Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-01-27


So much has been said, and so much more
imagined, concerning the proposed examiua
tons for admission TO the civil service under
the rules lately adopted, thar simple tatcment
OF the actual operations and results of the SINH
lar examinations now and for a considerable
time conducted at the treasury department, can
not fail to be OF interest. On the 29th of July,
1870, Mr.. Boutwell, issued his Instructions to
board Of examiners, which have since been sub
stantialy followed, and are now in successful
operation. The system has not been changed
since the adoption of the new rules OF the civil
service commission. The method by which po-
SltonS are sought, examinations conducted and
appointments obtained in the treasury depart
ment is as follows: Any person desiring a posi-
ton at the disposal of the secretary makes
application in writing, either specifying the par
tcular Office which he desires or not as the case
may be, and all these applications are filed with
the appointment clerk. and from time to time,
whenever vacancy may occur, the secretary
dcs9nates in writing some one of the appli-
cantS, who, upon receipt of the notice, presents
himself for examination. Upon the ques-
ton of designation alone can political in
iiuence, in the present system, be brought
to bear. The secretary has entire
discretion to designate whom he pleaScs. After
this step has been taken, all the candidates are
upon an equality and arc examined III substan-
TALLY the same manner. The person receiving
the designation from the secretary reports at the
referred to the board of examiners, who begin
their work without delay. The board is com.
posed of three persons-Mr. L. b. Elliott, chief
clerk Of the bureau of statistics, Mr.. J. IL. Sd
VILE, chief clerk Of the treasury department, who
participate in all examinations, and the chief
clerk of the bureau in which the vacancy exists.
The applicants have no delay in examination,
as the board is in constant session and ready to
begin their work at any time. Candidates are
generally permitted to appoint, if within rea-
sonable time, their own day of examination, and
when this work is once begun they are required
to continue until it is completed. The examina-
ton is altogether in writing, and covers the
special duties of the position to which appoint
ment is sought and the general branches OF
ordinary instruction. No better idea of the eX-
animation can be given than by presenting a
copy of an actual set of questions for admss On
TO one of the elerkships IN the treasury depart.
| ment. These are as lolows:-
|. Manner
2. Grade for which designatedl
B. In what office?
A. Residence?
B. Place Of birth2
| g. Date of birth?
T. State as to documentary education: Mathematics
| languages, bookkeeping, science, art, etc.
s. What subsequent experience in business or pro.
| fession2
o. What clerical experienceI
| 10. State the nature of the work. and give an eS
ample illustrative of accounts or combinations m
which you have lately had practical acquaintance
|
| thousand and two hundred; ninety thousand and
| eighty; one bundred-thousandth one ten-thou
| sandth one-tentn
II. Write at length the numbers expressed by the
following figures 40050; S00401; 40506o7000; 1O60ll
| III.
ID. Add the following numbers and ascertain the
| per cent. of each to their sum:
| 1867
32134
56714
| 32l9S
| 43lS7
2i6S5
| 965l7