The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1889-04-13

As President Harrison is already being
made the subject of adverse criticism by
the Mugwump press for his removal of
Postmaster Pearson of New York, the
correspondent in that citv OF the Phila-
delphia Ledger makes the following
fair statement of the situation.
Senator Van Colts appointment as
Postmaster has subjected President
Harrison to more criticism than any
other act of his administration. Briefly
summed up, the criticism is this; Post
master Pearson has made the New York
Postofice one of the most perfect inst
tutions of its kind ID the world. He has
made postal administration a life study.
Appointed originally by Republican
President, he was continued IN office
by Democratic President, and has
conducted his great department abso-
lutely on the non-partisan principle.
He made it model civil service estab-
lishment and obtained the respect and
confidence of the business men and
the enmity of the spoilsmen. Notwith-
standing that the good of the public
service required the continuance of
such man in the place to which he
was conspicuously fitted, the President
has retired Mr.. Pearson to private life,
and appointed as his successor prac-
ucal politician who has not particle of
experience in postal affairs. This, it is
declared, is step backward, and re-
nunciation OF the principle OF civil ser
vice reform. So run the editorial criti-
cisms in the Democratic and Mug
wumd press. Nov let Mr.. Van Colt
be heard. He declares that, as Post
master, he intends to live up to the
Civil Service law in letter and spirit. He
will not remove single subordinate
except for good and sufficient cause.
This. he says, will apply equally to the
heads of bureaus as to the under clerks
and carriers. The only exception he
makes IS the private secretary. He
thinks he ought to be allowed to have
that place filled by man OF his own
choice. Finally, it is his purpose to
keep the efficiency of the Postoffice up
to the highest mark astainable A word
or two from ex Postmaster General
James (Mr. Pearson's father in-law) is
of interest. He says that he is well
satisfied that Mr.. Van Colt will make as
good Postmaster as any new man
under the circumstances" Mr.. Pear
son bears this testimony to the high |
character of his successor al have
known Mr.. Van Colt for some years,
and have every reason to believe he
deserves the honor which has been
shown him." A score or SO of promi-
nent business men have likewise given
public expression to their confidence
in the ability and character of the new
Postmaster. The situation, therefore,
seems to assume this shape. The city
has lost in Mr.. Pearson a faithful and
efficient public Official, who had achieved
rare distinction in the management of
a large and important department. The
public parts with him with regret, but if
he must go, and it was scarcely to be
that he could remain forever,
it is matter for general congratulation
that man who is so well and favorably
known as Senator Van Colt has been
chosen in his place. If Mr.. Van Colt
carries out the civil service policy that
he has announced, the change of Post
masters will be change of men, not of
Mr.. Pearson has served eight
years as Postmaster, longer than any of
his predecessors.