New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-04-27
MR.. KEIMs APPOINTMENT.
WHY IT WAS MADE AND HOW IT Is REGARDED.
LEY LEI. EGRAEM To TIE IRIBuNkl

lBY TELEGRAPH THE TBIBUSB.l
WASHINGTON, April 2G.-Therc sa slightly apollo
geic tone IN the explanation given by tho civil
Service Commissioners of tho reasons which led to
their selection OF Mr.. Keim to be Chief Examiner.
In suhstance they say: "Wo would have been
Qiad To- fill the place with man of experience and
one whose qualifications were widely known
and appreciated and we made earnest efforts 60
find such man who wonld accept the appoint
ment. We failed. II we could have induced either
Colonel Burt or Mr. Graves, of the Treasury Depart
ment. To accept we should have bsen gratlted, and
we believe the appointment of either would have
given general satisfaction. There other gem
tlcmen also whose qualifications were known
to be excelont, and to whom the
place was Offered, bat they declined.
from the inYestIga ions that we made we have
become satisfied That Mr.. Keim will make good
Chief Examiner: he was highly recommended to ns
As grntirm in of excellent character and habits. oil
strict integrity and fair intellectual ability. and
man. moreover who pOssess"9 wIdn acquaintance
with men and affairs together with a knowle lge OF
the methods of doing public business. 1t 10 not
true III any sense that his selection due to per-
a nal solicitation or to political in0usnce-in tho
ordinary meaning OF that term-from any quarter.
lie applied for the place. several Others did, and
he filed written Testimonials - his character aud
capncity from prominent members OF both political
parties. notably Senators Bayard, HAwley Pendie-
ton Anthony Logan. Cameron of Pennsylvania
and WudOm. and Representatives, Randall, >. ..
Cox and othcrs but there was no political solcita-
uon r influence brought to bear, and had 1t been 1t
would have produced no effect.
There is one matter that seems to be misunder
stood resi- &c ing the office of Chef Examiner. Ho
Is vested with no discretionary authority or duties
whatever, hut IS simply tho agent through whom
rf..... ..ta Inf l..b
are merely matters OF routine Under the direction
If tine Commission the Chief Examiner Is to act with
the various Examining Boards to secure accuracy.
uniformity aud justice III their proceedngs-that is
fine entire scope of his duties far as defined by
the law All the authority conferred by the act is
vested i'm the C0mmIss Oners themselves
IL understood that Mr. KeIm's appointment was
not recommended writing by either General
Grant or ex-senator Simon Cameron, as has been
published. Mr.. Kcim is not entirely without OK
pe,ience in the public service In 1870 he was az
noiuted an agent OF the Treasury Department TO
insoect :" the accounts and business of the United
states COrsulatcs, place which he
held about two years and haii
State Department officers have not high opinion
of MIR Kelm's ability or judgment and they appear
particularly anxious that the Treasury Dep rtment
alone shall bear the res possibility and receive me
credit for his Consular insDec ions ana reports MI
Krm for many years tho washington CORE
snoudpnt OF various newspapers. 10 Washington
ionrnali.ts VINO know the quality of his literary
work. Mr. Kem's appointment was profound sur
IL ~ said that the choice Of the Commission was
also surprise TO the President. who. it IS believed
did not entertain very high opinion of Mr. kems
ability qualliicatl ms; but " IS understood that
the President did feel jnsIits rejecting the
man recommended by the Commissioners without It
| should be made TO appear clearly that he was unit
fur the place. Neither could the fact he ignored
| that a number Of prominent Senators and Repre-
sentatiyes had written letters youching stron
terms for Mr.. Kenis ability, character aud qual-
| cations,