New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-27
CIVIL SERVICE RIFoRM IN NEW YORK.

Look at these four specimens of the sort OF
Civil Service reform that President Cleveland
is imposing upon the country. They are all
new and arc all furnished by the Civil Service
of our own State:
/. James II. Masten was recently removed
from the postmastership of Cohoes. Why?
Not on charges preferred His. record for
ability, industry and general fidelity was with
ont blemish Even the most radical of his
political opponents conceded that he had been
model official, Trustworthy and efficient at all
points. lie was removed simply because his
place was wanted for Democratic worker.
2. John II. Williams, who for eight years
has been a letter-carrier attached to the Utica
Post Office, was recently asked for his rcslg-
nation. He inquired of the Cleveland Re-
form postmaster, who received his appointment
a year ago, if there were any charges against
him. "1he postmaster said" so "The Utica
Iicraldn reports, that he had no complaint to
make on the score Of the carriers work or de-
mcanor; that politics was about the size of
it." Accordingly Mr.. Williams refused to re-
sign, reminding the postmaster that by tho
terms of President Cleveands pledges in re-
lation to Civil Service reform, an unimpcachcd
official was entitled TO retain his place. There
upon the postmaster proceeded to remove Mr..
Williams. The carriers efficiency and popu-
larty arc attested by the fact that those whom
he had been serving, on hearing of his removal,
wrote him letter testifying that he had been
"faithful, punctual and obliging" and encIos-
ing present of handsome sum Of money. A
Democratic worker gets Mr.. WillamS's place
3. L. L. Hanchett, who for the last three
years has been chief letter carrier Of James
town. has just been forced out of his position.
His record also is without stain. The post
master admitted as much while raising the axe
to decapitate him. Like MaStcn and Williams.
he is thrown out simply because he is a Re
publican.
4. Democratic newspapers. in the interior
are now confidently asserting that the Presi-
dent will shortly appoint the editor Of tho
Democratic organ at Syracuse postmaster Of
that city-just as he appointed the editor Of
the Democratic organ at Utica postmaster or
that city. Has the postmaster OF Syracuse
been guilty of any sins Of commission or Of
omission that justify his removal? Oh, no |!
Nobody pretends that he has. But then his
Office is wanted for a Democratic worker.
We invite the Mugwumps Of New Y DIRK who
still cling to the belief that Mr.. Cleveland
considered as a Civil Service refomer, Is not
an arrant humbug to consider these four cases.
In concluding his letter accepting the Presi-
dental nomination he remarked: Il" If should
be called to the Chief Magistracy of The Nation
will assume the duties of that high
Of .ce with a solemn determination to dedicate
every effort to the country's good" That has
fine sound Now. however, we find him
defeating numberless efforts to an attempt to
advance his own political fortunes. He does
not hesitate shamelessly and constantly toi
break his pledges and betray the cause of
Civil Service reform at the beck Of his am
bition for reelection.