The New York herald., 1869-01-01
TIE CIVIL SERVICE BIZ.

Rhode island. OF His Civil Service Bill, Now
Pending in Coagress-An Address Before
the Americau Social Science Association la
Boston.
F.F- BosToS, Dec. 90, 1888.
Hon. Thomas A. Jcnckes OF Rhode Island member
OF Congress from thai State delivered sn address 10 the
Boston Board OF Trade rooms this afternoon, in ex-
panation OF his Civi Service bill now pending before
Congress The address was made IN acceptance OF
nm invitation by the American Social science Asso-
ciation and Ex-Governor washburn, or Massachu-
sets one OF the vice presidents, presided.
Mr. Jenckes said that his measure was practical
one, and one which would result benenciaily 10 the
government. II anything better could be devised he
would accept It. but 1t was evident that something
must be done very speedily to secure the safe admin
lstraon OF the Affairs OF the government The bill, he
SAID II passed. would operate at once upon between
1900 and A. 900 persons and only the most capable
men would be retained or placed in Office. lie then
alluded to the frauds committed recently In distant
places by revenue and customs officers. IL answer
to the statement that II the heads OF depart
ments were honest the subordlnltes would be,
he would answer that. admitting the men
trustworthy. IL IT, nevertheless. an nipossblity for
them TO keep sharp lookout upon all their minor
officers. His measure, he added would intervene
between the chief and minor Officers, and none OF
the latter would be enabled TO hold oce unless tney
were IN every way capable ne woul nave a vae ,ne
President. an orfcial who now has no duties what
ever to perform and who Is the one above all others
10 have the direction OF the various civil officers
lie would allow every citizen OF the United states TO
become q candidate for ofice and do away with all
the oicegiying power and patronage OF politicians
for good behavior he did not favor but ne would
rather have an oGiceT hoil his position s. aur,
right for the money taey pay, to
demand the very best OF public seryaus' lie would
not allow superors or chiefs oi Office 10 remove
capable sub0rdinates ct their caprice, but II
charges were brought against man; ne sieud nave
Il fair examination before board capaoe OF ue.
Gliding upon lis qualifications, and 4 ne Nas found
TO be capable he would be tined. liz Arew conf
parison between the honor Of me men engaaed 10
the naval aud army services o. the connty aud those
engaged In the civii service. showing tIat, while
there rniimited fraud IN the latter ne hal In.
quired almost in vain for dela.catioh o. The part
| or any arm or navy official. The difference. tie
said was due TO the discipline OF the services first
service. He did no, believe tpe race OF
honest men was extinct, and he felt
| that II the people would take the matter in hand
they could soon weed out the thieves and replace
them by honorable men. Besides competitive exami-
nations OF the candidates for Office he would also
| have a system OF probation by which an admitted
candidate could he removed 4 he was found, upon
practical test TO be unequal 20 the duties OF his
position. He knew there was great unwiilngness
On the part Of many TO make such great and ia.
porant change rs this bill would bring about; but
he had observed that The objections came from poll
payers. The people, he added are beginning to look
| into the matter, and they VIII soon demand their
right to the removal OF all unworthy officials and the
appointment OF only those IN every respect qualified
| for their respective positions.
After Mr.. Jenckes had finished hts brief remarks
the following resolution was unanimously passed BY
the meeting:-
Resolved Tha, the civil service Of the United states re-
ques to he Immediately aud thoroughly reformed and that
70 this end patriotic citizen should give his earnest
and influence the hy Congress at ~
OF the bill introduced by the Hon. Thomas A.
Jeuctc providing for competitive examinations and for pro-
motion In view OF merit and thus putting end 10 the
nicous OF rotation oace and Of the bcsow
of place as n reward for party services
Alexander ". Rice, formerly member OF Congress
from Mass ssaehusetts made brief Address IN favor
OF the measure OF Mr.. Jenckes means to secure
reform In the civil departments OF the government