St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-07-28
STAJACH STALWART TALK
From Former Republican Cabinet
Minister.

Minister.
BLAINE'S BUNGLING WORK.
9rs
How the Solid South Was Created
- ID Municipal and Not National
sd Reform Necessary.
2uI
III
Hon. Frank Hatton was taking things
pretty easy in his comfortable apart
merits at the Ryan when a representa-
nyeof the GLOBE visited him yester-
day afternoon. He had discarded his
coat and vest and was lolling in an easy
chair smoking choice Havana, and as
he expressed it, trimming over with
politics. One of the first subjects that
was discussed was the nomination of
Harrison, and this the eX-poStmaster
general characterized as a harmonious
nomination, and one that had left no
heart-burnings or chickering's after the
adjournment of the national conven-
ton. 81 have attended several national
conventions" said the well-known
editor, ''and must say that never saw
a better natured crowd of delegates after
the result was announced. Usually at
national conventions one-half are enthu-
siaStic aud would like to tear the roof
Off the building, while the other half
are disgruntled and go away with
sense that they have been vanquiShed.
But there was none of this at the Chi
cago convention, and everybody went
away determined to work earnestly and
diligently for the success of the ticket.
What | am about to say now may not
please the Blaine men, but it is, never
theless, fact that the plumed knight,
as he is termed, is almost wholly re-
SpOnSible for the existence of the solid
South of to-day. And this was brought
about by the trucking, dickering policy
inaugurated as soon as the late PreSi-
dent Garfield
BEGAN HIS ADMINISTRATION.
Southern Democratic senators and
representatives were consulted by the
administration regarding appointments,
and when | entered the poStOffice de-
partment found very curious condi-
ton of affairs. Invariably when APP
pOintmentment papers were being made
out for postmasters in the South, say
Florida, for instance, they would come
back to me Endorsed. Consult Senators
Jones and Call about this matter. If it
was North Carolina case | would be
requested to have talk with MeSsrS.
Rawsom and Vance. AS stalwart Re-
publican this business was very annoy.
ing to me and ] quickly put a stop to 1t,
despite circumstances from Mr.. Blaine,
who was at the bottom of the matter.
l did not think it good policy for the
Republicans to be trading and seeking
advice from the opposition and was
never backward in expressing my
views. What l found in my depart
when President Arthur assumed the
reins of government the complexion of
affairs was changed materially. And
that reminds me of another point.
1t is urged on every hand that Presi-
dent Cleveland is violating pledges
made to reform the civil service in the
federal departments. There is no ne
lcesSity for such reform, for the fed
erai government to-day is better admin
istered than the affairs of any private
institution in the United States. 1t
makes no difference whether Repub-
lican or Democrat is at the head of the
government, business under existing
regulations would be conducted
Sired. Reformers who are shouting
for change in the civil service policy
of the federal government should look
nearer home at their municipal govern
ment. That is where the trouble lies,
and it is the verieSt nonsense, this con-
tinued vituperation of the conduct of
national affairs.
While in Office l caused astatement to
be prepared, showing the receipts and
expenditures of the postoffice depart
ment for a period of seven years, and
embracing the country from the British
possessions to Florida and between the
two oceans. During that period repre-
sentativeS of the federal government
handled S260,OOO,O00, and the total losses
for that time by theft, embezzlement
and other ways aggregated
TwENTY-SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS
mo banking institution in the United
States could make such showing in
the same length of time, and it would
be supposed to have only picked, tried
and true men in it's employ. So that
this guSh about corruption in high
places makes me sick, and l venture the
assertion that the machinery of the gov
eminent to-day is as near perfection as
possible.
''But there is one thing that is spread
ING uiohiuy III VI tllC 1lCpuO-
licans and that is the course pursued by
Republican senate. There is body
of men of whom better things are eX-
pected, bowling and cringing to an OPP
position administration simply for the
sake of few paltry clerkships,
and as obedient to the commands
of Grover Cleveland as any slave
in the olden time in the solid South.
1t was expected that the nominations of
such men as Lamar and Fuller would at
least be held in allegiance until after the
elections, but instead of that, although
the latter had most unsavOry record
for Northern man during the war. the
whip was cracked and he was confirmed
in spite of the protests of patriots who
had proven their loyalty at time
when mems souls were tried.
Republicans expected better things of
their senate, but have been grievously
disappointed, and the effect upon the
masses has been very dispiriting. Still
we are going into the fight this fall
with renewed energy and a determine
ton to win, and, as usual, New York
will be the battle ground. 1t is going
to be desperate struggle in the EN-
pire State, which has president, sec
tary of the treasury, secretary of the
navy, mayor and Sheriff of New York
city, but we will make it lively for the
opposition in spite Of their apparent
impregnability."