
ton which in the end must tend to beget i'll feel
ing. To fully enjoy the advantages of the civil
service reform principle we must forget party al
together and unite as a whole for the good of ALL
1t would be good thing if such could be done
and hope the time may come when it will as the
principle is a good one / would say the same
thing of Republicans or any other party were they
in power. They must all act for the common good
- zy sal
given last night at Ford's Grand Opera House,
proved quite a success. 1t was for the benefit of
Prof. John II. Hewitt, Miss Jones and others who
aided in its performance. The house was filled
with brilliant audience of juveniles and others
who were delighted Everything went off ad-
mirably. Miss Jones did her part well. The
audience greeted the venerable presence of Prof
Hewitt with rounds of applause. A goodly num-
Der of persons were present from the country. 1t
is not known yet whether it will be repeated.
The Pen. Mar excursions ON the Western Mary
land railroad have commenced and are fully at
tended. There have been many new improve
ments and attractions gotten up at the place. A
more delightful trip cannot be found. 1t is also
cheap and great care is taken in every way to pre-
vent accidents. The railroad is in fine ORDER
Those who can should embrace the opportunity.
There is serious complaint of the recent law
against selling cigars, tobacco, cigaretts and some
other trifing things on Sundays against the de-
sires of many who use such Injuries. 1t is like
making too much of little thing.
The new plan of Postmaster Brown in having
all letters taken from the lamp-boxes at 1880
O'Clock at night works highly satisfactory. Let
tiers are again collected to go off by mail at to
O'Clock in the morning. This suits all classes.
The suicide fever seems TO have taken hold of
people again. Three four persons have taken
their own lives in our city in the past week. A
very distressing case is that of young Palmer
His own acts by committing forgery doubtless led
him to the deed. He was what may be called
fashionable young man. He is warning to others.
learn from business men who have the oppor-
tunity of knowing that business of every kind is
very dull not only here but in all prominent parts
of the United States. There are fears too that it
will not get better for time, though the dull
season-in cities particularly-is now upon US.
Mr.. German is remaining in political quietude
at present He is not expected to do much until
after the warm weather. There is no question that
he exerts great influence with his friends in this
city and State. person who has him their
side may feel sure of having strong friend.
Persons who drive drays, carts and other vehicles
in our streets now are very careless. They seem
not to care whether they run against person or
not. 1t is becoming dangerous to cross Baltimore
and other much travelled streets without keeping
a sharp lookout. 1t seems to me they would as
soon drive over person as not. The law should
be more stringent.
The City Council has the subject of the Chinese
laundries before it and l have no doubt will pass
ON ordinance to restrict their operations and put
a stop to the filthy fashion of squirting water out
of their mouths to sprinkle clothes. 1t is consid-
cred unhealthy. They are strange race and re-
quire watching.
Ex-Governor McLane, our minister to France,
has been in our city several times in the past two
weeks. He looks very we'll and seems to be grow
ing younger. He goes back about the end of this
month. He certainly is perfectly accomplished
gentleman and suits the Office he has admirably.
l have the honor of knowing him we'll and take
pleasure in speaking thus in his favor. He is in
every way suited to the high position. None
could have been found to fill it better. NEsroR.