The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-25

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That the just claims of every. one for appoint
ment according to the record of merit which
each has made for himself or herself in the ex
animation papers will be alone regarded, and
to claim it and that each State will, as hereto
fore, have its due proportion of appointments in
due season
THE soHooLMAsTER's EXAMINATION.
Much has been said from time to time in de-
rision of what has been termed the school
masters examination, as though, besides the
ordinary vouchers respecting character and
physical fitness, there were surer tests than
those which weigh the attainments of the intel
lect The subject is worthy of examination.
There is, indeed but one way of absolutely
demonstrating ones htness for any particular
work and that is by doing 1T. But TO the public
service vast numbers are called, and some way
must be devised to secure the appointment OF
those the probability of whose success Is great
est There are two ways by which this may be
those who have been acquainted with the habits
of the applicant, the other by subjecting the ap-
plleant to some test, assuming that there are
conditions ascertainable which, as a rule go
hand in hand with efficiency in ordinary work,
and subiecting the accuracy of these tests to the
trial of probationary service. 1t is not nec-
essary to dwell upon the value of the former
plan. for all know that the whole strength of the
ivil-service reform to day is based upon the
necessary evils engendered by it, Respecting
the latter it is in point to say that the reform in
the British civil service was sweeping and
effective the introduction of the present plan,
and that to-day it stands perhaps the most
efficient in the world, while the testimony-noted
at the beginning of this inquiry-was as en-
phatic in its conclusions as to the efficiency OF it
in our own short experience. We know full
well that, a rule. integrity goes hand in hand
with intelligence intellectual apttudes are to a
large extent indicative of absence of those tend
eEcies which look to physical qualification as the
greatest end. Confirmation of this truth meets
us on every hand aud statistics are full of its
proof. Clearness of intellectual convictions is
an immense moral power With the growth of
intelligence, either in the individual or the ma
ton. advances the process of formulation into
cherished maxi1ns of those belieIs in the worth
and necessity of industry and honor which con-
stitute necessary outfit for true manly action.
A manuscript is no slight reyealer of intellect
ual qualities. The ability TO grasp ideas clearly
and to give adequate expression to them, is no
chids play. 1t is the work of years. Nor is it
necessary, in order to get at the essential charac
teristics of a man that he be subjected to long
and tedious examination. On the contrary. an
experienced observer knows full well that q
simple test reveals all that is essential. For a
letter, however simple, may reveal a wealth OF
culture. and a problem, though easy. may show
the trained mind. And all this besides what Is |
afforded by the very condition of the manu- |
scripts. There are slight expressions whose use
let's in flood of light upon a persons character
stamping him at once as possessed OF no scho-
astic attachments, and little culture. Some
time ago there went the rounds of the press
story to the effect that certain applicant, COM
ing to the question, how distant the sun is from
the earth, wrote that he did not know, but that
he was sure it was far enough away not to in
terfere with him in doing the work required
in case he was appointed. Doubtless the young
man was correct in his statement. If the story
be true, but it would not have gone against him
in the Judgment OF any man, had he proven by
his answer that his time had been spent to some
extent IN the study of such question. 1t pre-
supposes an intellectual aptitude which is the
best guaranty for efficiency in any direction
Therefore, the general examinations may en-
brace only those studies which are taught In a
good public school and yet meet every want
But, as it appears to me, the very significance of
this sort of examination lies in the fact that
it calls forth just that class of men and women
who, under the influence of studies understand
the worth of character and the conditions of sue
cess, from among whom it chooses the best and
at the same time repels that other class which,
relying audaeity or lack for whatever it gets,
aecustomS itself to continuous labor with
great difficulty. [ deem this the surest way by
which the government may call to its service the
cream of,the youth of the land. And | believe
further. that theservice is elevated, and pro
motions shall be based on competition whereby
the energies of the aspirants taxed to the ut
most it will do away very much with that feel.
ing which has come to regard a. govern
ment clerkship as something of doubt
full value. And more than this, when
this system is extended to places
of greater consequence, and when in the course
of events the civil service shall become vastly
enlarged. we shall see an immense reflex inhu-
ence on the schools of the land. and the renewed
verifcations, on gigantic scale. OF the benef-
cent workings of righteous principles. l have
mentioned the list of topics subject to examina-
ton, and a consideration of them would not l
think, leave room for very wide criticism, for
they certainly require as little is consistent
G..1 k1xr
broad as to clearly reveal the attachments of the
applicants. And, first of ALL it may be said that
they include mo foreign language, no technical
word. no terms of art or science, no problem In
algebra, geometry, tr1ganometry astronomy,
no question concerning the history or geography
of any foreign country; nothing. in short, be-
You'd and not everything within the teaching of
a good public school," l take few questions
from those designed to test the applicants COM
mand of English
1. Write letter in the space below, addressed to
Richard Rush, ESQ., Philadelphia, Pa. the ecIn-
paratve advantages and disadvantages of city and
country life.
2. Express in your own language, at greater length
and in good prose, changing the principal words the
thoughts contained in the following
IF all the year were playing holidays,
TO sport would be tedious as to work;
But when they seldom come. they wished for come,
And nothing pleaseth but accidents"
3. Copy the following sentences and correct the
of syntax which they contain: III The king
is present and had the transaction. (2t long
acquaintance and cordial friendship has existed be-
tween no and /. (3) Everyone must depend on
themselves for their final success. a. The number
of clerks in the departments limited by law. t5.)
intended to have answered your letter before but
the pressure of my official duties have prevented me.
could take many other exercises in dictaton,
in spelling, and questions still more difficult
when applied to APPLICANTS for special positions.
But while the questions for the general exami-
nations are not hard. they certainly do search
the applicant as to whether he has clear grasp
of the principles of composition and punctuation,
so as to enable his written communications and
work to have the clearness so necessary to intel
ligent and profitable labor. In arithmetic find
such questions as the following. and select the
shorter ones for the sake of brevity:
L. The price of beef is 103s per pound and
of -four 37s cents per pound. ration consists of
l ID 4 OF. of beef and b q OF. of flour. What will