The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1882-03-18
Col. Webster OF Civil Service Reform
The letter written by Collector Web
S,er tn Mr.. George b. Cole. Secretary al

The letter written by Collector Web
Ster to MIR. George b. Cole. Secretary al
The Civil Service Reform Association of
Iar> laitd. is As follows:
Your a\or ui the ith is 1T hand. Your com
mu.iic .t.on OF tie 9TH ulto. also received in
closing resolutions pas:cd by YOUR association in
rc!tienc" 10 the select on OF suhOrdinIts in the
RatiIDcrc custom house suggesting that it be-
;iHae according TO the principles advocated by
tur associations; ttitis TO say by competitive eX-
your ASSOCIATION would he pleased to learn from
Col. Webster to what extent he is in sympathy
vita lis purposes and principles. IN reply. beg
10 assuia you that your communication OF the eth
ute. mas remained unanswered to this time. not
because OF any want vi Fesrert TN lny part iGr
soar association or OF Htrrr., in The ,,rstinus
which You submit Tor the oppression vi my views.
hut chiefly b.cstusc my time since my appointment
collector oi This port has been tuiy occupied
by persons seeking appointments in the custom
tIuusc and their r.cnds. some of whom are meun-
0urs Ui your association. aud BY tine present EN-
i1yrs Hhu desire 10 he retni he'd and their friends.
that Opportunity has not presented Itself tur an
cat.lcr I"py. EveA uuW. HON the suIne cauac
my answer must he made hrieter than the IMPORT
a:Icc ui the subject deiuands. With the general
purposes and principles OF your association. as l
tuuerstand them iuly sympath.zc. | am in
iuli accord with Your desire to elevate the stan
,iard. intellectual and moral. Of the civil service
OF the country. and believe appointments should
ba made i'll accordance with the fitness and merit
o applicants butl is due to frinkness to say that
l do not think That the qualifications and charac-
ter oi "lliGlili& or i,lug.AbcHis. ypur associa-
lion sccii.s /" hold. can iH iniy al Properly dntcr-
miucd 10y competitive examinations alone. Espe-
raly Is tais true in reference To much the larger
tort SuJurdln,tcs in this Office consisting
ni Any and night watci,iren oiliri.Ii. designated
as day and 'hight INSPECTORS, messengers and
ia:rurcrs Tne-e uic' should not only be inteli-
gent. out they shuuid especially be upright sober
vI..,tdS yigiiaut. courteous ami brdre--,u:llica-
Ions not easily discovered by competitive exam
nations but a.eertainui ny Hersi4a Intercourse
and 10y the Intelligent ami honest scubHt OF
u.s. md lrullantanceS
In makns appointments and promotions
anon. my sub rinitrS propose to ~ all myself
OF all trustworthy sources OF formation TO their
uuilii;r tlnrls and character. emitting pet,
tive eIaGRatiuHS when it is necessary thlt they
be- made. In tits GlinG,;tian may say that pos
s; 1T This time an uHll.lal Opportunity inr being
personally acquainted with tGe thorough fitness
OF quite Il number OF the applicants who are seek
ing employment in this office. They filei most
faithfully and efficiently Il few years ago while
was collector. the very Offices which they seek
To obtain, and Were removed to make way Tor the
yGEtlemcn who now occnpy them. Indeed. out oi
the loo ... pl owes lett behind when quilted the
custom house !. <. 9r" three were here to wei
come me my return in lea.
Il will add that the efforts OF your aas,,ciatlnn
to improve he civil OF the general govern
mrnr command my respect and my best wishes
or success, and that l trust our municipal and
State 20, eTuments. in which are employed Il much
target Huicf u public officers than are found IN
tue Baltimore eusfni hGHSe VII aiSn re lii" ben
cit Of your patriotic 'tUrs ia fiie Interest a civil
service reform.
Collector WehsteI's letter will be submitted to
the association and an answer Will probably be
sent.