The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-10-20
Civil Service Rules far Candidates

Civil Service Rules far Candidates
Always interesting, because Of its great
inhuence in national affairs and the pecu-
liariy practical methods of its large mum
Der of professional politicians, New York
city has this year one Of its most exciting
local contests into which enter many of the
elements Of novelty, not to say positive
drollery.
First a clamor for reform went NJ that
seemed likely TO shake the Statue Of
Liberty. Immediately following came a
mass meeting of citizens este .slbly "op-
posed to corrupt political misrule" and dis
posed to purify the politics of the city. 1t
was completely controlled by a lot Of
fossilized hack politicians They organized
literary bureau, and put it in charge of
one of the most comical little political
freaks in all Gotham. He sent out tons of
elegantly printed theories Of ideal politics
that afforded the veteran ward workers of
Tammauy no little amusement between
drinks, but caused them 10 anxiety what
ever.
Next multitude of Gospel ministers with
Immediately white crRvatS met IN solemn
conclave, and, in the course OF a discussion
of the general condition of the country,
said some pretty hard things about one
another, but finally decided TO regulate the
whole matter to their liking by tho applice-
ton Of ''plenty Of prayer" as they ex-
pressed it
Finally convention was held in which
the reformers entered into collision with
all the hungry hack politicians in the city
to beat Tammany, and allowed them to
nominate just such of their members as
they chose for the various offices. Mean
while Tammany stood of and wore a sar-
donic grin as the farce went on. Some Of
them suited the wigwam so well that they
were Endorsed. Then Tammany announced
the regular slated routine candidates and
jumped into the arena WITH a wad of bills
ready to fight it out.
Now comes the New York Times with the
most singular proposition that ever para
ly zed a candidate. 1t is an offer of a prize
if the Tammany candidate for mayor can
pass such a civil service examination as it
shall prescribe. 1t sets forth that ''the
Times is willing TO contribute $500 to the
fund OF Tammany Hall if Mayor
Grant, in the presence of a committee to be
appointed by Mr.. Peckham, Mr.. Patterson,
Mr.. Power and Mr.. Croker. will write one
foolscap page from dictation out of the
Bible Douai version, or out of some one
OF Scouts novels, to be selected by the
committee; or if he will, in the presence
OF the committee, comp Use and write
with his own hand an eisay Of not
less than 400 words upon some subject re-
lating to municipal administration to be
suggested on the spot by tae committee,
provided that the Times be allowed to pub
lish fac sintiJe of the writing in question
and that the executive com nittee of the
Peoples Municipal League have permission
to adorn the dead walls and bill boards of
the city with an enlarged fac simile of the
same"
These requirements do not seem very
severe and they afford his honor an un-
paralleled opportunity to secure a large lot
Of free advertising and also to exhibit his
most picturesque signature if he has been
cultivating one in the prevailing fashion.
Beside. that's good pay for writing a
short essay to say nothing Of merely copy.
ing one.