Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-11

There are those among the daily callers at
the White House who would not be surprised to
witness a radical change in the next year or
two in the method of distributing the federal
patronage. Men who have talked with
the President recently and have per-
ceived the drift of opinion in cer-
tain political channels saw there is
a rising tide of sentiment favorable to a change
which is swelling in volume and bids fair to
sweep away existing custom to leave room for
the growth of better system.
Briefly stated the change would mean the
curtailment if not the complete abolishment OF
active and persistent efforts by Congressman in
the distribution of patronage.
This could be accomplished. it is argued, by
an agreement between the President and his
cabinet officers that they would not recognize
congressman to recommend or to solicit ap-
pointments. but would ask the opinion of the
congressman at such time as the heads of de-
partments should see fit, upon candidate,
whose applications had been placed on file in
the departments.
WHY A CHANGE is DESIRABLE.
The necessity for a change in the present
system is said to lie in the fact that of late
years the work of Congress as Legislative body
is seriously interfered with by the absence OF
members from the daily sessions. necessitated
by the attention which they must give TO the
task Of pressing their constituents demands
for patronage in the various departments An
other reason put forward for the change
is the allegation that in many states
eligibility for election to Congress has come
to be gauged by a mans ability to get
appointments for his constituents and to
sway power with the administration. 1t il
ha he,
gressmans daily Legislative duties consists
in making the rounds of the departments in be-
half OF his constituents, his seat in the legisla-
tive body, to which he was elected, remaining
empty the meanwhile.
Any day in the week during the sessions OF
Congress and in the recess it is a common
sight to digniied and white-haired
Senators and grave Representatives, charged
with the duties of making laws and
dealing with great legislative questions
of vital importance to the nation. abandoning
their duties and trudging through the depart.
ments, cooling their heels in secretaries ante
rooms. intent upon pressing the claims fol
Office of persistent constituents
CONSIDERED By THE PRESIDENT.
1t is said that Mr.. Cleveland has been keenly
impre e,sed with this situation, which has beer
brought vividly to his attention during the
past two months. and that in such leisure mo-
ments as be has been permitted to enjoy he has
taken it under serious consideration.
Many Of the Congressman themselves, ii il
said, would welcome a change in the system
They feel that they are held responsible foi
every appointment, and while realizing thai
they do not and ought not to control every one
they are made to suffer for that non-
control by their disappointed constituents
Some Of the Congressman who are interested
in legislative matters and who would like Il
devote their attention 70 the fov NH Il
they were elected-or thought they were-re
sent the necessity of becoming mere logger,
after offices.
PROMINENT CALLERS.
The President had another light day todav
The most interesting feature Of Il was thu
presence at the White House of Chairman
Harrity, who enjoyed an hours interview witt
the President He was accompanied by As
sistant Secretary Quincy, who is also member OF
the national committee. Mr.. Harrity said be
came to see the President by appointment, bu,
not to talk about Pennsylvania patronage Ma
uonal Committeeman Sewall of Maine was also
caller at the White House during the say OF
his two colleagues.
Congressman Stone Of Kentucky called to
say goodbye. as he returns to his old Kentucky
home today. Many of the Congressman are
leaving Washington, dropping out one by one,
and the attendance at the White House grows
thinner day by day.
The President entertained Mr.. Carl Schurz at
dinner last night
Ex-Gov. Campbell. the idol Of the Ohio de-
mocracy. was at the White House yesterday and
had q talk with the President. 1t is though,
that he left before dinner time.
TIRE PcBLIc PRINTER
The term Of Office Of Public Printer Paine,
expires next Saturday. Congressman Richard.
son Of Tennessee asked the President today Il
Mr.. Palmer's successor is under consideration
The President replied he had not yet taken VI
the case and did not know when he would.
1t is said that Mr. S. F. Webb OF Arizons
will be appointed collector of customs al
Nogales, Ariz.