The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-17
OIEICIAL JI-NINEIING.

No recent incident illustrates more distinctly
the laxucss which has crept into the admins
traton Of the affairs of the general govern
mcnt than the fact that Mr.. Blaine, the Sec
rotary of State. Is able to take possession Of
Government vessel. the property Of the peo-
pie and use it for private excursion of his
own down the waters of the Chesapeake bay.
This excursion. it is stated. may De- extended
over period as long rs a week, during which
the Secretary can direct its course as be-
chooses. either cruising to and fro or putting
into Old Point, as may be most agreeable 90
him.
1t is true that the Despatch has for some
time been lying idle in the navy-ymd at Wash
iugton. but To- equip her, man and coal her.
viii ensure very considerable outlay OF
money from the Government treasury with
mo- object t. bc secured but the qualification
of the Secretary desire for change.
In ordering ont this vessel for the purposes
Of his own individual pleasure Nh Blame is
following a precedent which has under the
Republican control of Federal affairs grown
into custom. hut there is no real justifca-
tion for it in this fact. II is "a departure from
the spirit Of our political institutions. and an
imposition upon the people which is as Illegal
N IT'S operation as it is wrong in principle
II. thirty wears ago. "a Secretary If State had
presumed TO make use of Government prop
erty as Mr. Blaine is now doing and doing
without exciting general comment. it wouli
have been considered So grave dcpa tuc
N .l d.. e
the unwrtten law OF the land that he would
have exposed himself TO ceusure which
would have probably cut short his political
career As il il. Mr. Blaine proceeds upon
his aquatic jauut with no missiying AS % the
impression which hi, act # monopoliling
Government property Cor his own private
ends VIII create upon TIE public mind.
II is said that the Secretary has been OVER
taxed by tn strain which has been put upon
him during the course Of the Italian diplo-
matte enhancement and that his lac lth lie
mands some form of recreation. This Is no
GOOD reason. |, w,v,r why lie should have
Cove mont vessel placed at his disposal. or
the MONEY of the people expended with a
view O. the re-esiah'I~lmout If bis strength.
Tie custom is q dangerous one, even IN the
instance whore it is President and not
merely member of the Cabinet Who uses the
property Of tire government for su.h a nur-
pose. In i... INST u.s. is who'd lu,i-
fla ao. a, r.H ..p0s q t.t g.. essential nun
ci.'.-u ci The Federal Government
should be- run.
ID .Iv-iu.Ii. and Cabinet officer are in need
of % change on account IF too arduous service
in tile performance Of their official duties.
then they should obtain this change at their
own expense. ani not az the expense Of the
people. The amount Of public money which
Is expended in ahordug them opportunities
Tor recuperation is Of small importance in It,
self, but the principle involved is of the high
est importance. Already that principle has
been grossly abused, and il is time that pub
lic sentiment should insist upon "a return 20
toe official simplicity and integrity which
Were characteristic Of the Federal Govern
ment until the Republican party in 1861 came
into power, and altered the letter and the
spirit Of the administration Of Federal affairs.