New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-07-25
MORE ABOUT THAT "REFORM MESSAGE"
PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS ON THE REPORT OF

THE COMMISSION RECEIVED WITH DERISIoN.
Washington. July "a (spcciaD.-In the House to-
day President Clevclards message transmitting the
annual report OF the Civil Service Commission was
read. Democrats paid no attention 10 tho rcau'hs,
but some Republicans did, and many OF them OK
changed significant shrugs and smiles with esch othcr
as the clerk read the prosy plaitudes Most OF the
Republicans and good many OF the Democrats had
read the record Of Reform according to Cleveland
which was published In yesterdays Tribune, and
which has excited more comment among politicians
I'm Washington than any publication which ever ema
mated from the Civil Service Commission The Civil
Service act requires an annual report but the docu
mcnt transmitted TO Congress yesterday IS report for
seventeen and one half months and brings the history
of tho Commissions operations down letcr than
July /, 1ss7-ncarly thirteen months ago. Thus both
the letter and spirit Of tho Civil Service law have
been grossly violated by tho Civil Service Commission
in this particular, II in other 1t Is open secret
that the report held back for months In order
give opportunity for the reclasscaon OF clerks,
and the making OF other changcs-on parer-" to rem
der the enforcement Of the statute more effective and
greatly increase It's usefulness
In view OF the clean sweep OF Republican Office
holders throughout the country sentence from the
message has excited general deision among members
of both political parties in Washington 1t is this:
Besides all those difficulties those responsible for the
administration In its executive branches
have been, and still often annoyed and Initiated by
the disloyay in the service, and the nsoence OF eH-
ployes who remain in places the benenciares and the
relics OF the vicious system OF appointment which Cvil
Service reform was intended to dsplace.
prominent member of the House to-day said
1 would be mpote II 1 to say that that In my
opinion, is the contemplate whine that ever was
heard from the White House The statement is absurd.
Nj Cleveland processes TO be Reformer' and he has
caused or approved the dismissal Of thousands OF
holders and other employees Of tho Government SIM
ply and solely because they Republicans II these
disloyal and 'insolent employees are among the rev
monuments Of mercy spared by this rapacious Demo.
Administration, why were they not removed long
aeo7 suspect that these 'teneGciares' and relies
II they exist be found the Democratic ap
pointees OF this Administration. know that good
many Of Them right here under the Presidents own eye,
openly defy the law. Why are they not removed?
Even The Evening Starr which trims its sails
every afternoon by the White House wcathercOck,
publishes this editorial comment to-day
1t is to be hoped that the President may find time
before long for supplementary message to Congress
explaining what the Republican holdovcrs'
have been able obstruct the operations of the Gov
eminent by disloyay and nsoence, without incur
ring dismissal for pernicious activity or through the
medium Of an examination for promotion. catalogue
of the specific offences thus generally charged would
make interesting reading. In showing not only to what
length Republican partisan dcpravity but also
how small q fly spoil the soup OF a great Admins
tration.
This message and the report Of the Commission
were referred TO the Select Committee on Reform IN
the Civil Service the majority of which Is composed OF
those select Democratic ref0rmcrs, Clements, OF
Georgia Dargan. of South Carolina stone; OF MiS
souri,: Bryce, of Ncw-York; Rusk, OF Maryland )
Phelan of Tennessee: Abbott. of Texas ana Anderson
of Iowa; who will allow IT TO slnmbcr IN stac vi
deSuctulc.n