Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1886-07-01

this whole system is bottomed uron a
plausible but vicious theory, namely,
that this Government is simply vast
mechanical contrivance to be worked
independently of the people by a
trained band of professionals, rather
than a flexible but effective instru-
mentality for the protection and ben
eft of the people dependent Tor its
preservation and character alone upon
the affectionate interest aud intelligent
support of an interested constituency.
Sir, am against this civil service
-s--svrsasz-7e-----..-is.,OSssss ',e eGov-
ernment from the people, AMI sooner
or later, ifpersistsd in, will render the
people Indifferent to the Government.
No device however artfully conirivrd
will ever become an effective substi-
tute for that eternal vigilance which
alone can guarantee the preservation
of popular liberty. In the vigorous
and healthy administration of execu-
tive trlsts no more subtle but deadly
ingredient can be injected than a
division of responsibility. RESPONSE
bility should always be coupled lndi<-
solubly and unmistakably with power.
This scheme pretentious but incon-
sistent with self. establishes til, absurd
proposition of holding the head of
Department responsible for the doinss
OF his subordinates while denying him
discretion in selecting them He and
his party are held responsible for the
faithful, honest, and efficient perior
nance Of the public work, and vet his
hands are tied in the choice Of his
Instruments. The advocates Of this
system are perpetually hoa>ting Of the
necessity for a business conduct Of
civil administration. The parallel i
deceptive and does not hold. What
railroad management, what merchant,
what bank directors, or business or
2anizltion of any character was ever
weak enough to select its trusted en-
ployes froms a class OF persons
indolsed only by a certificate Of
proficiency from hired schoolmaster'
What reasonable business man ever
yet consented to employ or keep as
his confidential clerks and bookkeep-
ers men known TO be hv association,
affection, or hire, enlisted heart and
soul in the success OF his rival across
the street? And yet it is claimed that
the present system rests upon business
principles. The tests applied are
either pernicious or inadequate
limitations Of age, or technical knowl-
edge OF elementary school-bookS, the
ascertainment Of the true amount Of
this sort OF knowledge dependent upon
the guesswork OF a pedagogue for
crammer or examiner. Real merital
strength, souniness of Judgment,
practical tact or talent, moral stamina,
are as unknown to the appointing
power as the secrets of his or her early
love Scrapes.
In so far as the test required by the
law reveals true qualifications the
appointing power is left as ignorant
of the real merit Of the party appoint
ed as the Frenchman in Peregrine
Pickle was Of the sex Of the painter
in petticoats. The awarding of prize
scholarships in the form Of salariel
offices i not and should not be the
business of Government. That system
alone is suited to the business and
interests Of the Departments, which
secures those best qualified in acquire
ment, disposition, and character Any
other is a fraud and a snare, Let the
power OF appointment rest where the
Constitution designed it should repose,
and trust TO the wAtchful guardianship
of an interested and intelligent public
sentiment TO see that it is properly
and judicloUsly exercised.
The doors to our governmental Of
fees should not be supposed to be en-
frances to internal regions We
want no triple-headed monster, no
Cerberus, on guard there. And, mark
the prediction, il kept there either
some seductive Republican Orpheus
with his enchanting Tyre will Iull him
to sleep, or some Democratic Hercules
will drag him in slsgrace from his
abiding place.
have said nothing. sir, Of the
objections which may be Justly urged
against that feature OF the system 20
offensive to the republican instincts Of
the people-the creation OF bureau
cratic class. | will let another speak
for me on this point. Says one repre-
ssnt:ng the opponents OF the civil!
service act They say that it Is not
desirable TO form an official class