The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1890-10-03
MORALS AND POLITICS
Meeting Of the National Civil Service
League al Boston.
The Republican Party Rebuked for
Disregarding Pledges Made to
the People Before the
Election.

general committee of the National Civil
Service league to-day. il was voted To in-
crease the executive committee by four,
and Edward Carey, Charles Collins and
William d. Foulke of Indiana, and Rich
ard H. Dan of Cambridge, were the new
members elected. At the business meet
ing there was fair attendance and few
spectators. Hon. Ge )rge William Curtis
was unanimously chosen president for the
ensuing year. Charles Bonaparte OF
Baltimore read paper on the relation of
civil service reform TO other reforms, in
which he said that il is the function of
civil service reform 10 provide for all
other reforms. To expect TO get solutions
to such problems as the tariff,
currency and pension system offer
from such men as make up the bulk of
either house of congress, or to deal wisely
with the labor and liquor questions
through such men as make up our legis-
latures and city councils, is as rational as
TO expect figs from thistles.
A long discussion was had upon the
proposition 10 print different papers,
some gentlemen taking exceptions TO por-
their going on record, apparently as being
sanctioned by the association. A resolu-
ton was finally adopted that the executive
COMMITTEES be directed, in preparing the
papers for publication, 10 prefix note
that the league is not responsible for the
views therein expressed.
The committee on resolutions presented
q lengthy report which was unanimously
adopted. The league congra,ulates the
country that the attempt To nullify the re-
form law during the present session was
defeated In the house and that the law
was defended by distinguished members
Of both parties.
The league recognizes the fact that 32,-
900 places In public service are now filed
upon free and fair competition by merit
alone, while Commissioner Roosevelt
gives assurance that W per cent. Of the
clerks SO appointed under the last admin
istration have been retained. II recalls
with satisfaction the action OF the attor-
ney-general sustaining the civil SER
vice commission in the rcvoca-
ton of appointments made in defiance
of the reform law and the indictment Of
persons for receiving political contribu-
tons. The league commends the ex-
PLANTATION Of the civil service commission
before the house committee, and con-
graduates the country upon the choice of
the commission by the present admins
tration. While according 10 the national
administration the greatest credit
for whatever advances have been made,
the league finds IL necessary 10 remind
the country that the pledges made by the
successful party nj the election have been
disregarded. The reform system has not
been extended, the spirit and purpose Of
reform has not only not been observed in
in all the executive departments but often
violated. The laws at variance with re-
form legislation have not beer repealed
nor has there been any proposition for
their repeal. Against this contempt Of
pledges the league records its unqualified
protest.
The removal OF postmasters for no other
cause than political opinions or party af-
| flliations, resulting in partisan devasta-
| ton OF an important branch OF the public
service, is breach Of faith with the coun.
try and grave oifense against pure poll,
tics and the interest of an efficient public
| service.
The important duty Of taking the cen,
sus should have been committed TO Of
ficers selected because of their fitness and
with no regard 10 political or partisan
considerations. The league urges th,
friends OF reform TO press upon public AT
tention aud on congress the repeal Of laws
prescribing fixed terms of office which
were designed TO facilitate partisan
changes without the odium Of express ant
positive removal.
| As measure Of relief from one Of th,
worst and most widely diifused abuse o.
the spoils system, the league approves th,
principles and objects of the bill intro
duced in congress at the present session
TO regulate the appointment Of fourth
class postmasters, by causing their selec
tlon to be made upon business princi
Piles.
In conclusion the league declared IN,
necessity of reform was never more urg
ent. The league will prosecute with un
tagging energy its appeal To that opinion
of the American people which reforms
every abuse that menaces the welfare o
the republic.
Several association reports were read.
Mr. Bonaparte spoke of the complet
decentralization OF the republican party il
Baltimore because OF the distribution O
patronage and said that il seemed certain
that delegates 10 the next republican ma
tional convention will be pledged agains
Harrison.
Adjourned to meet in Buffalo mex
year.
At the closing banquet tonight Mr.
Curtis made speech in which he said
ut shows healthy condition of the pub
lie mind that United States senator ha
been literally roasted for declaring tha
morals and politics have no connection
Power always intends TO intoxicatc itsel
and SO the hope Of reform always rests il
the minority. Caesar had his Brutus
| rburlno I had his TrnppUan aud "a n,a
iority crowned man may In this countr