The weekly tribune., 1893-06-02
THE WEEKLY TRIBUNE.
TENURE IN GOVERNMENT OFFICE
FRIDAY, JUNE 2. 1893.

Just now the st. Louis Republic is all
worked up because Postmaster General
Bissell has decided not to remove fourth
class postmasters who are efficient and
of good character. The Republic thinks
Mr.. Bissel has a story" scheme on foot
to establish life tenure in these govern
ment offices. and concludes Its lecture in
these terms: "Mr. Bissell will either re-
move republicans at the end OF four
years term aud appoint democrats in
their places or ne will have the demo-
cratic party to settle with
Now what is the truth respecting the
views Of the American people on civil
service reform? We believe it to be,
that the nations business ought to be
conducted essentially on the same basis
as that of private corporation. 1t does
not matter whether the taxpayers of
this country be democrats, republicans
or what not in their political affiliations,
they are absolutely unanimous in desir-
ing and demanding an administration of
public affairs that is honest, fair, and
economical.
In all private business the tenure of
employees is regarded by employers and
employed as a matter Of grave import
ance. To secure the best help, and to
retain it as long as possible, many firms
have system of pensions by which they
assure comfort and repose for the de-
clining years of men who serve them
faithfully. But even where ro such
provision is made. it is the universal
wish of good careful employers to have
their people remain with them as long
as their work is satisfactoryGand they
are contented and happy.
1t stands to reason that system
which works well in private business
would also prove successful in that of
the government and simple justice de
mautis that different system from that
OF spoils s. ali 5e adopted. Nothing
could be more demoralizing to men in
office and 20 those out who want to get
in tnan tne practice of political favor
itlsm in The bestowal of government Of
fees. The whole service is upset by it
and there are periods constantly recur-
ring when the men who have places are
so Uncertain of their tenure that their
work is done in a half-hearted way and
their efficiency is minimized. In the
same way the men looking for govern
ment places neglect the work in which
they are engaged and often become
chronic office seekers and, later on,
tramps.
As the postmaster general has made
no public declaration Of his intentions it
may be too soon to judge as to the
grounds of the Republics doleful com
plant, but we sincerely believe that the
American people will honor the men
placed in charge at Washington who
inaugurate a system of tenure IN all gov
ernment offices based solely on merit and
efficiency Such system works well in
the army and navy, and it could not fail
IN tho civil service. That is the kind Of
service the country needs, and the kind
it will get before long, despite the walls
of the Republic. The spoils system is
not principle of the democratic party
which Mr.. Bissell or anybody else is
bound to respect In fact 1t is heresy
and not principle at all.
Mr. Cleveland is the sworn friend of
civil service reform. and he and his cabi-
net are likely to DO many things that
the Republic will not approve.