Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-03-22

in which their duties are performed, may
naturally be expected to display far more
diligence, zeal, and interest in their work
than persons who consider themselves as
having been simply provided for by be.
| ing furnished with the means of drawing
monthly stipend from the national treasury
! for their support, with the implied under
standing that the equivalent to be rendered
therefor was a secondary consideration, if
considered at all This expectation, he
declares, has been realized, so far as his
experience has extended.
3. The result of the reformed system of
appointment has been in the direction of
economy. That certain number of men,
working with the zeal, industry, and fideli-
ty which form the sole tenure by which
they hold their positions, and on the dis.
play of which rests their hope of promo
ton, will render better service than q
larger number who depend upon other in
fuences for like results, is self-evident
probability, and one which has been prao-
tically fulfilled at the New York Office, as
shown in the fact that while IN one of it's
largest departments mailing and distribu-
tion) the bulk of mail matter had increased
in 1882 81. 80 per cent. over that handled
in 1874, the cost of the service required IN
handling it was 20 per cent. less than dur.
ing the latter year. He clinches the state
ment by statistical aid, When ne adds :
sin the money order department the
records show that for the past nine years
there has been an increase in the number
of orders issued, paid ETC., of ITO per
cent, and in the amount of money handled
of "a per cent, while the increase in the
cost of the clerical service required for the
performance of the business has been but
IS per cent"
4. The system is based upon such meth.
DDS for the conduct for public business as
naturally commend themselves to business
men as best calculated to secure efficiency,
economy and profit, and this latter term is,
in public service, the equivalent and repre-.
sentative of reduced taxation.
Mr.. Pearson admits that the system of
appointment through competitive exam
inatien is not a never-failing means of
securing the services of none but the most
efficient and deserving for the performance
of the public business. In spite of all pre-
cautions, it is and has been possible, he
says, for idle, intenperate, dishonest, and
careless persons to find employment under
that system. But, he adds, the cases have
been rare in which those defects have not
the six months term of probation, and the
unfaithful or incompetent servant dis
missed. "The public service, in short, is
exposed, to the same chances in this re-
spect as those incident to the conduct of
the affairs of private firm or corporation.
II business methods, in the latter case, are
the controlling influence, to the exclusion
OF consideration of family ties or friend
ship, employees are selected after an iu-
quiry as to character, antecedents and
qualifications, which is virtually COM
petitive examination and yet the success
full candidate may prove on practical trial
70 be lazy, stupid, careless, or dishonest
though he is surely less likely to be so than
if he. had been placed on the payroll for
no other reason than because he was the
orphan nephew of member of the firm,
or the son of friend OF a director; for at
least some effort has been made to obtain
assurance that he will be likely to render
an equivalent for his pay, and will seek to
retain his place by faithful attention to the
interests of his employers, and to secure
promotion by the exercise, in that direc-
ton, of whatever natural abilities lie may
possess"