The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-12-15
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
pEEOpN5o NEf,EcSApv

In my letter accepting the nomination for
vice president stated that, in my judgment,
no man should be an incumbent OF an Office
whose duties he is, for any cause, unfit to per-
form, who is lacking in the ability, fidelity CT
integrity which a proper administration of such
Office demands This sentiment would doubtless
meet with general acquiesence, but opinion
has been widely divided upon the wisdom and
practicability Of tho various reformatory
certain proposed regulations governing ap-
continents to public office; the efficiency of
such regulations has been distrusted, mainly
because they have seemed to ex-
act more educational and abstract
tests above general business capacity and
even special fitness for the particular work in
hand. It seems to me that the result that
should be applied to the management Of public
service may properly conform in the main to
such as regulate the condition of successful
should BE- based upon ascertained 6t-
ness. The tenure of Office should be
stable Positions of responsibility should be, SO
far as practicable, 6llad by the promotion Of
ton of all complaints and punishment of all
official misconduct should be prompt and
thorough. The views expressed in the fore
going letters are those which will
s goDSIn my o scx ,rs OF the
shared by all intelligent and patriotic citizens,
however dlverged in their opinion as to the
best method Of putting them into practical op-
Grafton: For example, the assertion that
original appointments should be based on as
question how in practice such fitness can be
most effectually obtained is one which has for
years excited interest and discussion. The
measure which, with slight variation
in its details has lately been urged on the at
tention of congress and the executive has it's
principal feature the scheme competitive ex-
animation. Save for certain exceptions, which
need not here be specified, this plan would
be applicable to tho service in only it's lowest
grade, and would accordingly demand
should be filled by promotion alone In these
particulars it is in conformity with the existing
civil service system of Great Britain and in
deed the success which has attended that sys-
tenn in the country OF it's birth is
THE STRONGEST ARGUMENT,
which has been urged for it's adoption here.
The fact should not, however, be overlooked
system which have not generally been received
with favor IN this country, even among the
foremost advocates Of civil service reform.
Among them are, first tenure of
Office which is substantially q life
tenure; second, a limitation Of the
the service, whereby all mon in middle life
are with some exceptions rigidly excluded;
third, retiring allowance upon going out Of
Office These three elements are as important
eliminate therefrom the English system would
effect q most radical change in the theory ana
practice. The avowed purpose Of that system
is to induce the educated young men Of the
country to devote their lives to public employ
ment by an assurance that having we'll entered
upon. they need never leave it, and that
after voluntary retirement they shall be re-
cipients of an annual pension That this sys-
tenn, as an entirety, has proved very success
full in Great Britain seems to be generally con-
1Sc shoRS Sodr rs
porate all its essential features,
should feel bound to give my ap-
Proyal; but whether it would be for
expedient for an immediate extensive applica-
ton which embraces certain features Of the
English system, but excludes or ignores others
OF equal Importance. may be strenuously
doubted TED even by those who are impatient IS
the evils which attend the present methods Of
appointment For example
TIE ENGLISH RULE
which shuts out persons above the age Of
twenty five years from large number Of pub
sential part OF our system: It is questionable
whether the attainment Of the highest
examination should DO the criterion by which
all applicants for appointment should be
put to the test, and under similar conditiona Il
may also be questioned whether admission to
the service could be strictly limited to its lowest
ranks There are very many characteristics
which go to make model civil servant Prom
inent among them are probably industry, good
order. courtesy, tact, self reliance, manly
Difference to superior officers and money oon-
alterations for interiors The absence az
these habits 70 not supplied By wide knowledgs5