The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-12

prptccteu 10y the fenuieton act, tne
changes effected with az little arrangement
pf business aspossible; spoilsmen not sat
isfed."
Mr.. Hale hoped to have in a few days a
Iurther table showing how this conquering
march OF the Democratic party in pursuit
Of Office had continued down to the be.
ginning OF this year. This showing was
amazing. He had not realized il himself
until he had looked into the figures. The
country had not realized il. The country
didn't appreciate that under the banner of
reform, Will, its watchword written on
svery fold OF the administration banner,
This ruthless prescription and these re-
movals and changes OF Office had been
roing on at rate unexamplcd in any
other administration OF American history.
IL could not be said that most of those
changes took place because Of the expira-
ton OF the terms Of the incumbents, be-
cause scrutiny exposed the fact that nine
een-twentieths Of all the cases where
changes had occurred were places where
p. there was no fixed tenure OF Office, but
where the incumbents were removable at
the pleasure OF the President. Secretary
lamar had recently taken occasion TO
romnend John e. Calhoun for his posi-
lion against the spois system, and had
felicitated himself on the fact that he be-
longed TO an administration which was
carrying out in that respect the principles
Of Calhoun. And yet the stern facts which
confronted the Senate in the department
presided over by Mr.. Lamar were that
eyery Territorial Governor had been
removed; sixteen out OF eigh-
Teen pension agents; every surveyor
general; fonr-iifths OF the local land Off
rers: nine-tenths Of the Indian inspectors
and agents; seventy. nine out OF eighty
three special agents OF the general land Of
fec and two-thirds Of the special eXamin-
FRS in the pension office. And yet MIR.
Lamar stood today OH record, by his uttered
words, as against the spoils system, and
posed as q reformer. Passing 10 the ques-
ton of the participation OF federal officials
in DO litical conventions and elections, Mr.
Hale referred 20 the meeting OF the New
York, PENNSYLVANIA and Maryland State
committees, al all OF which prominent
federal officials had been active partici-
pants.
bIr. Hawlcy asked whether Mr. Hale
was sure that there had been no removals
In these cases.
Mr.. Hale replied ,hathe has yet 10 learn
not only OF any removals, but Of any cen
snfe. In somo eases the officials had been
promoted and in no case had there been n
change made except accidentally, or on
account of something entirely disconnected
with the administration. He did not know
a case where the President had put strong
hand upon any oi these men and made il
seem that he wanted 20 perform what he
promised. In fact 10 gross had been the
violation OF every principle of reform aud
OF the direct pledges Of the Pres
ident, even the Ettaiig Post. OF
New York, mad said Of these things
that they would be used in the campaign
there with terrible effect. The President
had not hesitated himself TO deal deadly
blows at the cause Of reform. In this con-
ncction Mr.. Hale referred to the recent
municipal election in New York, when
Mr.. Fellows and Mr.. Nicoll were candi-
dates for the Office OF district attorney, and
in which campaign all the papers, the
Civil Service Reform association and the
merchants and business men had cspouscd
the candidacy 81 Mr., Nicoll lilo spoke Of
Fellows rs an nld, hroken.down New York
politician, whose character was none too
high, and who had been the crony and
beneficiary OF Tweed in the days of the
worst corruption thai ever disgmccd New
York City. Here was an opportunity for
Tie President 10 have done something in
Tie cause OF reform Here was an oppor-
tunity Tor him 10 have stretched out his
baud ~ the mon. II New York Who were
fighting Against corruption and against
thieves and robbers and hribc.giycr aud
bibe-iakcn, In the cause OF good govern
mont hut those who believed he would
do 20 had been bitterly disappointed. The
4 40. go ~
that timc in complete accord aud harmony
with the leaders u the New York City De-
mocracy, whose principle IL hal always
been 20 support regular nominations and
shoot down descrters. The attention Of
the whole country had been focused ON
that contest, which had assumed an aiti.
tude Of national importance. Al the great
ratification meeting which was held In
New York City, under the patronage Of
Tannpiany Hall, for the purpose of mtify.
Ing the nominations, u liicr hal been
read from President Cleveland r-grett.ng
bis inability % be present, and expressing
the hope that every candidate on the cx-
ccllent ticket ol The united Democracy
might be triumphantly elected.
Mr.. Vest defended the reputation Of Mr..
Fellows, and asked Nj Hale whether Mr..
afA'Nh ttNA W. NNttAE Wv wiz
ten letter ior publication 90 the effect
that no man stood higher at the bar than
Mr.. Fellows and that In the prosecution OF
the aldermen charged with bribery he had
done all that could be- done by any man.
Mr. Hale replied that he had M per
sonal knowledge OF either Of the candi.
dates In that important controversy and
knew nothing about the letter In question
There had been many Interests In that
campaign, on one Eidc, and on the other,
but Que thing stool out clearly and that
Vas that whatever personal attachment
might have been felt for the Tammany
county Democracy candidate ON the part
OF friends who hal formerly known him,
he had been connected by close personal
tics and lad been the beneficiary Of con.
tibuiions al the hand Of Tweed. that he
WIS old In political service, and that his
thamctcr stood none too high. That was
the impression which be (llalol had ~.
OWED from reading the newspapers on
both sides nj that time. The impression
thus received justified him In the remark
which lac had made without Intending any
assault upon Mr.. Fellows. but the prezi.
dent had not stopped with his letter
read 10 the ratification meeting. lie had
written another letter Ia Mr.. Edward
Cooper, saying that the newspaper clip
pings sent 10 him did not amount toenougl
even 10 raise doubt concerning his de
sire for the success al both the State and
city local tickets u the united Democracy
il Was that letter which hal led Mr. Car
Schurx, one Of the leaders In civil scrvic,
reform, 90 Wk what malignant enemy -
a.