New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-02-22

III,
Service in theory is somewhat different thing
from Civil Service in practice "nat 'heso
differences are and how they are recoheliaoie 10
one practical problem to solve.
The first duty of the Commission is TO ala Inc
President in preparing suitable rules 10 carry
the Civil Service Act into effect. written reRu-
lations, like written constitutions, hare some
times been found to stand in the way OF doing
the essential thing for which both were created
Hence il il that. next to law making, rule mak-
ing is of such vital Importance that without
sound regulations no good work can oe oo.io'
Theoretically harmonious and well-souhuihs
regulations will not suffice. In order 10 kho"
whether they will stand the test of experience
they must be Judged of by those who nave
piven such or similar rules an actual trial.
Before promulgating, therefore, any new regn-
lations to improve the Civil Service. the Com
mission will do well to submit drafts OF such
proposed regulations to heads of departments
and other officers of the largest experience IN
making appointments under existing or former
regulations, NTH view to avoiding detective
provisions.
The next most important duty OF the Com-
mission under the Act is the designation anu
selection of the Boards of Examiners IN the
different offices to which the act applies I'm
der theoretical Civil Service, these examiners,
like the King can do no wrong. In practlce'
thew will be found to be human, with fralltles
weaknesses and vanties. A number OF years
ago n prominent office holder resigned in dis
onst the craftsmanship of an Examining Board,
| hecanse the other two members combined TO
prevent right being done. AS so much depenus
upon the selection of these Examining Boards,
the Commission must exercise extreme care 10
secure independent, nun-partisan, lhcorrupO-
| lille schnlarly men. SubOrdinates recon-
mended by the heads of departments should
not be chosen, because they would he apt 10 DO
slmply the bidding of their official Supporters.
Active partisans should be left out, because
they would be tempted to play into the bands
of the politicians. Timid men should be given
the cold shoulder, because, being in daily rear
of the loss of their places, they VIII do any
thing or violate any rule to please their
masters in Washington or elsewhere
The new Civil Service Commission ought
naturally to devise some means, not hitherto
discovered, to keep the head OF department IN
Office who a1ouses the hostility of the powerful
by removals which he must make III compliance
! Win the OlNl StINlCc Hyo'N 'N''N'
the new law provides that no habitually ntem-
nerate person shall be appointed to or retained
in office. vet these and other inefficient en-
tloyes are the ones who are almost invariably
supported 10y the most powerful influences
The noiticians say in effect to the officer exer-
ci,ng the appointing and removing power
] We want to have the man in whom we are
interested kept in. If you turn him out we IL
turn YOU out Remove him for int importance
@nefiiciency or any other cause mt your peru
Those seeking an ideal public service wouId dc
! we'll TO address themselves to the solution ol
the practical difficulty suggested. Ii must oe
kent in mind that Judicious removals are
,carcely less important than judcious appoint
ments. i'm order to lift the Civil Service to th'
| highest level.
The Commissioners have the law which one
OF them, at east, demanded. and the country
recognizing the imperative need OF REFORM ex
meets them to apply it wisely, thoroughly aud
systematically. They have entered upon
most nrduous undertaking. They will have tt
face many practical difficulties. They should
not lie exposcd TO captiOus or ignorant crlti'
cism. They should not he harshly or promo
tnrely Judged. They should have every facility
and opportunity which they require and TN
country should not he impatient If great resllt
do not follow Immediately. But by those re-
sults. and net by mere theories, will their WOLF
ultimately be judged.