Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-05-16
THE CIVIL SERVICE RULES.

The many and grave evils that have been
connected with the appointments to civil
office in Washington have for some years
met with such stern indignation from the
people, that Congress has passed a bill to
regulate these appointments in such way
as to do away with some, at least, Of the
more prominent abuses that exist. The
President and his Cabinet have taken great
care in providing rHles for the government
of the commission, and for constructing the
commission itself of satisfactory material.
Mr.. Keim, who was appointed as its head,
was generally objected to as a person I'M
fitted for the position and he declined to
take the appointment, which has been trans
ferred to Mr.. Charles Lyman, a change that
gives general satisfaction. The New York
Sun objected to him because he was dis.
missed from the army during the
war. From the columns of the
New York Times we learn that Mr..
Lyman was a private in the Fourteenth Con-
necticut volunteers. He was soon made a
corporal, then, although only about twenty
years old, a lieutenant. Afterward COM
mission as frst-lieutensnt was made out for
him as recognition of his efficiency in the
service, but his dismissal prevented his re-
ceiving il. While in the field in Virginia
young man in his company named Starkey
died, whose father, before taking the body
home for burial, applied to him for "a
descriptive list" which is a statement Of the
physical appearance, weight, hight, COM
plexion, ETC., as help towards settling his
sons account with the government. Lyman
being too new an officer to be fully aware of
the rules of the service, asked for and fol-
lowed the advice of some of his superior eff
GERS, who told him that it was a common
thing to give such list and he could do 30
without improperly. The list was given,
but when 1t was presented TO the
disbursing officer at Hartford, an arbi-
trary martinez, he seized it and sent it
to Washington. In May, 1868, without in
vestigation or court-martial, he was dis
missed unhesrd from the service by Secreta-
tary Stanton. The officers of the regiment
presented protest against the dismissal, aud
RdNO NIX "
character and abilities. Col. Ellis, who cue.
ceeded to the command of the regiment,
esteemed Lyman and desired to have him
replaced, but his application to Mr.. Stanton
was as unavailing ss that OF the other Off
GERS. That gentleman would neither order
an investigation nor repair the injustice he
had committed. In 1869 the whole circum-
stances were laid before President Grant,
who had the order of dismissal Cancelled
and a regular discharge given, there being
nothing against the honor and character of
Lieut.. Lyman. The only accusation against
him was technical irregularity, committed
in accordance with the opinion and advice
of his superior officers, and the whole oc.
currence, the Times says, had nothing
about it that should prevent his hold
ing the position now given him.
The commissioners are now on their travels
industriously preparing for the performance
of their duties; the President has promul-
gated twenty-five rules fostheir governance.
The first ferbids that any person in the civil
service shall use his official authority to in
Aueuce or coerce the political action of any
one, or to interfere with any election. Sec
ond-No person in the public service is
under obligation 10 contribute to any politi-
cal fund, or render any political service, and
will not be removed or prejudiced by refus-
ing to do so. The extreme value of these
two rules every reader will recognize. They
secure that liberty Of action, which is his
right, to every American citizen. Third
Collectors, postmasters and other officials
named are required TO provide room, heat
ing, light, ETC., in the public buildings under
their charge for carrying on the exam
instion of candidates, and all executive Offices
are TO facilitate the examinations and the |
execution of these rules. Fourth-OHicials |
are to give the commissioners inform alton
the duties of the latter may require, as a
part of their public services; they must also