The Portland daily press., 1871-01-05

From this table it will be seen that only
three hundred and thirty-eight succeeded in
passing the examination, although only four.
tenths of the marks which would have indi
Gated perfect examination were required
and it is probably safe to say, that if the off
GERS OF the department had been able to ad
here still more strictly to the proper princi
pie, and throw the competition entirely open
to all corners, it would not have been neces
sary to receive any whose merit was indicat
ed by grade of less that SIX hundred III the
scale, of an examination no more severe til IN
this. This would have included only OLE
hundred and five of those actually examined
The tureau was proceeding carefully with an
experiment, however, and it was thought
wise to err on the Side of moderation, and moi
to excite too great clamor of opposing in.
fuences.
T One thing, however, is demonstrated, that
neatly half the class of mel-recommended
applicants, such as have usually obtained i'm
mediate and unconditional appointments to
clerkships, were sifted out by very moderate
competition in the examination. This, of it,
self speaks volumes as to the real competence
OF the average appointee; and yet it would
prove too favorable criterion by which to
Judge the standard Of capacity in the older
bureaus of the government.
VI course exclusion created a temporary
camor; and exaggerated stories were circu-
lated regarding the severity of the examina-
ton. There were even Instances of assertions
by members of Congress that they could not
have passed the examinations. themselves ::
but as these assertions were supposed to be
based upon the reports of disappointed appli-
cants, who naturally tried to save their own
credit by exaeserating the ordeal they had
tailed in, it would not be fair to Judge the
law tact of 1o mi, il,
questions.
This remark in regard to the saving of time
with a reformed civil service is most striking
1t is literally within the truth to- say that
by the passage OF thorough civil.service bill,
more than one-half the time of President,
Cabinet, Senators and Representatives would
at single stroke be freed from burdensome
and degrading employ ment, and made avail.
able for the study and comprehension OF the
nation and its wants. Craftsmanship would
then become possible as it was in former days,
before it was smothered by office-seeking.
Mr.. Cox adverts to the obvious THAT a
reform of the civil service on the plan favored
not only by himself but by Jenckes of the
House, Schurz of the Senate, and most of the
other prominent agitators OF the subject in
the country, would diminish largely the pow
er and influence of the Executive. He would
offer the executive department, as compen-
sation, the right to be represented in the
House in the English fashion, by giving men,
bers of the Cabinet seat there. THIS prop
osition has often been made, but never in this
so far as we are aware. Mr.. Cox
says:
Scarcely a session of Congress passes with
out the enactment of laws containing the
most embarrassing interferences with, or
changes in, the established modes of proceed
Ire in the various departments. Thus, some
1ears ago, when the Committee on Public
lands had prepared, with the assistance of
he Land Office, careful revision of the
statutes relating to the settlement and sale Of
he wild lands of the West, and had procured
he passage of the act correcting inconsistent
lies and simplifying processes, it was found
hat pari pdssu with it had gone through an
)ther act nominally to establish Land Office
n Colorado, but containing also clause in
the direst confusion into the well.
1igested system which the committee had
aborlonsly perfected. Who
ever may have the curiosity to look through
lebates on bills granting lands to RAILWAYS
will frequently stumble upon assertions that
he amount which the corporation can get
lnder the proposed act is mere bagate.Ie:
hat the lands are mostly entered already: and.
hat trifiins assistance is all the railway can
nope to procure. Yet it is incontestable that
lnder just such assertions, feeby contested il
1t all, and rarely if ever met by an authorita-
i've and official declaration of the actual ex-
.ent OF the grant sought for, millions upon
Millions of the public domain have been CIV
IN away. 1t is not necessary to inquire
whether the grant even OF millions OF acres
nay not in some instances have been advisa-
lie; the point is that such grants should nev
n be made without full and authentic official
of the exact extent of the terrific
Y included; and such statements will very
arey be procured, or the debate delayed to
procure them, unless the departments are
represented on the floor.
SO when the appropriation bills are under
consideration, what a relief it would be to
congress and the country to have the Secre-
airy Oh the Treasury and other heads OF de-
,arCInehls present to explain all the items OF
,he puuset III regard to which the most in
iuslrlous committee can never be fully in
ormed or carry in their memories the exnla-
nations they have received at the several bu-
eaus.
The necessities and advantages If tho
change we are now considering have been co (
apparent, that bills have been introduced ~ !
llfferent times and by members OF all parties.
providing seats for the Cabinet officers on the
ioors OF Congress, and authorizing them to |
make official statements IN answer to inter-
ogatories, and, under certain circumstances,
o take part in the debates. No doubt the
proposition would have met with much great
r favor but for the fear of enlarging execu-