ion would stand at the head do in point of efficiency and
usefulness stand at the foot.

Another point of difference is in regard to the power of instant
removal, many of the most pronounced reformers of the civil service
holding that power to be essential, and believing that it will not be
abused so long as the removing power cannot arbitrarily appoint the
successor. The matured opinion of others is that a tenure of office
definitely fixed for a term of years, during which the incumbent cannot
be disturbed except upon substantial written charges, will secure a
better class of officials. They hold that a subordinate officer is
stripped of his manhood by the consciousness that he may at any moment
be removed at the whim or caprice of some one superior in station. It
too often brings sycophants into the Government Departments, and
excludes men of pride and character. On the question of a life tenure
there is a similar division of opinion, which logically follows the
two positions just stated. A life tenure cannot be adopted as a rule,
unless pensions for a civil list shall follow.

There is also a belief with many who are most anxious to improve the
civil service, that the political influence of Government patronage,
as applied to the whole country, has been constantly misunderstood and
therefore exaggerated. At certain places where the customs and postal
services are large the appointing power can no doubt wield great
influence. New-York City is the strongest illustration of this; and in
less degree a similar influence is recognized at all the large cities
of the country, especially the cities of the seaboard. But even at
those points the political influence of the Federal patronage is far
less than that of the municipal patronage. During the many years that
the patronage, both of National and State governments, has been in the
hands of the Republicans in New York, the municipal patronage, steadily
wielded by the Democrats, has been far more potential in controlling
elections. And throughout the United States to-day the patronage
controlled by municipal governments largely outweighs in the aggregate
that of the General and State Governments at all points where they
come into conflict.

Towards the close of President Hayes' Administration the total number
of men connected with the Postal service of the United States was
about 64,000. Excluding mail contractors and mail messengers (whose
service is allotted t