Speech #470137689

It is to come in in section 3. line 23. after the word "Washington." so that the whole clause would read. as I propose to amend it. as follows: The commission may at Washington and in each of the States designate and employ five examiners. not in the employment of the United States. of whom not more than three shall be adherents of the same political party. who shall examine such persons actually residing in such States or in the District of Columbia who shall apply for appointment to or employment in any place or office under the provisions of this act. And the commissioners may at any time subsitute any person in such boards of examiners. having regard to the qualificaLions herein expressed. in place of the persons removed. The evil that I attempt to prevent by the introduction ofthat amendment is the immigration of persons from the States to the District of Columbia for the purpose of fbllowing the business of seeking office. As matters arc now conducted. thousands and tens of thousands of men and women leave their homes in the States and Territories and come here to be on hand. to be everlastingly present to drop into the pool when the angel has stirred the waters. or when the angel of death has drawn some person abroad. lying by. like lazzaroni. like poor afflicted people. as many of them are. to get the benefit of an appointment if they happen to be within reach at the proper moment of time. Washington city has been colonized with people in these unfortunate circumstances. and the policy and practice of the Government has been such as to induce these people continually to flock to this capital.