The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-01-26
W CLEVELAND and the Patronage.

Mr.. Cleveland and the patronage
The impression is being circulated by
some OF the republican papers that 1t is
Mr. Cleveland's purpose TO go further in
the direction Of civil service reform than he
did during his first term as President, and a
great deal further than any one OK his pre-
Gecessors. According to these papers he
: does not intend to ask for the resignation OF
any official whose political sympa-
thies and convictions are not necessary
to the success Of his administration, except
for cause, and it is not his purpose 70 con-
slider an application for any Office until the
term for which the incumbent was ap-
pointed expires Il is also asserted that be
nay reappoint the incumbents, even IL they
are republicans, provided it is shown that
they have administered their offices wisely,
and in a businesslike and satisfactory man
ner.
If the foregoing statement has any
foundation in truth, there will be rejoicing
among the thousands Of republican Office
holders, and great dissatisfaction among
the tens Of Thousands OF dem Ocrats who are
hoping to get good places under the incom-
ing administration.
Il is not doubted, Of course, that demo-
Gratis will be appointed to the assistant sec
retaryships, foreign missions and principal
custom houses and postofficss. The alleged
policy has reference only to those presiden-
tial Offices that cannot be used to hinder the
success OF the administration. It is asserted
that the first question Mr.. Cleveland will
ask when an application for an Office is made
to him is, has the term OF the
incumbent expiredl If it has
not he will take no further notice
Of the application. II il has he will ask IL
the incumbent has administered his office
economically and wisely and TO the salts
faction Of the people Of his county or state,
and whether be has been acting the part Of
political agent If he is shown to be good
business man and has given satisfaction and
has not played the part Of political agent
for his party he will. it is declared, stand
an excellent cnance for reappointment.
This sort Of talk in republican papers
must b taken with many grains Of allows
ancs. The Office holders would be very
glad il Mr.. Cleveland should adopt the
many prominent republicans in Office.
1t lie strange that republican papers sho1ld
know more about Mr.. Cleveland's inten-
tions relative to the patronage than do
those Of the democratic faith. The chances
are they have no information whatever as
to the policy be will adopt in respect 70 the
Offices, but hope the policy they outline is
the one he will adopt
Il ia true that Mr.. Cleveland is free to
adopt any policy he pleases relative to the
patronage, becauses he owes nothing to the
politicians. About all Of them were against
his nomination. They all worked for his
election, however, after be was nominated.
But, in Mr. Cleveland's estimation, their
loyalty, when he did not need their assist
ance, may not place him under any obliga-
ton TO them.
1t is doubtful il Mr.. Cleveland will have
a policy in respect to the patronage differ
ent from that he had when President be-
fore. Those occupying the minor offices,
outside Of those TO which the civil service
law has been extended, may not be
disturbed, in all probability. except
for cause. until their terms expire, but
democrats will be appointed to all the prin-
cipal offices either Immediately or as the
terms Of the monuments expire. MIR. Cleve-
land has friends in every state who are de-
serving of recognition from him, and he
can take care of them without violence to
bis civil service ideas.