Morris tribune., 1881-12-15
THE CIVIL SERVICE.


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 proper administration of such
Office demands. This sentiment would doubtless
meet with general acquesence, but opinion
has been widely divided upon the wisdom and
practicability of the various reformatory
schemes which have been suggested, and of
certain proposed regulations governing ap-
pointments 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. 1t 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
private business. The original appointment
should be based upon ascertained fit
ness. The tenure of Office should be
stable. Positions of responsibility should be, 80
far as practicable, filled by the promotion Of
worthy and efficient officers. The inves,iga-
ton of all complaints and punishment of all
official misconduct should be prompt aud
thorough. The views expressed in the fore
going letters are those which will
govern my administration hcn 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
certalned fitness is not open to dispute; but the
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 the service in only its lowest
grade, and would accordingly demand
that all vacancies in higher positions
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 its birth is
THE STRONGEST ARGUMENT.
which has been urged for its adoption here.
The fact should not however, be overlooked
that there are certain features of the English
system which have not generally been received
with favor m this country, even among the
Among them are, first, tenure of
office which is substantially life
tenure; second, limitation Of the
maximum age at which an applicant can enter
the service, whereby all men in middle life
are with some exceptions rlgidly excluded;
third, a retiring allowance upon going out Of
office. These three elements are as important
factors Of the problem as any of the others. To
eliminate therefrom the English system would
effect most radical change in the theory anu
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 well entered
upon. they need never leave it. and that
after voluntary retirement they shall be re-
cipients Of an annual pension. That this sys-
full in Great Britain seems to be generally con-
adoption 70 statute which should moor
porate all its essential features,
should feel bound to give my ap-
prevail; but whether it would be for
the best interests of the public to fix upon an
expedient for an immediate extensive appllca-
ton which embraces certain features of the
English system, but excludes or ignores others
OF equal Importance, may be strenuously
doubted even by those who are impatient as
am with the grave Importance correcting
the evils which attend the present methods Of
appointment For example
THE ENGLISH RULE
which shuts out persons above the age Of
twenty live years from a large number of pub
lie employm ants, should not be made an es-
sential part OF our system. 1t is questionable
whether the attainment of the highest
number OF marks at competi tiv
examination should be the criterion by which
all applicants for appointments should be
put to the test, and under similar conditions it
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
Sense, eood habits. good temper, patience,
order, courtesy, TACT self reliance, manly
Difference to superior officers and money con-
slderations for interiors. The absence Of
these habits is not supplied by wide knowledge
Of books. or by promptitude in answering