The United Service Magazine Volume 57, P. 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1848 edition. Excerpt: ... 321 ON OFFICIAL SLOW AND FAST COACHES. BT DIOCLIDES AURIGA. "Inde caput morbi: rhedarum transitus arcto Vicorum inflexu, et stantis convicia mandrae Eripiunt somnum Druso, vitulisque marinis."--Jrv. Rigdumfunidos--Go call a coach, and let a coach be called, and li;t the nun who calls the coach be called a caller; and in his calling, let him call nothing but coach, coach, ho "--Chbononhotonthologos. Habits of routine become so interwoven with all the business in public departments, that it costs great labour for any one to break through them, the more so, that certain regularity and arrangement are required to go through the details; it has therefore been often observed, that the most strenuous reformer of abuses or errors, in Opposition, fails, when he gets into office, to carry out the plans he had laid down for himself; he is encountered at every step with doubts, delays, and evasions, to such an amount, that his courage gives way--he falls into the beaten track of his predecessors, and puts his projects on the shelf. This has been the general course followed by men who take place--the official atmosphere they breathe seems to take away their energy, at the same time that it hardens their heart, and renders them obstinately callous: they appear to hold it as a direct offence against their person and office, when any one suggests a change or improvement, even when submitted, in the first instance, to their inspection and approval. There needs no further proof of the truth of this proposition, than reference to the General Post-office. There has been in that department at all times a great variety in the governing powers; many noblemen of different political creeds have filled the office of Postmaster-General, always removed or changed...