The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1904-07-30
Where is the Champion?

The Baltimore News, the champion of civil
service reform in Maryland, is growing lax in
its work. When Mr. Cleveland was President
he enjoined upon all Federal officials cessation
of political activity Hon. Frank T. Shaw,
Collector of Customs at Baltimore, aud Hon.
Barnes Compton, Naval Office, in Difference
TO the Presidents wishes, resigned as mem
bers of the Democratic State Central Com
mittee. Mr.. Compton was chairman of the
committee aud DR.. Shaw was member from
Carroll These designations met with cordial
endorsement of the civil service retormers,
including the News.
1t is hoped the News has lost none of its
interest in civil service reform, and that lis
omission to note the political activity OF Col
lector William F. Stone was clear oversight
in its multiplicity of duties in reforming the
Democratic party.
Collector Stone was elected sergeant farms
of the Republican national committee some
months ago. Immediately following his cleo
ton he spent considerable time in Washing
ton. He then went to Chicago to make pre-
liminary arrangements for the national con-
vention, being absent about ten days. Later
he spent about three weeks in Chicago, com
pleting details for that convention.
And now Collector Stone is eff with his fam
ilv for three-weeks' rest, as announced 10
the News of Tuesday. So intent upon abso
lutte rest, the News said, Mr.. Stone had not
made public announcement of his haven OF
rest. desiring to be free from all cares while
! away. Mr.. Stones WEAKNESS is certainly not
a result of attention to his duties as a Federal
| official, for he has not spent much time at that
| for the past three months. When not engaged
| in the field of Republican national politics he
has been largely engaged IN fixing up dele.
gates to the national convention from this
State. and recently in an endeayor TO harmon
ize Republican factions aud select congress
sional candidates. Mr.. Stone, We believe.
is chairman of the Republican committee OF
Baltimore. and is now regarded as the
State Republican leader, having harmonlzed
with Congressman Mudd, jackson and Wach
ter and side.tracked Senator MeComas-
All this political activity of Collector Stone.
in violation Of civil service rules, once strongly
advocated and enforced by Mr.. Roosevelt
when he was Civil Service Commissioner
during Mr. Cleveland's iacumbency Of the
Presidential Office, has escaped the notice Of
our esteemed contemporary, the Baltimore
News.
The Advocate does not belong to the same
class Of Civil Service Reformers rs the News.
1t believes in a proper system Of examination
Of applicants for Federal positions, but mott
life tenure Of office. and We are opposed to
special political activity Of government OH
GERS. While We cannot go the full length Of
civil service reform with toe News, se take
pleasure in informing upon Collector Stone,
and hope to see the News take up his case Not
only should it make il SO warm for Mr. Stone
that be will resign his political positions and
cease partisan activity, but tear OF the clsii
service mask that nov hides the spokesman
Roosevelt. who, as Civil Service Commission
err. was strenuous ia preventing political &C,
tivity Of Democratic Federal officials, but who.
as Candidate Roosevelt. Is willing thai Fed.
eral officials shall DO their uymos, to aid bis
election, and has no care about their neglect
Of public duties.