Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1880-12-08

mas SO approved itself by experimental tests at
points where such tests may be fairly considered
conclusive that it should be extended to all sub
ordinate positions under the government. I be-
leve that strong and growing public senti-
ment demands immediate measures for secur-
ing and enforcing the highest possible efficiency
In the civil service, and its protection from re-
cognized abuses, and that the experience refer
red to has demonstrated the feasibility of such
measures. The examinations in the custom
houses and pOstotfices have been held under
many embarrassmentS and without provision
for the compensation for the extra labor per-
formed by the officers who have conducted
them, and whose commendable interest in the
Improvement of the public service has induced
this devotion of time and labor without pecu-
mary reward. A continuance of these labOrs
gratu1tously ought not to be expected, and with
out an appropriation by congress for compensa-
ton 1t IS not practicable to extend the system OF
examinations generally throughout the civil
service. 1t is also highly important that all
such examinations should be conducted upon
Uniform system and under general supervision.
Section l,753 Of the revised statutes authorizes
the president to prescribe the regulations for
admission to the civil service OF the United
States, and for this purposeto employ suitable
persons to conduct the requisite inquiries with
reference 10 the fitness OF each candidate III re-
spect to age, health, character knowledge and
ability for the branch of service into which he
seeks to enter But the law is practically mop
eratlye for want OF the requisite appropriation.
l therefore recommend the appropriation OF
$25,OCe per annum to meet the expenses of q
commission to be appointed by the president in
accordance with the terms Of this section, whose
duty It shall be to devise just, uniform and
efficient system of competitive examinations
and to supervise the application of
the same throughout the entire civil
service OF the government. [ am per
suaded that the facilities which such a
commission will afford for testing the fitness of
those who apply for Office will not only be as
welcome a relief to the members of congress as
it will be to the president and heads of depart
ments, but that it will also greatly tend to re-
move the causes OF embarrassment which now
inevitably and constantly attend the conflicting
claims of patronage between the legislative and
executive departments. The most effectual
check upon the pernlclous competition of influ-
ence and official favoritism in the be-
stowal OF office will be the substi-
tuition Of an open competition of merit
between the applicant III which every
one can make his own record with. the
suHance that his success will depend upon this
alone. [ also recommend such legislation as,
while leaving every officer as free as any other
citizen to express his political opinions and to
use bis means for their advancement, shall also
enable him to feel as safe as any private citizen
in refusing all demands upon his salary for po-
ltical purposes A law which should thus guar
antee true liberty and justice to all who are en-
gagged IN the public service and likewise
contain stringent provisions against the
use OF official authority to coerce the
political action Of private citizens or of official
subordinates is greatly to be desired. The
most serious obstacle, however, to an improve
ment OF the civil service, and especially to re-
form in the method of appointment and re-
mOyal has been found to be the practice under
what Is known as the spoils system by which the
appointing power has been so largely encroach-
ed upon by members of congress-. The first
step III the reform of the civil service must be
complete divorce between congress and the
executive III the matter of appointments. The
cOrrupting doctrine " to the voters belong the
spoil" iS inseparable from congressional pat
ronage as the established rule and practice of
parties In power. 1t comes to be understood by
applicants for office and by the people generally
That representatives and senators are entitled to
tslsburso the patronage of their respective dis
tricts and states. 1t is not necessary to recite
at length the evils resulting from this invasion
OF the executive functions. The true princi-
pals Of government or the subject Of appoint
ments to office as stated IN the national cOnven-
tions of the leading parties of the country,
have again and again been. approved
by the American people, and have not been
called IN question In any quarter These aJl-
thentic expressions of public opinion upon this
all-impOrtant subject are the statement of
principles that belong to the constitutional
structure of the government. Under the con-
sttution the president and heads ST depart
ments are to make nominations for Office: the
senate IS to advise and consent to. appoint
ments and the house of representatives is to
accuse and prosecute faithless officers. The
best interest of the public service demands
that these distinctions shall be respected, that
senator's and representatives who may lie
judges and accusorS should not dictate
appointments to Office. To this end
the cooperation Of the legislative depart
ments OF the government is required
alike by the necessities of the case and by pub
lie opinion. Members Of congress VII not be
relieved from the demands made upon them
with reference to appointments to oftics until by
legislative enactment the pernicious practice is
condemned and forbidden. 1t is therefore rec
commended that an act be passed defining the
relations of members Of congress with respect
to appointment to Office by the president. And
also recommend that the provisions of section
1,767 and of the sections following of the re-
vlsed statutes, comprising the tenure of office
act of Marah I'd, 1867 be repealed Believing
that to reform the system and methods Of the
civil service in country is one Of the highest
and most imperative duties of craftsmanship
and that 1t can be permanently done only by
the cooperation of the Legislative andexecutive
departments of the government, [ again COM
mend the whole subject to your considerate
attention.
POIYGABIY.
It is the, recognized duty and purpose of the
people of the United States to suppress pc
lygamy where it now exists in our territories,
and to prevent its extension. Faithful and
jealous efforts have been made by the United
States authorities in Utah to enforce the laws
against it. Experience has shown that the
legislation upon this subject, to be effective, re-
quires extensive modification and amendment.
The longer action is delayed, the more difficult
it will be 10 accomplish what's desired, Prompt
and decided measures are necessary. The
Mormon sectarian organization which upholds
polygamy has the whole power of making and
executing the local legislation of the aerrtory by
its control OF the grand and petit juries. 1t
possesses large influence over the administration
of justice. Exercising, as the heads, of sect do
the local political power of the territory they
are able to make effective their hostility to the
of congress On the subject of pozygamy, and
in fact do prevent it's enforcement. Polygamy
will not be abolished if the enforcement of the
law depends on those who practice and uphold
the crime Itcan only be suppressed by taking
away the political power Of the sect which en-
courages and sustains it. The power of con-
gress to enact suitable laws to protect the ter
ritorias is ample. It is not case for halfway
measures. The political power OF the Mormon
sect is increasing. It controls now one of our