The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-05-16
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 100
CIAEKsoN AND CIVIL SERVICE.


There are certain men Of National proml-
nencc in the Republican party, who seem
to embody in their strongly marked chaI-
acters all the mischieyous and vicious ten
denotes Of the political organization 10
which they belong. This is notably true OF
Assistant Postmas,er-General Clarksoh'
who is entirely devoid Of conscience as
partisan, which is as much rs saying that
he is altogether lacking in scruplc as a
man. lie boldly proclaims his want OF
principle, and with pride half earnest
half cynical, says he is prepared to halt al
no act, however questionable, II Its peilor-
nance will confer any advantage upon MS
marty. He has made himself especially no
torious by his contempt for the terms of the
civil service law, which he has sysiemati-
callv ignored from the first hour he was III
Quoted into his present office, or whenever
he has been forced to acknowledge It's exist
cree. he has denounced or sneerCd at IL
without shame or reserve.
There has not been in the history OF
American politics a more ilagrant violation
OF solemn pledges than the appointment OF
such a man. entertaining such political
notions, TO the assistant postmaster genor-
alsbip of the United states, in the hands Of
whose incumbent, there lies such an eNtch-
siye power Of removal. The professions oi
the Republican National platform with ref
erence TO civil service, are reduced to The
merest farce in the light Of Mr.. Clarkson's
course of conduct. In an interview on
Wednesday, reported in the Chicago Even
ing Post, this unworthy public servant re-
iterates his contempt for that system Of I'LL
ing the public Offices which President liar-
rison is under the strongest obligation to
maintain.
Characteristically, ClarksOn would en-
sure the devotion Of the American people
70 their government by appealing directly
10 their selfish interests. "Essayists,' he
said on the occasion of the interview re-
ferred to. "who enjoy formulating theories
for an ideal government, admit that thelf
cherished system can come only through
the political activity of the people. Now,
to keep the people active, court must be
made to their personal, individual interest
Let them consider that there is not only
public, but personal advantage to be gained,
then they will work, and for working they
will be rewarded
IL is in accordance with this opinion, that
he has conducted the Office which he occu-
pies, until il has become the greatest scan
dial in contemporary political life. If the
system of rapid rotation, which he has
adopted for his own guidance, were follow
cd 10 the same extent in all the departments
of the government, not only would the gen.
eral government itself sink TO the lowest
point of inetliciencv. but il would furnish
an example that would deserve, and de-
serving would receive, the contempt and
ridicule ofeyery civilized government on the
globe. What is to be thought of an adj
ministration that will knowingly permit
one of its most important and powerful
appointees 10 repeat on every pubic
occasion sentiments so radically opposed to
the principles which it is pledged to sus'
tain? II requires but little discernment to
perceive that the administration itself is
heartily in sympathy with the views OF
Clarkson, however rcticent il may be in en-
dorsing him openly. Clarkson is fully
aware Of this. 1t is idle to suppose that he
would otherwise run directly contrary to
the wishes of his chief in the Postoilice De
partment, or that Wanamaker would per-
nit his subordinate TO take so extreme a
position unless both the President and him
self approved Of it in their hearts The
action of Clarkson is, therefore, the action
of Harrison and his whole Cabinet, and the
interview with the former in Chicago on
Wednesday, was practically an expression
OF the opinions entertained by every member
Of the present administration.
We have yet to observe that the senti
ments uttered in this interview have been
condemned by any member Of the Republi
can party, or any organ representing its in
terests, and there is no reason TO anticipate
that this silence will be broken except ii
the way of the warmest approval.