The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1897-06-26
pERpLsxlTlss OF A PRESIDENT.
e.n.taptl, ueset by seekers After
nfiicR.

PERPLExiTtES OF 4 ?RESiDGs L.
Constantly Reset by Seekers After
Office.
To large extent the administratlo n
of a president of the United States Is
Judged by the character Of the men
whom it selects for public office A.
soon as a president is inaugur9tcd, his
perplexities begin. He may have been
the idol of his party up to that time, but
his will be an exceptional experience II
he does not find friends turning into
critics or even into opponents, because
of their disappointment over his MONT
nations.
Practically. MS first official AZ IS to
nominate the eight cabinet officers via
are to be his advisers. and each OF
whom IS to be the head of an important
department of the government service.
Then comes The necessity of selecting
ambassadors and ministers, consuls anf
collectors. postmasters and district al
torneys, and other officers of greater or
less importance.
Although most of the minor places
have been brought under the civil serH-
ice rules, and are filed through com
petitiye examinations, the number OF
officers nominated by the president, sub
sset to the confirmation of the senate, Is
sill large enough. to cause a new presi-
dent much anxious thought.
On the ore hand, president is beset
with the opportunities Of men who
want offices for themselves or others
Perhaps they were active in securing his
nomination. Or they were chairmen
of political committees Or they were
generous contributors of campaign
funds. Each Of them has some person.
al or party claim to consideration, which
lie does not hesitate to press.
On the other hand, a president feels
the pressure of an enlightened public
sentiment. which demands the sui
ordination q personal and partisan con-
siderations to the public good. anil
makes fitness the first requisite in off.
cal station.
This sentiment is specially strong
with reference 10 the diplomatic service
1t CRATES upon American sensibilities
to have men appointed TO represent the
United States al foreign nations. When
a man is eommissl oned for foreign sery-
ice who does not even know the Ian
guage Of The country where he Is to r.
side; OF another man is made minister
at an important capital for no better
reason than that he has been a hHstling
party leadeE in congress. the administra-
iion responsible for such appointments
suffers in prestige more than it can
possibly gain by squaring a few polit.
zeal or personal debts.
However hard a president may try
it is impossible for him TO satisfy the
demands of politicians. There are not
enough first-class offices to go around
among the men who imagine them
selves entitled to Them Perhaps half q
dozen of them ask for the same of.
flee, each with a strong backing. II
the president appoints one, he makes en-
emes of the other five and their friends
Ordinary prudence, therefore, to say
nothing of higher motives, should
prompt a president to pay more at
tention to the public good than to per
sonal elamor.
Public sentiment makes allowance
for errors OF judgment, and the diffieul
ties of a presidents position. 1t doe
not expect ideal selections everywhere
hut it will judge an administration b,
the general character of its appoint
ments, and it is an encouraging sigl
that the standard of the public service
is becoming higher rather than lower
Youths Companion.