The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-07-02
STAND by YOUR PRINCIPLES. MIR
GAGE.


The Washington Post is one OF those
Journals that look upon life as a joke and
that sneer at everything serious as a
matter for cynicism and ridicule.
The Secretary of the Treasury, Hon.
Lyman J. Gage. has always protested
to be a sincere friend of Civil-Service re-
form, and since he has been at the head
of the treasury Department his conduct
has been entirely consistent with his
professions. The Post a day or so back
had the following article upon Mr.. Cages
course which We do not quote because
we think any one in the world viii be at
all Influenced in his views OF the subject
by the article. but to show the methods
by which those opposed TO the civil ser
Vice seek to injure it. The Posts article
- a. follows:
IL really seems to us that this little
comedy at the expense OF Hon. Lyman J.
Gage. Secretary o. the Treasury, has
gone lar enough. Were Mr. Gage vete-
Ian ia national politics--that IS TO say,
in the practical operation thereot-we
should not dream OF interfering. In such
case IL would be his business to know
that the regular quadrennial howl over
alleged violations OF the civil service
rules is merely part OF the play, and
that those who howl the loudest arc the
very persons who. when their OppOr-
tunity presented itself, violated the same
rules with the most cheerful and cnthu-
siastic assiduity lie would understand
that the howlers do not really mean it;
that they do not expect to be taken
hot afrafs
are complimenting the incumbent au-
thorities on an earnest. If unsuccessful.
effort to rival the displaced authorities
in the fine old game of making monkey
of civil service reform Mr.. Gage, how
ever, has not been behind the scenes.
Like 900 Of every 900 American citizens,
he has witnessed the civil service show
from the other side Of the footlghts,
and he doubtless believes in n as the
credulous spectator believes in the paste
Heard cliff from which the bafiicd villain
plunges 10 his death. 1t Is more than
possible that. at this moment. Mr.. Gage
Is grieyng over the thought that ne
should be suspected of tampering with
the noblest and most ingenious OF all
political institutions-civil service reform
and wondering whether people actually
believe him 10 be guilty OF the iniquitics
charged to him by those who are, for
the time being. gayly and humorously
rhampioning the sacred cause. We say.
therefore. that the comedy has gone
quite far enough. 1t may amuse the cx-
pe.,tnccd who have witnessed II regu-
larry every four years since the law
was enacted and who know IL for the
pu-est peasartry but Mr. Gage has not
been In the game before and ne Should
he given time 20 realize its beauty ana
Srivolity. There is work OF real import
anoe for Mr Gage. 1t will be some time
before he has leisure for these pretty
but unpIoflteile gayetios.
We suppose Mr.. Cages convictions are
far too strong for them 20 be Influenced
In the smallest degree by nippant GYM
cIsm like this. We suppose Mr.. Gage re-
cognizes the great influences for good
and Just government that flows out or
permanency In civil office and that he
vii, go on administering his department
In obedience 10 the civil service law with
OH. the slightest regard to Jibes. Jests
or attempted ridicule. We do not sup
pose Il necessary. therefore. TO say to
Mr.. Gage that he has the entire endorse
ment Of the conservative and moral
elements OF our population In his course
But We wish 20 take the most pointed
Issue with the Washington Post upon
ths manner In which the civil service IAN
4 actually enforced. We have seen