It would be well for writers and speakers to bear in mind the remark of Pudd'nhead Wilson to the effect that while there are nine hundred and ninety-nine kinds of falsehood, the only kind specifically condemned in Scripture, just as murder, theft, and adultery are condemned, is bearing false witness against one's neighbor.
One of the worst features of the old spoils system was the ruthless cruelty and brutality it so often bred in the treatment of faithful public servants without political influence.

Life is hard enough and cruel enough at best, and this is as true of public service as of private service.

Under no system will it be possible to do away with all favoritism and brutality and meanness and malice.

But at least we can try to minimize the exhibition of these qualities.

I once came across a case in Washington which very keenly excited my sympathy.