New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-04-09
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
THE ENGLISH CIVIL SERVICE.


FEATURES OF T-BESEFIrs THAT FOLLOWED ITS
ADoPToN-ITs ACCEPTANCE IN THIS COUNTRY
ADVOCATED.
TO the Edftor Of The Tribune.
SIR: The method Of appointment and promotion
adopted and in use fpr the civil service OF England
is precisely tho ono needed for our own public ser
vice. and no sentiment OF pseudo-patriotlsIn, no
absurd talk about "effetc monarchies." or "aristo-
cracies" or bureaucracies," should prevent It's
immediate adoption on this side of the ocean. Inc
essential features of the English method are extend
cd and thorough competitive examinations based
on the theory that education forms the best avail
able test of qualification for the public seryice),
q careful physical examination IN equally careful
examination into the moral character of the candi-
date, and probationary period of six months. ihs
system has been carefully elaborated by some OF the
wisest statesmen and best scholars Of the great En-
glsh-speaking nation nearest akin to ourselves, has
been tested and perfected by the experience OF
several years, and, in the present condition OF our
higher schools is greatly preferable TO the German
system. which rests upon educational qualifications
of the most advanced character It's machinery IS
very simple-the Civil Service Commission consist
ing of three commissioners. one register one senior
assistant examiner, and second assistant
examiner. These six persOns-all men OF
tho highest standIng-contrOl all the appoint
ments to the vast civil services of England
and India. The results Of tile introduction
OF the English mOdeof appointment into this country
would be exactly what they have been in England.
They may be briefly summed up as follows:
~ The reformed English civil service has entirely
superseded the patronage formerly enjoyed by MEM
bcrs of the British Parliament, has placed the
Government employees outside of all partisan influ-
ence, and has made fayOritism impossible-so that
Mr.. Mundclla in his speech at the Cooper Institute
four OF five years ago, could say: i stand before
you the representative OF the largest constituency
in England, and have not the power to control the
appointment OF the lowest excise officer"
2) 1t has proved itself thoroughly democratic
measure, putting the younger of the gentry
upon precisely the same footing the sous of
artisans, and throwing positions in the national
service open to the whole people, instead Of limiting
them 10 an Office seeking aristocracY.
Ga 1t has established new profession, accessible
to educated youn. men-a profession in which IN re
aye 10 possible grand prizes in the law and Che
church, but which offers the certainty OF lar
maintenance for life.
in England. helping to render possb Die the new Com
pusOry schools act, and has greatly Improved the
character Of the English preparatory schools.
J) 1t has vastly elevated the morale and efficiency
Of the pubc service, will be evident to any one
who compares its present state with its condition
during the Crimean war.
These facts are so generally recognized in England
that the opposition to the reformed system kept
mp for long time by The hGyday Rerier and one or
two other Journals, in the interest OF inc privileged
classes has now ALTOGETHER ceased, Our own cOuntrv
must ultimately avail Itself of the experience OF
England, and no reform Of our public service can
be either eifectUal or permanent unless TINS lie done
repeat that tho most careful study OF tie Tegula-
tiOs and methods and results of the English service
will not lead to the discovery of single feature
unsui,ed to our situation OK in coGIict with our
institutions. f.
Cornell Tn.cersity April 3, 1877.