Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-01-10
HURLED IT BACK IN HIS TEETH

| TNHB Civil Service Commissioners have
| i been ousted thrown out kicked into the
street.
No charges of any sort have been brought
against them. II is admitted by Implication
that they have been diligent in the perform
ance OF their duties, that they have made
civil service n fact instead Of a theory In
this city. that they have been gutless Of
wrongdoing and without even the suspicion
Of political wire-pulling.
They are legally ousted through the exer-
else by the Mayor Of his statutory power,
His action is within the letter of the law,
however far It may be removed from the
spirit OF the statutes.
But It may be worth while for the citizens
Of Philadelphia to consider how once In this
city, in similar circumstances, a man who
was a man acted when It was proposed to
make him the beneficiary of a summary re-
moval
1t was in 1882 a few days after the Demo-
cratic tidal wave that swept Pattison into
the Governorship, that gave to Grover Cleve-
time rolled up for gubcrnatorial candidate
in New York and that catapulted into office
General Butler In Massachusetts,. In the
very shadow Of that colossal defeat, every
where recognized as a rebuke to spoilsmen,
Governor Hoyt summarly removed DR.. Jo-
seph I.eidy Port Physician of Philadelphia,
and appointed in his stead DR. Thomas 3.
Reed.
Doctor Reed accepted the appointment.
few days later he dispatched to the Governor
the following letter.
To his Excellency Henry NJ. Hoyt, Governor
Of Pennsylvana-
Dear slr-On Thursday afternoon I received
n telegram, signed by you, in these words: "T
wish to tender YOU the appointment of Port
Physician with the hope that you will accept"
consultation with number of personal
friends OF both political parties decided
unanimously that some sudden emergency
had occurred. Probably, II supposed
that Or. I.eidy had followed the lead of the
late Secretary of state and rendered you his
resignation: that YOU were without Port
Physician in Philadelphia. and that my clear
duty was prompt acceptance of the post.
1t was well understood that you had been
under great political pressure during the late
campaign, and 1t was a sincere sympathy for
your struggle for independence" as well as
my profound respect for the position you
occupy as Governor. that dictated my reply
sent the same evening, which was in these
words: "Will accept appointment; always
prepared TO support friend brave enough
to do right" My commission came to me on
Saturday, and my formal Acknowledgement
was sent you few hours later
The morning papers give me your COM
munication to Or. Ledy as follows In
my desire to give some recognition TO my old
friend and comrade, Doctor Reed, by his ap-
pointment Port Physician, there was not
the slightest implication against my entire
satisfaction with yourself and your fidelity
in the discharge of your duties of the office
which it my pleasure you should hold
all my past term of office" To my surprise,
find that my acceptance of the appoint
ment has been made under total misap-
prehension of the facts, and cannot hesi-
tate a moment as to my duty In the prem
ises l. therefore, respectfully return to
your hands the commission you have been
pleased to -ender me.
The possibilities for sanitary reform in
Philadelphia are great and the position as its
"chief medical officer" an appointment
worthy OF any mans honorable ambition;
but TO accept II In the last hours of your
Administration any recognition of my
self is impossible. / have laid no claims
upon you. and you have given no promises
to me. Further, my appointment would neces-
state the removal Cby your own showins)
of faithful and efficient officer absolutely
without cause. which, with my convictions
OF civil service reform, | could not consent
to, Lastly, my appointment would give rise
was to be made the instrument of Furnishing
your enemies. proceeding 1 could have no
possible sympathy with.
Verv respectfully your obedient servant.
THOMAS r. REED,
Philadelphia, November l3, 1882.
Upon receipt Of this remarkable and in
spring communication, Governor Hoyt has
tened to Philadelphia, after telegraphng to
Doctor Reed requesting an interview. The
conference was a long one. On leaving Doc
tor Reed assured the reporters that the sit
uation was unchanged. "As far as the letter
is concerned" he said with emphasis. 'it is
absolute"
The three gentlemen who have been Sc
lected by Mayor Smith to succeed the re-
tiring Civil Service Commissioners may be
assumed to have the cause OF civil service
much at heart. It is reasonable to suppose
that they are dedicated to the principles un-
derlying that great institution. else 1t is
obvious that they are united for the offices.
my appointment you'd necessitate the re-
movaI Cby your own showing) OF faithful
ana efficient officer without cause, which,
with my convictio of civil service reform,
I could not consent o." said Doctor Reed.
This private in the ranks was unwilling to
strike a blow at the cause he loved. even
for office. OF the three men whose elevation
is at tho cost of the service they are sum
moned TO officer is there not one ready to
subordinate private ambition to the higher
patriotism and revitalize in this late day the
cause OF civic freedom good citizen did not