1880.] 5vJ [LeConte. 



flowing therefrom, what is the remedy, and how shall it be 

 applied? The remedj^ I would suggest is, to remove bylaw 

 the civil service of the country from under the control of partisan 

 interference, and prevent its subordinates from an active partici- 

 pation therein. By this course you will elevate the service, 

 increase its efficiency, and largely decrease its expense to the 

 people. 



Is the remedy an impossible or even a difficult one to 

 apply? To a nation which has laid forests, built splendid 

 cities, peopled a continent, overcome a mighty rebellion, and 

 emancipated four millions of human beings within the stride 

 of a single century — it would seem as if this might be ac- 

 complished. 



I know full well that it can be done, and that quickly if 

 good men of all parties will only unite and determine that 

 it shall be. 



If the pernicious influences exerted by our present defec- 

 tive system are eliminated from our politics, we will have 

 removed one of the greatest hindrances to our advance, and 

 danger to our future peace, tranquility and prosperity as a 

 nation. 



8 The tendencies of scientific culture. 



Dr. John L. LeConte, Philadelphia. 



" Reasoning at every step he takes, 

 Man yet mistakes his way ; 

 While meaner things, whom instinct leads, 

 Are rarely known to stray." 



Dr. LeConte, in reply, said : 



You have already been told that one hundred years ago 

 the Commonwealth granted to a body of well-educated 



