National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1877-03-24
REFORM IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

'Clvlleervlce reform, as Benerdly
pbrased, is Q thing about which there Is
not little ambiguity and fog. And yet 1t
must be inferred from this remark that
there Is no room for Improvement In some
things about the civil service. Indeed,
there il Q prevailing opinion among con-
siderable number Of our most respectable
people that there Is something radically
wrong In the mode of dispensing patronage,
and that radical change in this respect Is
absolutely needed. There Is vague idea,
ais. as to other details relating to clerical
qualifications and adaptations in the De-
partmen,s that reform is demanded. Just
how is not quite so clear.
In come quarters II seems to be imagined
that certain system can be devised by
some sort of machine manipulation through
which our clerical experts can be run by
certsin mental processes and come out oil
rlght-"A" number one, complete in
every respect We are inclined to think,
however, this is an exploded plan, and has
signally failed, at least so far as the COM
petitive examinations established under the
supervision of Mr.. CURTIss and his coad.
tutors bear resemblance Herewith; and
with respect TO which Gen. GRANTS remark
to the effect that the one man who passed
the best examination under them has since
brought I'D in the penitentiary IL an ant
illustration.
Now. with respect to the practical
amendments that may be introduced, It Is
to be hoped that Secretaries SEIZURE and
EvARTs will possess the discernment and
discrimination to Separate the wheat from
the chaff;" and in the effort to improve on
what We already have, select those
methods Of ascertainiug clerical fitness and
deservings, as are simple and practical In
their nature; indeed, suc Oh as conform to
good, practical, business sense-set,ing
aside all mere technical, pedantic theories,
which in their results fail to secure the
grand object designed. One prime con-
sideration should be continually kept In
sight, and that is consistent regard to the
real, substantial elements that enter into
all successful business enterprises, aud
which become essential in all true re-.
form. Do this, without stills, or the
stimulating aid of steam pressure, In a
plain, unambiguous manner, and we will be
much surer to accomplish the desired end
than in any other way.
els he honest and cabable 2" No ques-
ton certainly can be more pertinent to the
applicant for appointment for civil office.
Capablef What fort Not alone for strictly
scholastic exhibitions, in which all the arts
of mental ingenuity may be applied and
worked out Not alone in the solution OF
the most difficult and Intrinsic mathemati.
cal problems that have no especial slgnia.
canoe as to the specific work that may be
required. Surely all this Is the veries,
humbuggery that can be conceived, and SO
all experience has proved. That he should
be capable Is beyond disputc-thst Is capa
Die to perform the special duty required.
Nothing more; nothing less. Not for the
performance. of some other business, for
which he may have the most splendid
qualifications, but, simply and wholly, ID
he adapted to this particular duty to which
he may be assigned. 1t Is most true, and Ia
admitted in some positions, the requirements
of the same demand the best and most com.
plete mental qualifications, and Herewith
the highest tests may be required. In
others the common standards Of intelll.
gence and education are all.suffcient, and
therefore argue against any one arbitrary
test, which must be applied to all alike.
This may be illustrated in any successful
business house in commercial life. where