The elements which make up our postal department are those which
politics create. These are constantly changing, and every change
produces its own creatures. The very resignations are the consequences
of these changes, and not of the desire to secure other employment. Men
would rather owe to themselves the right of leaving a position than
submit to the pompous notice from an official, commencing with, _“Your
services are no longer required,” &c._
The number of resignations alone during the year ending on the 30th of
June, 1862, was 2902, the removals 2786, out of 19,973 officers in the
loyal States and districts. The resignations were nearly fifteen per
cent. of the whole number, and resignations and removals combined about
twenty-eight per cent. of the whole number. The new appointees must
acquire a practical postal education before they can promptly and
accurately discharge their duties. It is evident that a system so liable
to constant and large changes in its administration must be defective in
many elements of completeness. The theory of our government requires a
direct official responsibility to the executive head, and that the term
of office should be limited to the proper discharge of that
responsibility. The principle is correct. But the proper compensatory
principle requires retention of good officers, as truly as it requires
the discharge of incompetent incumbents. This principle can be carried
into effect only when public sentiment shall be so clear and uniform as
to make itself felt by all public representatives influencing
appointments.