Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-07-25
Letter from Washington.
Civil SERVICE ExAMISATIoNs-MAINE MEN
IN THE DEPARTMENTS.
wAsuINGroN. ID. c., July "a, 1888.

WASHINGTON. ID. c., July "a, 1888.
The civil service bill went into effect the
10th inst, and it is supposed that Uncle Sans
clerical force feel much safer as regards their
official position. The clerks, however, who
know the inside workings of the civil service
reform movements, are far less satisfied than
the people outside who know nothing of such
matters. Several examinations have been
had by the Commission. aud the questions
have been published. The examination is in
no sense different from that which five-eighths
of the clerks already in office had to undergo.
A majority of the questions have no bearing
on a mans fitness to perform clerical duties
Take this one in geography Name II prin-
cipal rivers in the United States, and the
cities on EACH Another in history "What
Presidents were Generals and in what wars
did they serve?" There are many such ques
tons. and many of them would be difficult to
answer correctly without refreshing ones
memory, and still failure to answer correct
" these very question:. would result in a
mans rejection who had answered all the
essential questions correctly, and was other
wise competent to make a good clerk. The
clerks believe in good examination in gram
mar, by writing letters, correcting false
syntax. spelling exercises, and then proba-
tonary term of three to six months, at the end
of which time those who prove by their work
that they are incompetent should be dis
charged. A man who may have been dis
charged for incompetency can from his
knowledge of civil service examinations, in
form himself so that he can 90 before the
Board and pass q first class examination for
a position in some other department. The
average boy fresh from school can pass
more creditable examination than the bust
ness man who would make a far better clerk
The civil service bill will not prove TO be such
great reform. in our humble opinion. but it
will not be any worse than the old methods
and will be relief to some congressman who
have no time to spare in looking up places
for constituents. twill be some time before
the commission have to fill many vacancies
except such as may occur by reason of death
or resignation. There will be larger force
in the census office than they caa work in a
short time, and Secretary Teller has decided
to transfer these clerks to fill such vacancies
as occur in the Interior Department. There
will be transfers from one Bureau to another
hereafter rather than discharges.
Mr.. Amos Hadley of Lewiston, Maine. who
served his country well in the late unpleas-
antness, has for many years served his coun-
try in a clerical capacity, in the departments
of this city. For number of year. he has
been chief of the stationery division of the
Interior department. 1t was largely through
his efforts that department adopted the ad
mirable system now in vogue. of discussing
the immense quantities of supplies to the va
rious branches of this great department, and
his management of this important office has
been such as to win the hearty approval and
commendation of every secretary under
whom he has served. Mr.. Hadley married a
Lewiston lady and their home is made happy
BY the prattle of three beautiful children.
Mr.. Hadley is honored among his associates
a. man of sterling worth ard integrity and
is good friend. He is q staunch republican
and his vote can be counted on when needed.
Maj. E. S, Kyes of Jay, Maine il employed