Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-04-19

these concessions are not. necessarily improper
orunwise Harmony and concert Of action be-
tween the president and congress are desirable,
as all will admit, and the loss in one direction
may be more than made up in another, when
something in itself valuable is sacrificed TO Sc
cure these ends Moreover, though much of the
congressional opposition seems 10 be prompted
by selfish motives, the action Of congress within
its appropriate sphere is entitled 10 the same re-
spectful consideration from the executive as is
due TO the latter from the former. If the presi-
dents conviction that a reform in the civil SER
vice is necessary and practicable lisa reason why
congress should make an appropriation which,
unless recommended by the president, would
not meet with its approval, it is no less reason
able that the president should modify his plan
as a concession to the emphatically expressed
opinion of congress.
But besides the reasons we have already sug-
gested the exceptions of some of the more i'm
portant offices from the general rule of competi-
tive examination are probably made through a
conviction that the more essential qualifications
for such positions cannot be ascer;ained in that
y
require in the first place that no person shall be
appointed to any position who has not furnished
satisfactory evidence of his fidelity to the Union
and constitution of the United States. Evidence
of character, health, age, and knowledge of the
English language, is in all cases to be furnished
in writing to the examining board, who will
then inform the applicants who have made sat
isfactory proof of these preliminary qualitica-
tons when and where TO appear for examine
ton, but if the number should be so great as to
make the examination OF all plainly impraeti-
cable, practicable number of those who APP
pear to be best qualified will be selected for eN-
animation. As it is desirable that persons from
every part of the country should have an OPP
portunity to compete for the executive offices at
Washington, examinations will be ordered from
time TO time for such appointments in different
states, When an officer has discharged his duties
efficiently his'preyious official service is both an
examination and probation, and there is no
good reason why he should not be reappointed.
The new rules provide, therefore, that any officer
at the expiration of his term may be reappointed
at discretion.
In the customs service it is provided that for
vacancies in the chief positions, the secretary of
the treasury shall ascertain whether there are
competent and suitable persons in subordinate
| positions in the customs service within the dis
trict, and if so the appointment shall be made
| from these; but if such persons are not found,
It may be made at discretion. In the consular
service vacancies, when the salary is $4,000 or
more shall be made at discretion; TO the con-
81 ,1or -. 10
will be made in accordance with rules substan-
tally like those applicable to clerical and other
positions, but inferior officers in the consular
service, for whom the principal officer is respon-
sible on his official bond, are for the present eX
copied from the operation Of the rules. The
heads of bureaus in the executive departments
except such as are excepted by name in the for
mer rules, are to benominated or appointed from
persons within the department who, in the judy
ment of its head, are qualified; but if no such
persons are found, the appointment may be
made at discretion. Persons to be employed in
the secret service and in some other employ
ments requiring special personal qualities or APP
| ttudes, are excepted from the operation of the
rules, and so also for the present are those in
| various miscellaneous offices, not classified or
provided for in the regulations.
When a vacancy occurs in the Office of post
master of city having population of 10000
or more, the postmaster general will ascertain
whether there are suitable persons for the po-
| stion among the subordinates of the office, and
if so he will certify TO the president their names,
moi exceeding three, from which the president
will nominate to fill the vacancy. If no quail
fed subordinates are found, or if the nominal
| ton is not confirmed by the senate the presi-
| dent will nominate at his discretion. Other
positions in such city post Offices will be filled
in accordance with the rules. In smaller post
offices, applications TO fill vacancies may be
made by subordnates in the office and by other
| persons, but in appointing, preference is TO be
| given to the former, if found qualified. Special
| agents in the post office department will be
| appointed from persons already in the
postal service who have served one year
or more, but if no person in the service is con-
sidered suitable, the vacancy shall be filled by
| examination as in other cases nnder the rules.
Registers and receivers of land offices, pension
agents and United States marshals will be ap-
| pointed by examination of applicants living
| within the district. Vacancies in territorial
offices, except those of judges, Indian agents and
superintendents, will be filled by suitable per-
sons dOmiciled in the territory, if such can be
found. Communications regarding appoint
ments and removals from office are required to
be in writing and addressed to the proper de-
| partments; personal applications from those
| who desire appointments will not be entertained
/ nv the president or the heads fQf dpnartmputs
| This is the substance Of the new rules. The
| system which they set forth win doubtless have
fair trial, so far as the president has the power
to give it, and whether it accomplishes all that
is expected Of it or not, it hardly fail to have
a favorable influence upon the efficiency of the
service.