Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-10-26

There can be no doubt of the disastrous
effects which would be inflicted upon the
material welfare of the national capital by
the election of Mr.. Bryan as President At
least two of the doctrines for which he
stands are directly opposed to it's prosperity,
and consequently there is distinct hope in
the minds of most Neutrality-suspicious., regard
less of party, that he will be defeated as in
1896. The immediate cause of their dis
trust is Mr.. Bryan's threat against the
civil service system now in vogue threat
which he pointedly uttered in this city
four years ago, and took occasion to re-
peat here last Tuesday. In addition they
share the general apprehension of the cen
sentative. unprecedented citizens for the
business stability which is menaced by the
free coinage doctrine. Washington would
suffer with other communities in the crisis
which would inevitably follow the victory
of the party pledged to a reputation of the
national financial credit
The reform of the civil service has trans
formed Washington into a thriving, pro-
gressive community, into a city Of homes
The contrast between the capital today and
the capital of a few decades ago. before
this reform became effective, is highly in
Structive. AS has been often declared
Washington In the old days was a city Of
camps. partly emptied during part of
each year with the adjournment of Con-
gress, and almost wholly changing in popu-
lation every four years. The average Office
holding resident was far from being
home-owner. He was satisfied to board or
to live in rented quarters during his pre-
sumably limited term of office He dared
make no permanent investments. He could
not even engage safely in business when his
office term had expired For the business
interests suffered severely from the uncar-
tainties of official life. Credits were haz-
ardous. Bad debts We're the rule. Failure
stared the merchant in the face unless he
possessed a large capital. Even then he
preferred to risk his money as rule, else
where than in such a community.
When the civil service was placed on
practical basis Of merit and retention in
office during worthy work. Washington be-
gan to grow. Capital became embold med
to invest here in enterprises which in
creased in size and Importance in proper
ton to the stability of the new system.
Boarding houses gradually gave way to
residences. Rented houses, which for years
had greatly ruled in the market began to
be replaced by those owned by the occu-
pants. The population became stable,
proved, business felt more confidence fail
ures grew less frequent and disastrous, tie
city grew in every department at rate
previously unknown. The assurance of the
mertorious clerk that he would be retained
during his good behavior ENCOURAGED him
to seek a home either within the city limits
or in the suburbs A movement began to-
ward the outer regions which has trans
formed Washington.
These results are directly traceabIe to the
civil service law as now enforced. A change
to fixed tenure system would in short
order restore the old conditions, the I'M
stable population, the constant uncertainty
of the mercantile interests, the relin1uish-
ment of homes in favor of less permanent
residences, the retrogression of the capt. al
in every line and in precise proportion to
the continuation of the reaction. If added
to this state of things panic should seize
the business interests of the whole country
as threatened by the democratic free silver
pledge, solemnly renewed at Kansas City,
Washington would suffer as never before,
probably beyond recuperation for many
years to come. And that is the reason v by
Washingtonians, almost without regard for
party, even without reference to the en-
ployment of the individual, hope that this
threat will pass as in 1895