Page:The Reminiscences of Carl Schurz (Volume Two).djvu/50

 Calhoun, and Webster—indeed he prided himself on being able to pronounce the word “Constitution” exactly as the great Daniel Webster had pronounced it—and he knew how they abhorred the patronage system as an abomination. But the common run of politicians of either party loudly praised it as a thoroughly American practice based upon a democratic principle. Mr. Grund described to me in the liveliest colors the ravenous rush for office after the election of General Pierce to the presidency, the incredible humiliations some men would submit to, the incessant trouble Senators and Representatives had in trying to satisfy their hangers-on, the unscrupulous deceptions practiced by them upon constituents whom they had to disappoint, but whose friendship they wanted to keep, and so on. These things were distressing revelations to my untutored mind, which had to struggle hard to comprehend it all. What was it that made so many people so hungry for office? “Partly the distinction and influence which official position confers,” said Mr. Grund, “and partly the pecuniary emoluments.” I inquired about the salaries attached to various offices and found them rather low. “Well,” said my mentor, “but there are the pickings.”

“Pickings? What is that?”

“The money an office-holder can make through the use of his opportunities—sometimes, honestly, sometimes otherwise.”

“And that is permitted?”

“Not exactly officially permitted,” said Mr. Grund, “but it is treated with generous leniency. When an office-holder is caught in bad practices, the congressman who has recommended him for office usually tries to protect him to the best of his ability. In common talk, the value of an office is gauged according to the salary and the pickings. You hear