The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-06
GENERAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.

WASHINGTON, April 6, 1877
SECRETARY SEIZURES PLAN FOR CIVIL SERVICE
REFORM IN THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT..
Secretary Schurz to-day promulgated order pro-
viding for investigation and practical determine
ton of questions connected with appointments, re-
movals and promotions in the various bureaus OF his
department by means OF board OF inquiry TO be
Bttuted IRON time to time ioows:-The Board Is TO
be composed OF three members selected from clerks Of
tho fourth class he highest grade) from the corps
OF examiners in the Patent 01ce-one to represent
the Secrctary's office and be appointed by the Secrc
tary to be selected from such bureau the Secrc
tary may indicate and named by the head thereof
and tho third TO be designated by the head Of
the bureau from which the charges or recommenda-
lions emanate. The two first named to serve for
three months and the latter Is only during tho
continuance OF the particular Investigation in aid OF
which he Ia appointed
II shall be tho duty Of the Board to examine such
employees may be ordered before them by tho Sec
rotary determine by practical tests their fitness for
the positions they hold, and recommend such advance
ment reduction, suspension dismissal the facts
ascertaned by the examination may warrant. II spe.
cic charges submitted by the head OF the bureau
against any employee Of his Office the latter shall be
tilted and allowed at least two days time to file
appear in person, II go requested 10 make
Al
of character affecting tho official integrity OF the
ploye and the evidence submitted Is reasonably clear
TO their truth, shall be the duty Of the Board
recommend immediate suspension Of the party
I'll the inquiry concluded When reduction il made
necessary in any of the bureaus of the department
list Of names twenty i've per in OF the actual
number to be dismissed shall be furnished
10 the Secretary, and the required number shall be
selected from them by the Board after careful inquiry
to the relative merit Of each employe The list
FURNISHED by the head OF the bureau the
Official standing OF the employee, including therein the
OF their work aud remarks In each
may clearly indicate the judgment OF the head OF the
bureau IN relation to the respective qualifications
All recommendations from persons not connected
with tho department urging the retention or promo
ton OF any employee shall be referred the Board
Inquiry and IL shall be discretionary the Board
70 notify the parties appear before
them for such examination may be necessary to de-
termine the value Of the Endorsement filed In their
behalf
Finally IL Is provided that this result OF the Boards
inquiries shall every be submitted TO the Sec
rotary OF tho Interior for his approval.
The system Of investigation thus outlined has been
prepared by Secretary schurz after much delberaton
and carefaI consideration OF views presented to HIM
on his invitation by various chiefs OF bureaus and
10
believed the system will It's practical workings
only relieve tho Secretary and bureau officers from tho
present necessity OF devong large part OF their time
TO matters OF comparatively little public Importance
but Will secure exact justice all parties concerned
The especially novel features of the plan are the pro-
visions for frequent changes In tho membership Of tho
Board of Inquiry, aud for representation upon In
every case OF the particular bureau which may DO
directly affected by It's action. Every deserving en-
pioy6 or the department will therefore, have reason
~ shat his merit is his real protection, and not his
political influence such personal relations as no may
In time establish with superior officer with tho
members Of permanently constituted tribunal
THE SALE OF THE PHILADELPHIA NAVY YARD
Ex-sEcRETARY robson IN EXPLANATION.
Ex-Sccretary Robson, conversation with personal
friends tonight the subject OF the sale Of tho old
Philadelphia navy yard said that while Il true the
law providing for Its sale requires the advertise
neEt to be published IN 'threc daily papers
OF largest circulation In the city Of Philadel-
phia's Il was the act Of the Board and not Of any
individual In ordering tho advertisement 70 be