Delaware gazette and state journal., 1895-12-26
washington Correspondence BOSTON Herald.

background.
Washington Correspondence Boston Herald.
No more striking picture of the de-
moralizing effect of the spoils system
on Senator or Representative in
Congress has ever been drawn than
that which was exhibited by President
Carl Sehurz of the National Civil Ser
vice Reform League in his annual ad
dress on Thursday evening, and no.
where outside Of Washington could it
have been 80 thoroughly appreciated
than it was by the large audience which
filed Metzerott Hall on that occasion, in
spite of the disagreeable weather out
side.
There were Senators and Representa-
tives in that audience and men who are
or who have been in the high execu
tive offices of the government, but not
only they, but almost everybody else
who was present, recognized every line
In the picture, so we'll known are the
facts from which it was drawn. There
was perceptible hum of approval after
every paragraph, beside the frequent
laughter and applause which showed
that here, at least, Mr.. Schurz did not
need to present proofs of his state
ments.
This is the picture that Mr.. Schurz
presented:
Let us picture to ourselves candi-
date for Congress in a large district
and follow him in his career-a man of
good character, fine abilities, and an
honorable ambition to serve his coun-
try. 1t is the year of presidential
election, with new deal of patronage
in prospect First he has to get the
nomination from his party convention
He enjoys the good will and respect of
his neighbors, but he finds that this is
not enough. The primaries which elect
delegates TO the Congressional district
convention are, in many cases, con-
trolled by the most adroit and pushing
politicians, who want Office. and are
especially keen when a change Of adj
ministration is pending.
Our candidate finds that, to beat his
rivals for the nomination, he will need
the aid of some of those alert poll
ticians and, in turn, they let him
know what places he is to procure for
them if elected. He recoils from the
thought of making downright bargain
for his nomination. Morally he cannot
afford to purchase his nomination with
promise of office. Neither can he
afford, he thinks. to lose his nomination
by buntly refusing the promise. He
begins to compromise with his con-
f& science and honor, and calls up his
# diplomatic adroltness, answering the
q demand for Office in ambiguous phrase; /;
34 he will .taSe the matter into favorable
consideration; he will "do the fair
4 thing;'' he smiles, he winks, he mods,
81 having not yet learned by experience
THAT all these things are taken by the
place hunter as positive promises, no
NSlmatter what his own mental reserva-
lions may be. And thus he is, without
knowing it, soon deeply mortgaged,
having, perhaps, in this vague way
promised the same Office to several peo-
pie; and such promises are sure to be
presented for redemption.
Well. he is nominated and now the
,ampaign begins. The district threat
ms TO be close. and he looks for help.
That help is freely offered. Some men
AXE a sincere interest in the cause the
candidate stands for, and give him
their aid unselfishly. Others, who are
effective local stump speakers, or whose
influence can reach some particular
class of people, or who can disarm cer
tain opposition by personal work, or
who are Just the men to get out the
vote, or who can do great good by the
wise expenditure of some money, and SO
on, are of opinion that they should not
be expected to "hustle about for
nothing. He accepts their services and
gives them "claims" upon him-claims
to be satisfied. of course, with offices.
Carried away by the heat of the strug-
gle, he not merely continues to open
prospects by vague speech and to smile
and wink and nod, but he makes posi-
hive pledges, perhaps not few of them.
The mortgages rise to formidable
amount
The election comes and he triumphs
His bosom swells with the proud con-
seriousness of honors won and of distinc-
tion to be achieved in the service of
his country. Being man of honorable
purpose, he thinks of going to work at
once to prepare himself for his legis-
lative Duties the Importance of which
he earnestly appreciates. To these
duties he wishes wholly to devote him
self.
But no; he has not yet time for that,
Other more pressing business inter-
venes. His mail is heavy with petit
tions and recommendations for office,
bearing long strings of names in favor
of men of whom he may never have
heard-covering all the Federal ap-
pointments in his district many times
ONtTs iAblls WnOlu ub CHH0Ot
afford to offend, seek places for their
friends and dependents. But by the
men who have "claims' upon him he
is most strongly reminded that first OF
all his time and labor belongs to his
friends. - There will be change OF
administration, and, of course, vacant
places without limit.
In the first place it is to be taken
for granted that, according to custom,
he will have all the postofiices in his
district at his disposal. Then it is sug-
gested that he should consider it duty
of honor to fill some consulships frou
his district, il not even a foreign mis-.
sion. And, indeed, there are gentle
men among his constituents who, hay
ing done valiant battle for him, now
think that foreign air would do good tC
them and their wives, and that theil
daughters should have first class musit
lessons abroad. Then there are other,
who maintain that they have fairl,
earned Indian agencies, or revenue
positions or places as chiefs of bureaus
or at least of divisions in some depart
ment at Washington.
About the time the new Presiden
goes into power our new Congressman
loaded with petitions and recommenda
tions, rushes on to Washington, tt
plunge into that fearful spoils carniya
called a change of administration. H,
travels in lively company; not few o
his constituents who hold or beliey