New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-02-13
AN OPPORTUNITY.

The Hon. David A. Wells has an opportunity
before him to attest the sincerity OF his pro-
fessiops Of devotion to Civil Service REFORM
and at the same time render his neighbors ana
townsmen q useful service. We do not permit
ourselves to doubt that he will embrace it JOY
fully. The term Of office Of the Postmaster OF
Norwich. Conn, where Mr. Wells resides has
expired. and no appointment has yet been made
There are two Democratic applicants Tor the
office neither Of whom has the slightest claim
cxceDt that of party service, nor any knowledge
Of the duties except what could be gained by
looking through the window at the sorting or
mails. The present Postmaster has held the
position for four years, receiving 1t by promo
ton. having been a clerk for many years and
assistant postmaster during the four years of
Mr.. Cleyelands former Administration, serving
under Democrat who was appointed upon Mr..
Wells's recommendation. His retention In this
Mace has always been understood to have been
ono OF the conditions upon which Mr. Wells
insisted when he procured tho Postmaster's APP
pontment. Through all the years Of his service
Mr. Caruthers, the present incumbent has dis
charged the duties Of the several positions he
has filled to the entire satisfaction OF the COM
munity. and under his administration during
the last four years the office has attained the
distinction of being among the two or three
having the highest record for efficiency There
ia no word Of complaint against him. nor Is
there any desire for change except FOR po-
litical reasons
Mr.. Wells is, as Is well known, distln-
cuished advocate Of what Is called Revenue
Reform. He has made specially Of the study
of economic questions for many years, and Is
looked I'D to as possibly the highest authority
I'm this country Oh the subject OF the tariff by
the theorists who are now in power and en-
deavorng to put their theories into practical
operation His sincerity as q Revenue Reform
or has never been doubted But he has also,
like most Of tire Revenue Reformers who left
the Republican party because OF differences on
the tariff question: prOfessed equal devotion to
the Reform Of the Civil Service, and especially
TO that feature Of the Reform which Is III OPP
position to the prostitution Of public office TO
nartisan purposes No one applauded more
loudly than he the trusm which. when uttered
Inv Mr.. Cleveland, became the shibboleth or his
supporters that Public office Is public
trust" Nor we disposed to doubt the SIN
certify Of his professions on this subject. But
there are reforners and reformers. josiah
Quincy was a quite eminent apostle or civil
Service Reform until he was placed in posi-
ton where he had to decide between carrying
out the principles Of the Reform and compli-
ance with the clamOr Of politicians for office.
The record he made Is notorious. Mr.. Wells
has the same alternative before him. 1t Is gen
orally understood, and no doubt true that he
has the appointment now. as he had eight years
ago, absolutely within his gift. He can demon
strote the sincerity Of his professions or he can
follow Quincys example and show the hollow
ness Of the pretcnce that public Office Is public
trust.
Postmaster Caruthers has, II any other than
his successful official record Is needed, most
creditable record as soldier, having served
through the War and bearing now the scars
of honorable wounds received In the service.
1t Is difficult to believe that Mr.. Wells can long
besitate as to his duty, but the last reports
from the Postofflce Department were to the
effect that the appointment awaited his action
and he had not yet made his choice.