New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-04
"PUBLIC OFFICE IS A "PRIvATE SNAP"

SENATORS PLUMB AND VEST ENGAGE IN LIVELY
DEBATE ON CIVIL SERVICE METHODS.
Washington, Sept. 3 lSpcclaD.-TLere lively
debate IN the Senate this afternoon tariff COM
pation receiily published by Captain Thomas ii.
Mckee Assistant Librarian OF the senate. Mr.. Mckee
has given much attention to the progress Of tariff dis
cusson in Congress and his compilation Is one Of great
value. Tho tile ragc bears Captain McKee, name
and Official title. and II this to which Mr.. Vest
objected He offered a resolution lnstructinG Senator
Iales Civil Service Committee examine into the
question The debate which this resolu-
ton a continuation OF the discussion of some days
ago between Senator Vest and Senator Cullom. and
several of the old questions raised Among other
things Mr.. Vest read letter from Postmaster Judd,
Of Chicago, denying any knowledge Of the action Of his
law partner In holding ups tho post Office employees
for campaign purposes.
The livellesi III during the discussion between
Senator Vest and senator Plumb. The Kama senator.
after a defence Of Mr.. Mckee who had he said. done
than Speaker Carlisle would be justified In
doing went into the question OF Civil Service reform
and the present Administration way that evidently
hurt Mr. Vests feelings. Mr. Vest said that he was
not believer in the doctrine thai to the be-
longs the spos,- and neither was Mr. Cleveland. good
evidence Of which could be found In the fact that In
the Treasury Depart ment alone $40 600 paid
10 Republicans than TO Democratic employees. Why.
he continued. with some vehemence. he colld not 60
TO department 10 discuss matters political with It's
chief without being Obliged 10 conduct his alton
in whisper lest some Republican employe should
overhcar them.
Senator Plumb here interrupted him to inquire by
what right he tOok up the office hours Of Department
chief for political discussion when they sup
posed 10 be devoted 20 The pubic service Beside
This. be said, the offence Of Mr. Mckee sank In:
significance A hearty laugh from epubica and
Democrats alike followed this hit. Ser aiOr Plumb
followed this question up later and remarked Incl.
dcnt2lly that 10 all appearances "a der this Admins
tratOn, instead OF public Office being bubble
trust" It is regarded private snap' This hit
completely upset the dignity Of The grave Senators.
7hc Democrats seemed o enjoy II as much as the
Republicans. Senator German TN w hin self back
while Vest fairly turned purple II his efforts TO re
his laughter. Visitors in the galleries roared.
The resolution went over until tomorrow
BILLS AND MEASURES N THE HOUSE
Washington. Sept 3.-The consideration Of the Okla
bona measure today prevented the consideration Of
tho bin TO authorize the President to issue his proc
lamation suspending the collection Of all customs du
ties on imports OF any species OF bagging and subst
tutes therefor. suitable for wrapping cotton, and on
tuie butts for six months. Various bills have been
introduced by Mr. Breckinridge os Arkansas. Mr.. Nor
gan and General Hooker. of Mississippi. and by agree
mont a general measure covering the various prOpo-
sitions was agreed upon and placed In the hands OF
Mr. Phclan OF Tennessee. who represents one of the
largest cotton districts and markets IN he south.
Mr. ONeill, OF Missouri. and Mr. Buchanan OF New
jersey endcavCIed TO secure legislation On mi ofldni
labor bills bu prevented ty the action of the
House. Rlls introduced placing cottcnhagginG
the free list and for the punishment Of persons
the detail OF Army and Navy officers 10 educational
institutions was agreed TO.