Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1890-02-06
GOV. THOMPSON.

GOV. THOMSON. THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
view all the Congressman who have sworn
they would smash the law the next chance
they got-but will il? Is there any real, de-
termined, comprehensive scheme on foot to
repeal the civil service law and to restore to
the heads of Federal departments the power
to appoint and remove subordinates at their
own sweet will? That is the question.
1t may be frankly said that at present it
looks doubtful. Administrations and parties
cannot very readily violate their most SOL
emn pledges. A repeal of the civil service
law need not be looked for by this Con-
gress Even if bill passes, which is very
doubtful, the President would pretty Ger
tainly veto it, and it may be added that Con-
gress will scarcely descend to the petty trick
cry of refusing the usual appropriation so
long as the law creating the commission is
untouched. This opinion / have come to
after inquiry among among those who pre-
tend to know how the wind is blowing with
reference to civil service reform. l met a
gentleman on the avenue few days since,
who enjoys intimate relations with several
pronounced "anti" Congressman on the
civil service question. and in the course of
conversation he expressed himself as very
firmly ofthe opinion that nothing would be
done at the present session toward the re-
peal ofthe law.
"Why not?'' asked.
"Well, simply because nobody really
wants it repealed" he replied.
That's queer statement" 1 suggested.
well, it's a fact" he continued, land
know what am talking about. There is
nobody who is as much benefited by the
civil service law as the average Congress
man. In fact. their life would be intolerable
if it wasn't for the protection to their COM
fort afforded by the very law that they near
ly all affect to so strongly condemn. This has
got to be big country, and the
supply of office seekers has grown
immensely in the past few years.
It is safe to say that every new Congress
man will have from $40 to 5000 applications
for office under the Federal government, de-
pending on the district he represents and his
prominence as a politician. 1t is simply i'm
possible for him to meet the demand. What
does he do? Why, he generally has neat
typewriter postal card. which he mails to
each applicant. briefly explaining his ina
bility to secure appointments on account Of
the civil service law and referring them to
the commission. This lets him out, you see,
and the denunciation resulting from disap-
pointment is leveled at the commission or
the law creating it. Mr.. Congressman, hav-
ing gotten out of the hole nicely, takes the first
opportunity to declare in an interview his
adherence of the law. or perhaps makes a
speech against it. That ends it. The appro-
priation is Passed as usual, and the commits
SION gets in its work."
as that the real situation?"
"Just about it."
Imerely give this opinion for what it is
worth. 1t comes from gentleman who has
been vigorous critic Of evil service reform,
and associates with those who are its
recognized enemies. There are certainly no
indications at present that the law is in much
danger at the hands Of Congress.
1t may be added that the new Commits
sioners Messrs. Roosevelt and Thomson,
have just been confirmed by theSenate with
out opposition. G. H. BENEDICT.