The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-10-21

Some Specimens of the Civil Service Und,
Grover Cleveland.

Some Specimens of the Civil Service Under
Grover Cleveland.
Frank Lesiie's Paper. Aug.4
The most important contribution so far made
to the literature Of the present campaign is the
expose of the Democratic appointments under
President Cleveland, published 10 the New York
Tribune Of July % The expose Is elaborate and
comprehensive and has filed every impartial
and honest mind with profound amazement.
How 1t 10 possible for any man who has been
elevated to the dignity Of the Presidency to
commit so many errors-to use the mildest
term-is past all comprehension When not
only scores. but hundreds. of executive appoint
ments are made in disregard Of every rule OF
fitness, the public service is not alone degraded,
but the country Is Inundated. 1t is a cause for
national humiliation, and not for partisan ex-
ultation on the part of the Presidents oppo-
nsnts, when such debauchery OF the public serv-
ice becomes, in this enlightened day, possible.
Tho shameful showing Of the Tribune. with
its names, dates and facts, sets forth that 2l8
appoiniess OF the reformer President have been
directly connected with the criminal classes.
The disgraceful list includes two murderess and
two hirelings of assasslns; seven forgers; three
rioters-one appointed to be a judge of the court
by which he had been im prisoned; five indicted
for frauds against the revenue, and others for
violating the pension laws; many, guilty of rob-
bing the mails, appointed mail-sgents or post
masters; and one who, when appointed, was in
Jail for robbing the identical Office to which he
was appointed: an imDeacbed State Treasurer;
defrauding county treasurers; men guilty
Of robbery. theft, embezziemsns, grand
larceny. bribery, wife-beating, black
mailing: keepers OF gambling houses and houses
of i'll fame, and many others guilty of scarcely
less heinous offenses. To come down TO q few
Specifications: A dsserter from the Union to the
confederate service was appointed an Indian in
spector in August, 1883 The person appointed
pension agent at Columbus, o., deserted in the
face OF the enemy, was court-martialed and
sentenced to be eashiered. Another. appointed
as clerk OF railway mails. had been indicted
three times for forgery. arrested three times 10
Cincinnati for obtaining money under false pre-
lenses, once in Texas for robbery, twice for
theft in Kentucky, and who stole q money-order
before he was q month in Office, aud
is row awaiting trial. The person ap-
pointed as postmaster at Newark. o.. was
short $l3. 500 in his accounts as sheriff OF Lick
yard was the leader OF q mob that broke up q
Republican meeting st Portsmouth during the
last campaign; Was arrested, tried and fined
the President, was active 10 the Maine Garcelou
frauds. The ''pernicious partisan" appointed
statistical agent for the Ohio Agricultural De-
pertinent was in jail for three months for steal
ing a promissory note, but escaped the ~peniten-
tiary on a technicality. One person, appointed
mail agent, was sentenced to the penitentisry
two years for grand larceny. two years for rob-
berry, and was also indicted for riot. for robbery
and for assault and battery.
We cannot, OF course. undertake to vouch for
the strict accuracy OF every charge made By the
Tribune against these and other appointsss; but