The Penn's Grove record., 1882-04-08
REVIEW OF THE PRESIDENTS
MESSAGE.
cIY1L sEnvIcE REroRN.

Of his views to a summing mp OF the
strong points Will be satisfactory to
our readers; which are THAT original
appointments shoud lie based upon as
certained fitness, the tenure of Office
should be stable, worthy men should
Told responsible positions. Let US give
a paragraph in the Presidents OWL
language.
The assertion that original appoint
ment should be based on ascertaired fit
ness is not open to dispute, but the
question how in practice such fitness
can be most effectually s%scertained Is
one which has for years excited inter
est and discussion. The measure which
will Slight variations in its detail has
lately been urged upon, the attention OF
Congress aud tie Executive has as its
principal feature the scheme Of compe-
titive examination, save for certain eX
ceptions, which need ret here be specl-
fed. This plan would provide for adj
mission to the service only in its low
est grade. and would accordingly de-
mand that all vacancies in higher posi-
lions should be filed by promotion
alone. In these particulars, it ism con-
formity with the existing civil service
system of Great Britain.'
1t seems that President Arthur would
accept in part the British theory of
civil service reform. In this particular
lie is wise. British presidents furnish
valuable data in matters diplomatic or
legal, and as our Constitution and other
laws are bastd uIon the La scr1pta
aud Lcr non scriDta of the British
Judiciary, it would be equally as pru-
deIIt to accept the teachings OF emil
rent scholars, profound ~juiists, and
astute Statement in tue formation Of
theory of civil service reform. But,
this is all theory at the best, and one
practical fact is worth a thousand tEeo
rirs. Is it the itest that secure Offices
Of trust? Not always, but, still were
j, not that the devious ways it maybe,
that hedge in the weary place hunt T
Was furnished with checks and counter
CHECKS that impede his march to the
goal of his ambition. bad or inefficient
men in Office would be tie rule rather
..han the exception. Civil service re-
form to work IA good work must be a
rule not an exception. Ineficiency
must rot he tolerated much less On-
coded subordinate place, and we would
add that the applicant s..ould have a
power of moral force as well a emf
nent commercial or diplomatic fitness.
MISCELLANEOUS RECOMMENDATIONS.
The report of the Commissioners of
the District OF Columbia is dwelt upon
in which the vital Importance Of legis-
lation fGr tile reclamation of the marsh
Is and for the establishment of the liar
Dor lines along the Potomac River front
Is set forth. 1t is represented that
these marshes seriously affect the
health of the residents Of the adjacent
part Of the city, also they mar the gen.
eral aspect of the park i'll which stands
the Washington monument.
The President suggests the impor-
tance of timely legislation with respect
tothe ascertainment and declaration
Of the vote for the Presidential Elec-
tors which was sharply called to the
attention Of the people more than four
years ago. 1t is to be hoped that some
well defined measure may be devised
before another national election, which
will render unnecessary a resort to any
eXpedient Of a temporary character for
the determination of questions upon
contested returns. And continues
with the following apt and suggestive,
we may say profoundly wise EXPIRES
sion Of his viewson the complex Ques
tion of the Vice Presidential success
sors.
Questions which concern the very ex
isteuce of the Government and the lih-
critics of the people were suggested by
the prolonged illness of the late Presi-
dent and his consequent incapacity to
perform tue functions Of his office. 1t
is provided by the second arCiele of the
Constitution, in the fifth clause of its
first section, that in case of the remov
al of the President from office, or of his
death, resignation or ability 10 dis
charge the powers and duties of said
office, tie same shall deyolve on the
Vice President. What is the in,er-
tion of the Constitution in its speeidca-
ton o. Inability to discharge the
powers and duties OF said officer, or of
the contingencies which call the Vice
President to the exercise of Presidential
function, Is the inability delegated
IN itsnature to long-eontinued intellect
nal incapacity, or has it a broader i'm
port? What must be its extent and
duratiOu2 How must its existence be
established2 Has the President hose
inability is che subject OF inquiry any
voice in determining whether OF not it
eXistsg Or is the decision of the NOM
entous and delicate question confined
10 the Vice-PIesi4enty Or is it o n
t%emplated by the Constitution that
Congress should provide by law precise
" what should constitute inability, and
how and by what tribunal OF auti or.tyit
$ o Id he as~eorsaiued2 If the inability
proves to be temporary in its nature
aud during its continuance the Vice
President lawfully exercises the func-
lions Of the Executive, by what Tenure
ldons he hold his ofice?Does he con,in-
ne as President for the remainder of
the four years term, or would he elect