Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-12-07

some points in the English system not re-
ceived viGh favor in this esantsy even -
the nost peominent advocases of evil service
refsem, aod to elioinate ekich uouId eleet
mos Fadkesl changes in the Enslha systen.
70 statnte embodying theesseolial feat-
ures Of this systeD, he vou1a fed bound -
give his approval He then discusses char
actefistics which would 60 to make . model
civil servant; and says that to make success
in comparative examinations, the indispensa-
BILE condition Of publicempioymen would very
likely result in the practical exclusion Of
older applicants. even thought they might
possess Qualifications fhr superior 70
their younger and more brilliant competitors.
He does not oppose the competitive plan, but
recommends serious consideration - to the
Justice Of the application Of the same educa-
tionai standard to men Of mature years and
to young men fresh from college. He
thinks IL would not be wise TO adopt rule so
rigid a. 20 permit no other mode Of supplying
responsible situations Of the servide except
by promotion The subject under considera-
ton il one great importance. The evils COM
pIaised Of cannot be eradicated at once
Work must be gradual. and he thinks we may
proftably await the result of further inquiry
and experiment and the submission Of
portion Of the nominations to the
control Of boards of examiners selected
solely for testing qualifications OF ap-
plicants; and may, perhaps, without resort to
the competitive test. put an end to the
mischief which attends the present system OF
appointments: and it may be feasible to
vest in such a board q wide discretion 10
ascertain characteristics and attainments OF
candidates in those particulars less impor-
tant than mere intellectual attainments. II
Congress this session established competitive
tests for admission to the service, no doubts
such as been suggested deter me from CIV
ing the measure my earnest support; ana 1
urgently recommend should there be fall
ure to pass any other act upon the subject,
that an appropriation ofs25; 900 per year may
be made for the enforcement Of section 1913
Of the Revised Statutes. With the aid thus
Afforded me, shall strive to execute the
provisions of that law according to its letter
and spirit He then refutes the severe and
almost indi.criminate censure with which the
present civil service has been recently as
sailed. and gives opinion that the great ma
ority of employees are deserving of high
commentator.
Orr MERCHANT MARINE.
The decline of the mercantile marine ofthe
United States is to be greatly deplored, in
view of the fact that we furnish so large
proportion of the freights of the commercial
world, and that our shipments are steadily
and rapidly increasing. 1t is cause Of sur
prise that not only is our navigation interest
diminishing, but it is less than when our
exports and imports were not half
so large as now either in bulk or value.
There must be some peculiar hindrance to
the development of this interest, or the en-
terpriss and energy Of American mechanics
and capitalists would have kept this country
at least abreast of our rivals in the friendly
contest for ocean supremacy. Substitution
of iron for wood, and of steam for sail, have
wrought great revolutions in the carrying
trade of the world.
But these changes would not have been
adverse to America if we had given to our
navigation interests a portion of the aids in
protection which have been so wise
Nv bestowed upon our manufacturers.
i commend the whole subject to the
wisdom of Congress, with the suggest
ion that no question of greater magnitude or
further reaching importance can engage their
attention.
CARE OF IMMIGRANrs.
In 1875 the Supreme Court of the United
States declared unconstitutional the statutes
of certain States which imposed upon ship
owners or consignees tax of one dollar and
q half for each passenger arriving from q
foreign country, or in lieu thereof required a
bond to indemnify the State and local authori-
ties against expense for the future relief or
support Of such passengers.
Since this decision the expense attending
the care and supersisian of immigrants has
fallen on States at whose ports they have
landed. As large majority Of such imi-
grants, and Immediately upon their arrival,
proceed to inland States and Territories to
seek permanent homes, it is manifestly I'M
just to impose upon the State whose shores
they first reach the burden which now rests
upon it. For this reason, and because of
the national importance Of the subject, l
legislation regarding tire super
vision and transtory care of migrants at
ports of debarkation.
regret to state that the people of Alaska
have reason to complain that they are I'M
provided with any form of government by
~hich life or property can be protected.
While the extent of its population
ioes not justify the application of
the costly machinery of territorial admins.
there is immediate necessity for con-
such form Of government ~ will
promote the education of the people and the
of justice.
LIBRARY or CONGRESS.
The Senate at its last session passed a bill
providing for the construction of building
for the Library of Congress, but it failed to
become a law. The provision Of such pro-
lection for the great collection Of books has
become a subject Of national Importance and
should receive prompt attention.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The report of the commissioners of the
District Of Columbia herewith transmitted
will inform you fully of the condition
ef the affairs of the district. They urge the
vital importance of legislation for reclaima-
ton and improvement of the marshes and for
the establishment Of the harbor lines along
the Potomac river front.
1t is represented that in their present con-
iition these marshes seriously affect the
health Of the residents of adjacent parks of
the city. and that they greatly mar the gener-
Al aspect Of the park in which stands the
w Washington monument.
This improvement would add to that part
and to the park south Of the Executive Man
sion large area of valuable land, and would
transform what 10 now believed to be dan
Rerous nuisance into an attractive land
scape extending to the river front.
They recommend the renewal of steam
railway lines from the surface Of streets of
the city, and the location Of necessary depots
4 ~.nSna e. l.