The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-26
CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION.
A Bevy OF AspirAnts Undergoing the
Ordeal.

A Bevy OF Asptrants Undergoing the
Ordeal.
very important examination of candidates for
vacancies and original appointments was held yes
terday In the rooms Of the Civil Service Commits
sion, in the top story OF the Custom House, under
the Immediate supervision OF Mr.. John r Ly-
decker. Special Deputy Collector and Storekeeper
Of the Port. Postmaster James, chairman OF the
Board OF Examiners was present at the opening,
but his multitudinous duties at the Post once pre-
vented him rom remaining Mr.. Lydecker, how
ever, stuck to his post from beginning TO the end
Although some forty applicants were notified only
fifteen "put in an appearance" and were examined
for the following offices ELEVEN night Inspector
ships. TWO clerkships one day inspector and one
storekecper.
The routine of examination is very strict and
consists OF propounding numerous questions, put
in writing, which mus be answered In the same
manner. There are seven blanks, which are utilized
for this purpose, the commencement being devoted
to the historical events OF the aspiring once
seeker. Grammar, rhetoric, geography, arithmetic
especially for the higher grade OF oces solicited.
The following form was sent to applicants exam
ornSa OF BOARD OF ExAnssnns,l
You have selected by Board OF Examiners to
compete IN an examination for - -. under par
ing admission TO this ONCE You arg hereby Sotied
ts ra for "a @ Gnao at he rooms OF
York on the 18th day of February, 1874 at O'Clock
Y9nI earetql attention inviedo the enclosed sules
ms nothcatio must be presented to the Board
'0 Very sI respscsluy yppeAi' THOMAS L. JAMES,
VII Not ,.s Chairman hair Of Board d Of Examiners
VIII mailed eligible sandIdatss aalss. Il i
in which case practicable number will be selected I'M
gated M iAs to for
lion Those not selected Tor examination viii remain on
BY three O'Clock the examination was over and
now the labor OF the commissioners commences.
scanned the various arithme tical problems prObed
as to their correctness and the relative standard Of
merit OF each candidate ascertained. The manner
OF arriving at the relative merit, OF each candi-
dates proficiency is in this wise For instance, in
arithmetic his proficiency shows 90, in grammar
TO- in 0rthography 90, In history 60, geography So
BY adding together these five branches make a
total OF $50 points, which are again divided by s.
Thus the average standard attained sums up TO-
and that Is accredited to the competitor. Very
particular attention is paid to the higher and more
practical branches OF education-for instance
arithmetic. which Is marked at higher STANDARD
and due allowance made.
Altogether the class Of applicants anxious to
serve the government since the introduction OF
the civil service reform has been OF higher
standard a tnan previously: fair common
who aspire to the lowest grades; hence the
days Of ignoramuses and sinecursts, whose
political influence, was the sine Q7la non Of ap-
pointment are over. At the same time Collector
Arthur Is re4ieved from many opportunities Of
STATESMEN" to appoint their constituents to gov
eminent Offices without being morally. socially or
educatlonally qualified therefor.
Among the distinguished visitors present during
the examination were Captain S. P. Russell, MIR.
Frank Squires Of Newport. X. l. General George
H. Sharpe, Surveyor OF the Port; Colonel Silas W.
Burt, Chairman OF the Board OF Appeals for Civil
Service; Mr.. Andrew ". Green, OF the Naval ofice
examiners, and numerous Others. Mr. Frederick ].
Philips. Collector Arthurs private secretary, was
also present during portion OF the proceedings,
feeling happy that at least as many as were pres
ent competing for appointment would cease to an
noy him in future with questions to when their
turn would come. In about three or four days the
examiners will report the names Of the lucky
didates, who will be nominated TO and confirmed
by he Irea