The Course of the Administration

The Tax on Officials.

We see it reported, we do not care upon what authority, that a tax is levied upon the persons employed in the government service and the payment thereof exacted. We are quite ignorant of the authority upon which this payment is demanded or the purposes to which it is applied when received. We trust, however, that whatever may be thus collected may be wisely and economically applied to advance the interests of the Democratic party in its great struggle with the opposition. It is said that from one quarter to one half of one per cent. on the salaries of officials is thus exacted. Now, without knowing anything of the alleged tax, and with no belief in its existence, as a general thing, we have just this to say on the subject. If there is a person in the public service who does not voluntarily contribute the amount, at least, of two dollars and a half a year on each thousand dollars of his salary to support the cause of the democracy, he would be dismissed at once, and his place filled by one who is patriotic and liberal enough to double the contribution. We believe the cause to justify its support, and those who refuse to aid in that patriotic work should be the last to complain if they are deprived of the special favors of those in power. We would recommend no system of espionage, no mean efforts to hunt out the miserable scavengers who devote four or five hours of indolence at their desks, and the balance of their time to assaults upon the democracy; but that forbearance which keeps them in office a moment after their treachery is known is sadly misplace. It is a notorious fact, that more than half the patronage of this Government is bestowed upon such unworthy and untrustworthy men. We hold it to be certain that a traitor in politics only needs an opportunity to betray his trust and sacrifice the interests and character of the Government. Political immorality and personal morality are impossible elements in the same individual.