The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-06
PRESIDENT CLEVELAND.
Why the Commission Was ReOrganized-A
Permanent, Practical Reform.

Why the Commission Was ReOrganized-A
Permanent, Practical Reform.
WASHINGTON, Nov 5.-President Cleveland
to-day expressed himself as follows to member
of the editorial staff OF the Post in regard to the
reorganization Of the Civil service Commission:
'The reorganization of the Civil service Com
mission Was made necessary by the resignation
of the members of the old board. In such reor-
ganiZation it seemed to me that friends for the
cause could be made in the party to which l be-
long, and which is at present. to large
tent charged with the enforcement of the
law, by changing the political complexion of the
Commission. This view, l think, was shared by
all the old Commissioners and the change has
thus far progressed with nothing but the best
feeling, AS far as | know, on their part In the
selection of the new Commissioners there were
so many different qualifications which l deemed
desirable that have found it no easy matter to
fill the positions with men who could combine the
elements which l consider most useful to the fair
honest and successful enforcement of the law
Prominent leaders in the civil-service move
ment strongly advised me to select one of the
Commissioners from the South. This 1 have
done, and the person selected from that locality,
] am quite certain. possesses all the qualiica-
,tions for efficient officer Mr. Edgerton l
never saw until yesterday. and [ don't
remember that l ever heard of him
until Cbiefjustice Waite urged him upon
my attention as most excellent man for the
place. From my impression of him, and per-
sonal interview, and from representations made
by his friends, | am entirely satisfied that no
mistake has been made in mis- appointment
II cannot rid myself of the idea that this civil
service reform is something intended to
do practical good, and not a mere
sentiment, invented for the purpose
OF aford;ng opportunity to ventilate
high-sounding notions and fine phrases. My
plan OF giving it the greatest possible usefulness
involves the removal of stumbling blocks from
the way of good honest men who are inclined to
its support and to demonstrate in every public
manner its value as adapted to the every day af
fairs of the government Thus two Democrats
were selected. and l certainly intended to Sc
lect them for the two prominent positions
on the Commission; and this was done
largely In Difference to the sentiments and opin-
ions held by good men in the Democratic party
1t has also occurred to me- that it was a plain
dictate of common seuse that one of the old
Commissioners should, if possible, remain for a
time TO aid the new ones. The preparation of
the report of the Commission is a most impor
tant matter, and affords occasion to commend the
refo rm TO tho people, by exhibiting to them
all it has accomplished, and the report ought
TO De very useful. too, in removing misapprehen-
sions and objections. Deeming the experience
of one who has been on the Commission during
the time TO which the report will relate of the
utmost value in it's preparation, and fully con-
WINGED that the knowledge gained by connec-
ton with the administration of the law would
be great he lip to the new conner. | obtained the
the Commission; and / have today appointed
him in the place of Mr.. Thonan. the former
Democratic member. When Mr.. Eaton finally
retires. shall appoint Republican whose Sc
lection will, hope, detract nothing from the
strength aud efficiency of the Commission.
THE CASE OF STERLING.
"My attention has been called to statements
in some of the newspapers relating to Mr.. Ster-
ling | have heard that he has APP
piled for examination as weigher |
have no information whether he has
passed or not but judge from something APP
pearing in the papers that certain people fear
that he has, and are already flashing themselves
into dreadful state of apprehension lest he
should be selected. after examination. to fill the
place to which he was appointed without exami-
nation. and from which he was suspended
When the Civil-service Commission con-
suited with rue as to the status of Mr.
Sterling and the true construction of the rule
bearing upon that subject, / decided with
them. in their second opinion, that the position
of weigher was subject to examination. and that
1t should be filed by one who by means of a
Fproper examination under the law, proved him