Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-04-20
CIVIL SER VICE Reform.

The advisory board Of the civil service
having completed their work and reported,
the President in an order approves their
recommendations and says they will be en-
forced ~ rapidly rs possible. All political
assessments are forbidden within the various
departments, and while the right Of all persons
in official position to take part in politics is
acknowledged, and the elective franchise is
recognized As high trust to be discharged
By all entitled to its exercise, whether in the
employment Of the government or in private
life, honesty and efficiency, not political
activity, will determine the tenure Of office.
| The new regulations limit and modify the
rules adopted in December. In order that
all parts Of the country may have an equal
chance TO compete for the offices in Waahing-
ton the Advisory Board are authorized to
a direct when examinations shall be held for
such appointments in the different States
The Board expresses the opinion that when
t an officer has discharged his duty efficiently,
and his reappointment seems desirable, there
10 NO good reason that he should not be ap.
4 pointed at discretion, and they therefore
-. recommend that when the term Of an officer
expires by limitation Of law, the officer may
: be reappointed at pleasure. 1t is recon-
K mended that no person shall be appointed to
. position in the service who shall not have
furnished satisfactory evidence of his fidelity
a to the Union and the Constitution.
I Regarding the Customs service the Board
recommends that, when vacancies occur in
chief positions, the Secretary Of the Treasury
shall ascertain II there be suitable and avail
able persons already in the Customs service
within the district in which such chief vacan-
iov nd tbo
appointment shall be made from them; but if
they are not found, it may be made at discre-
ton.
Regarding the Consular service it is recon-
mended that if the compensation 10 $3 900 or
more. the positions shall be made At the dis
cretion of the Executive; less than that, and
} moro than d 600, it 10 suggested that the po-
sitions be made in accordance with the rules
governing clerical and other appointments.
The report also deals At length with grading
and grouping officers in the Executive De-
: partment, in Collectors and Surveyors Offices
and in the Internal Revenue service.
In the Assistant Treasury at New York the
Board propose three groups, Of which the
first includes the Deputy Assistant Treasurer
- the highest grade, and officers whose salary
10 1900 or more, but less than 81, 400. The
third group comprises clerks whose an
, nual salary is less than $1,000.
1 ny this arrangement an onicer who enters
at the lowest grade Of the first group, and
who receives . salary Of more than % 900, is
. in the first line of promotion to the Deputy
Assistant Treasurership. In the other Assis-
tant Treasures the first group includes in
their order all officers subordinate to the As
sistant Treasurer of the Depository whose
salaries are not less than 81 200. The second
group includes the female counters.
In the postal service the Board propose for
the positions which are not included in ar
, raagements made for the General Postofice
at Washington three groups for every local
post office. Of one of which the postmasters
are the highest grade, and clerks whose an
: nual salary 10 81 200 Or more, but less than
81 400, the lowest; another group consists of
clerks whose salary 10 less than 81 200, and
! another Of letter carriers.
: The regulations which are appended to the
i report are nineteen in number, and specify in
detail the requirements alluded to in a gene
. raj way in this preceding report.