Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1884-03-05
CIVIL SERVICE.

civil service commission has made to the
president it's first annual report. That
report is herewith transmitted, together
with communications from the heads of
the several departments of the govern
ment respecting the practical working OF |
the law under which the commission has |
been acting.
Upon the good results which that law
has already accomplished, I congratulate |
conviction that it will henceforth prove
to be OF still more benefit to public SER
vice.
I heartily commend the zeal and 6del-
lty of the commissioners, and their sug.
gestions for further legislation, and
I advise the making OF such appropria-
tion as shall be adequate for their needs. |
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion, Feb. 29th, 1884.
The report makes volume OF sixty
seven closely printed pages. 1t states
that the several results which appear to
be the more direct objects of the Law
and the civil service rules. as understood
by the commission, are:
l. That official authority and in
auence must no longer be used to impair
the freedom OF elections or coerce the
political action of citizens.
2. Extortion from those in public
service, whether under the form OF polit-
ical assessment, or otherwise. for the
purpose of paying the exp enses of par
ties or candidates, must como to an end.
3. Selections for the executive service
influence must be suppressed by requir-
ing examinations and other adequate
tests of character and capacity, as condi.
fiOna Of enkorino this aorviNn
4. The true responsibility and ipde.
pendence of tho eshlative and executive
departments under the constitution must
be restored and preserved.
! Upon the subject of political assess-
ments the report says, there has been
several violations OF the law, but trifling
sums were secured. and the illegal prac-
tice ceased upon public attention being
called to it. Tho amount collected from
federal officers since the act went into
effect is not more than one-quarter a.
much as formerly. The evils of the
spoils system is set forth at great length,
and the benefits derived from COMPETE
tive examinations fully described
The difficulty attending the classifica.
tion of the civil service is dwelt upon
at length, and the statement made that
at the large Offices the power and op.
, portunity for intrigue and selfish in
t1uences are dangerously great. In tn,
branches of classified service the mum.
Der of places to be filled on the basis o
competitive examinations 10 in the az
gregate 1924. The increase since made
in the classified service carries the mum
, Der above $4,000. The opinion is ex
? follow the selection of chiefs of bureaus
otAro onH Co0loOtorp OF tho 1oero
Offices from among the subordinates wht
!. would bring business experience rathe
? than partisan activity to those positions
. The report states soldiers and sailor
o honorably discharged by reason Of dis
9 ability, if capable, are allowed prefer
9 enco, and no where is there any favor O
9 advantage allowed by reason of sex.
= The commission hold that the powe
d Of removal and its exercise for just rea
/ sons are essential both to the discipline
}. and the efficiency Of the public service
e A lie-tenure would be indefensible. It
j. still possible, says the report, to promis
II the spoils Of 100000 Offices - rewards O
r party victory in national canvass. ]
2 is still possible to remove every perso
t in the classified service once in four yearl
If ior once in four months, but vacancie
IS can be filed only by those who, irrespet
l. tive of party, demonstrate superiority i
e free. open competition of character an
,. capacity. &G
.. ftappears from the statistics presente
q. with the report. that sixty five per cen
as OF all those who entered the servic
Ia through competitive examinations wer
If educated in the common schools alon
and the commission consider it unique
j. tionable that the nation, by bestowin
!. its Offices upon the most meritorious {
" those whom the states have educated
y public expense, will greatly honor ar
" stimulate the public school system
+ the country. Tho report gives extract
4. from Q large number OF letters receiv,
u from postmasters and collectors, showir
n the great benefit that has accrued to Il
10 public service by the Enforcement of Il
10. civil service rules.
e 1t is suggested that party test be
40 longer applied in the selection OF collie
he tors and postmasters, and that eve
ed corrupt exercise Of power, nominatio
al promotion, transfer, or confirmation. ev
though corrupt consideration may n
IN be thing of value, it should he
lat offense under the bribery laws
he The commission, in conclusion, decls
- the civil service act success, and do u
~ doubt the most difficult point has pass,
'ds Through every stage of Its y ork the co
b. mission has had the constant and 4
70, wavering support of President Arthur