The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-17
RUSH after SpOIhS
THE DISGRACE OF THE REPUB,
LICAN PARTY DISCUSSED By
CARL SCHURZ.
CIVIL SERVICE LEAGUE.
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF
THE NATIONAL BODY AT GIN
CINNATI.
TWO DELEGATES FRou ST. PAUL.
Failure of the Legislature of Min.
nesota to Act Reported by
Rev. Mr.. Lord.

CINCINNATI, O.,Dec. 16-The Ma
tional Civil Service Reform league be-
gan a session of two days here today,
with Hon. Carl Schurz presiding. The
forenoon session was devoted to a
joint meeting of the general and of the
executive committees with closed
doors. Among the delegates present are
two from St Paul, WsR. Lord and E.
W. Peet. Among the organizations
represented are the Minneapolis Board
of Trade and the st. Paul Chamber of
Commerce.
At the afternoon session Secretary
George McAny verbally submitted his
annual report showing that President
Mckinley had consistently observed
the civil service law, but that a de-
termined assault was being made
against civil service in congress.
Rev. w. r. Lord reported on the de-
feat of the civil service bill in the last
legislature, but 1t was expected to pass
the next legislature. They also expect
ed to secure new charters for st. Paul
and Minneapolis with civil service pro-
visions therein.
Odean hall was filled tonight to hear
the annual address by Hon. Carl
Schurz, president of the National
league, Judge William H. Taft, of the
United States court of appeals, presid-
ing. President Schurz was frequently
interrupted by applause, and especially
in the closing part of his address. AT
the conclusion of the address there was
a rising vote of thanks to Mr.. Schurz.
Mr.. Schurz said in part:
RUSH FOR sPoILs.
The American people have hardly ever be-
held rush for spoils of office more tumult-
uous than that which followed President Nc
Kinleys accession to power. Nor have we
ever heard more furious and | may add. a
more disgraceful clamor from party men for
the breach OF party faith than that of Re-
publican politicians demanding the repeal.
at least the dsembodiment, of the civil SER
vice law by president and majority in
congress pledged to its maintenance and ex-
tension. The for this amazing de-
mand is that President Cleveland's admin
istration had filled great many positions
which were not in the classified service. with
Democrats and then covered them with the
civil service rules In order to protect the
new incumbents against removal.
Mr.. Mckinley stOutly held his ground
against the fierce foray which set on foot
to overwhelm him He issued an executive
order on the 9th OF July, by which he ex-
empted from the competitive rules certain
classes OF positions in the revenue service
directed that mo removal shall be made
from any position subject to competitive ex-
animation except for just cause and upon
written charges filed with the head Of the de-
partment or other appointing officer, and OF
which the accused shall have full notice and
opportunity to make defence.
The part of President McKinley's order,
which attracted the most attention, Is that
concerning removals. 1t Is no exaggerat.on
to say that its appear ance was greeted with
a round OF applause that resounded all over
the country The people saw in President
McKinley's order vigorous manifestation OF
his patriotic purpose to make true his words:
civil service reform has come to stay Be
sides the intelligence Of the country recog-
nized In the order concerning removals q
decided progress.
FIGHT NOT FINISHED.
The first onset against civil service reform
has been repulsed, but the fight Is not finish
ed. The clamor OF place seekers still re-
sounds with lusty vociferaton. In three Re-
publican state conventions resolutions have
been adopted hostile to the merit system. An
association has been organized TO agltate Tor
the repeal of the civil service law, and Re
publican members of the senate OF the United
States and OF the house of representatives are
loudly threatening to bring the matter to an
Issue at the next session OF congress.
What spectacle could be more significant
than that Of the Republican enemy OF civil
service reform jubilantly congratulatlng the
Tammany tiger upon his triumph and pro-
claiming to the world their common ideal or
government! Let this ideal be soberly con-
templated by an intelligent people VINO wish
to be proud Of their country and TO preserve
its institutions. The enemy being desperate,
the struggle now before us may be arduouS
and bitter But 1t is likely to be the last:
The final victory cannot fail TO be with souhd
Democratic principles, reason and clYilza-
ton