The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-07-14
WEDNESDAY. JULY IA, 1897.
MIR. JEFFERSON AND CIVIL SERVICE.

MR.. JEFFERSON AND CIVIL SERVICE.
The Lynchburg News takes us to task
for favoring civil service reform, ana
declares that we are departing from well
known Jeffersonian principles in advo-
eating this policy, which the News IS
pleased to term humbug. 1T says that
the Times often appeals to Mr.. Jeifer-
son as an authority, and adds:
Why, then. does ii depart so far from
the Sage of Monticello upon this ques-
ton of a perpetual tenure of office? Mir.
jefferson has left on record. in the most
explicit words. his conviction that ii is
essential to the faithful and honest ad-
ministration Of the public service that the
officers of the government. both promi-
nent and subordinate. should be often
returned TO the people TO give an ac-
count of their stewardship. We think the
Times would find some difficulty i'm recon-
Cling its advocacy of a perpetual occu-
patton Of the subordinate places in the
public departments with the declarations
OF Mr.. jefferson i'm favor of frequent
changes and a return Of the office holders
to their masters-the people
Mr.. jefferson believed in rotation IN
office. and so do we. But there is a
difference between officers elective by
the people and the various appolntees or
the administration. who constitute the
working force of the several departments
of government.
And. now, to crafty our Lynchburg
contemporary, we will. as usual, appeal
70 Mr. jefferson to sustain the position
Thich we occupy.
MIR. jefferson was elected to the presi-
lency by a party. and was under the
necessity of rewardng his supporters
With Offices and incomes. but his removals
II political opponents from Office were
out few in number, compared with those
Of more recent administrations" We
quote from the Statesmans Manual
Mr.. jefferson said that he regarded all
the appointments made by Mr.. Adams,
after the 18th Of February, while the
House OF Representatives were balloting
for President as absolutely weld. and he
did not hesitate to remove these from
office. In speaking of the matter. ne
said that Mr.. Adamss best friends
agreed that he was right. In the next
place he thought that.it was proper TO
remove from Office all who had been
guilty OF official malconduct. But,
said he, good men. to whom there Is
no objection but a difference Of political
principle. practiced only as far as the
right Of private citizen would justify
are not proper subjects Of removal. ex-
This in letter to William Il. Giles.
Again. in a letter to Mr.. Gerry. ne
said. Mr. Adams last appointments.
when he knew he was naming COUNSEL
lors and aids for me and not for him
self. l set aside. as far as depends on
me. officers who have been guilty OF
gross abuses Of Office sIch as marshals
packing juries. etc. l shall now remove
az my predecessor should. in justice. have
done. The instances will be few. ana
governed by strict rule and not party
passion. The right Of opinion shan
suffer no invasion from me. Those who
have acted well have nothing to fear
however they may have differed from me
In opinion"
Again. to Colonel Monroe in speaking
Of removals. he said: Some know
must be made. They must be as few as
possible. done gradually. and bottomed
on some malversation or inherent dis
qualification"
In his first inaugural address Mr.. JEFF
fcrson said: we have gained little IL
We encourage political intolerance as
wicked and impolitic. We are all breth-
ren Of the same principles. We are ali
Republicans and al Federalists." THIS
was construed to mean that he would not
remove any OF the incumbents from Of
flee.
In reply. however. 20 a remonstrance
from citizens Of New Haven protesting
against the removal Of an officer. Mr.
jefferson used this memorable language:
DECLARATIONS by myself. In favor OF po-
lulcal tolerance. celebrations TO har-
mony and affection In social intercourse
and respect for the equal rights Of the
minority have on certain occasions
been quoted and misconstrued into as
surances that the tenure of Offices was
NOT 10 be disturbed But could candor
apply such a construction When II is
considered that. during the late admin
is,ratJon, those who were not of a par
ticuisr sect Of politics were excluded