New-York tribune., 1872-08-07
CIVIL SERVICE REFORA-THEORY AND
PRACTICE.

On the lOtn OF Apru ldSC IHc icoiuohV 90he
the following Message to Congress:
WASHINGTON, April 16, 1872.
The Advisory Board OF the Civil Service, having
completed the grouping contemplated by the rules
already adopted have recommended certain provisions
for carrying the rules into effect
The recommendations as herewith published. are APP
proved and the provisions will be enforced rapidly as
the proper be made and the thirteenth
OF the rules adopted the 10th day OF December last Is
amended to read as published herewith
The utmost fidelity and diligence will be expected of
officers in every branch OF the public service Political
assessments they called hare been forbidden Ufhtn
the rarous Departmens and while the right OF all per-
sons in official position 20 take part In politics Is ac-
nowedged and the elective franchise is recognized as
q high trust to be discharged by all entitled TO its
exercise whether in the employment Of the Government
or in private life, honesty aud efficiency NOT POLITICAL
ACTIVITY, will determine the tenure OF office.
U. s. GRANT.
By the President: HAMILTON FISH, Secretary of State
A bill for Civil Service Reform, introduced
into the House of Representatives by the
Hon. C.. w. Willard, was defeated by the
Administration majority, and the rules and
regulations promulgated by the President
were denounced by the Presidents friend,
Gen. Butler as ga slander upon Congress,
" violation of the Constitution, and wrong
" 70 the Government" Nevertheless the new
rules. as reported by the Advisory Board, were
accepted by the Executive, and became, until
suspended by the same authority which pro-
claimed them, virtually part of the laws of the
service The 11th of these rules is as follows !:
nth. No head of a Department nor any subordinate
officer of the Government SHALL such officer, author
ize or permit assist In levying any assessment Of
money for political purposes, under the form Of voluntary
contributions or otherwise, upon any person employed
under his control. shall any such person pay any
money so assessed.
| There has never been an honest attempt to
| enforce this rule, and there was never meant
| to be. Gen. Butler was quite right when he
| called it "a political trick, sprung upon the
eve Of Presidential election" Assessments
for political purposes are made as much as
| they ever were, and we learn from credible
source that the Republican Congress Commit
tee is now preparing circulars and receipt
books for a general collection among the
Federal onlce-holders. Whether it will be
made openy,>or under some thin disguise, we
cannot say; but the Administration might as
well be frank about it. A letter which we
publish this morning explains one way III which
the Reeectionists break the rrht while pretend
ing to keep it. Circulars are sent to the Depart
ment clerks, not in the name of the Congress
Committee, but of State Associations, de-
manding contribution to the expenses Of the
campaign. The Washington clerks are all
assumed to be members of these associations,
and the secretaries or chairmen are bureau
officers. OF course it is very well understood
what the consequences would be if any man
should refuse to pay.
And now to make the farce complete, The
Washington Chronicle, organ of the Presidents
particular friend, Senator Harlan, gives formal
notice to the place-holders of the capital that
heresy in the Departments is to be vigorously
exposed and severely punished:
There be many persons In office here who. somehow
or other manage 10 survive tho most radical political
changes 1t active political tha. chsngo