Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-02-16
Working of the Civil Service Law.

WHAT CoNGREssMEN SAY ABOUT Ir-DIssATIsFAc-
TON WITH PRESENT METHODs-THE QUESTION OF
CHANGE LIKELY TO COME Up IN CONGRESS-.
There is good deal OF quiet discussion going on
among members OF Congress with regard to the
civil service commission. what it has accomplished
and what may be expected Of It, congressman say
great deal on the subject in private conversation
that they would not be willing to utter for the
public ear. Many of them, apparently majority
OF both parties, admit that civil service reform Is
an object worthy OF attainment, and that the SEN
tment OF the people Is In favor OF 1t. but numbers
OF them express doubts as TO the success OF the
listing plan.
prominent republican Senator said to a STAR
reporter yesterday - believe in reform. i am
heartily In favor OF relieving members of Congress
entirely from all connection with. and responsibility
for. appointments, except that responsibility which
must attach 10 the Senate In conserving TO nomi-
nations after they are made by the President But
candidly, | do not believe we have devised the
needed plan yet do not regard the problem as
solved The power to put persons in Office is simply
transferred from members OF Congress TO the civil
service commission and my observation is that
those three gentlemen very jealousy guard the
power thus conferred upon them. They very
tenacious of their right to say who shall and who
Shall not be appOlnted'
Senator Henderson related to a STAR reporter an
incident OF his experience in selecting man to III
position of trust In the Treasury. He said that
before the civil service law went into effect lie
advised that he could make an appointment to III;
position in the I. s. TreaSurerS Office. He looked
about to find the best material available, and
finally chose young man who had for years occu-
ptt ItSpoilSlUIt pGSltlOIi III an Omaha BANK, but
had determined to abandon II because the con1lne-
ment was in1uring his health The gentleman
gladly accepted the appointment, hoping that
change or climate and change OF labor would bene-
MT his health. He was assigned to position in the
cash division of the Treasury, and IS pronounced
one OF the most capable and efficient men ever
there senator Henderson asked Treasurer Wyman
II he thought he could have procured through the
civil service rules man so competent and trust
worthy. The Treasurer replied that he was salts
fed he could not; that no such exani-
nation as that provided could test the pc
GUITAR qualifications necessary for such position
as was taken by the gentlemen In question. Sena-
tor Henderson did not relate this through any OPP
position to the civil service law. but by way OF
Illustrating the point that the question Will require
1urther legislation and extension in order to meet
all requirements He believes in making all public
officials, as lar as that is practicable, elective by
the people. He says the people are the source OF
power, and the choice OF their servants should, in
every case where ii can be done. be left to them.
The opponents OF the present law and the COM
mission complain that favorltiSm is exercised. To
sustain this charge the is referred TO wherein
the son OF Congressman, who submitted to an
examination. he said. for mere pastime, given
an appointment within a short period, though
had passed with as high credit. There are prob
ably circumstances connected with this case, and
with others, that are used against the commission
which Is known would justify the course pursued.
but as the matter stands this appointment is being
used to the prejudice Of the existing plan OF re-
form. There are, apparently. enough outSpOken
enemies OF the commission and the law to force
before the House In some shape the question OF
DONG away with the present sy stem.