Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. III.djvu/251

 CHESTER ALAN ARTHUR 207 officers would create discord and contention, be un just to the president, and personally embarrassing to the secretary, and saying that, as Collector Ar thur s term of service would expire December 17, 1879, his restoration would be temporary, as the president would send in another name, or suspend him again after the adjournment of the senate. On January 21, 1879, Collector Arthur, in a let ter to Senator Conkling, chairman of the com mittee on commerce, before which the nominations were pending, made an elaborate reply to Sec. Sherman s criticisms, completely demonstrating the honesty and efficiency with which the custom-house had been managed, and the good faith with which the policy and instructions of the president had been carried out. A fair summary of the merits of the ostensible issue is contained in Collector Arthur s letter of November 23, 1877, from which the following extract is taken: &quot;The essential ele ments of a correct civil service I understand to be : first, permanence in office, which of course prevents removals except for cause; second, promotion from the lower to the higher grades, based upon good conduct and efficiency ; third, prompt and thorough investigation of all complaints, and prompt pun ishment of all misconduct. In this respect I chal lenge comparison with any department of the gov ernment under the present, or under any past, national administration. I am prepared to demon-