National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-07-27
DoRMAN B. EATON ON REMOVALS.
HE THINKS THERE WILL Dr FEW, BECAUSE
THE INCENTIVE IL GONE.

THE lNOENllNE ~ tONhs
In answer to the inquiries of New
York Tribune reporter, Dorman b.
Eaton, United States civil service COM
missioner, said the other day at the Fifth
Avenue Hotel;
81 came here from Washington TO at
tend an examination Of applicants for
positions as clerks and carriers in the
Brooklyn postoflice. The examination
was conducted to-day. There were sixty
applicants. / also had in view the look
ing over of the customs service in con-
nection with the change in the collector
ship"
GLOW many employees in the custom
house are exempt from removaiP
"None are exempt from removal. But
what you evidently wish TO know Is the
number affected by the civil service law.
/ cannot say exactly how many, but it is
oil those whose salaries range from 5000
to $4,000, except the chief clerks II
embraces practically the entire clerical
force. The fact that oil are subject
to removal does not imply that all will
be removed. If collector should want
to put Tom Jones out, IL would be for
the purpose of putting Tim Jones in.
But under the civil service law and rules
when Tom Jones goes out, the man who
passes the examination and Is best
qualified goes in, and not Tim
Jones. So the incentive to putting
Tom Jones out is gone. can illustrate
this for you bya case that recently oc-
CURED in Washington. A clerk came to
me and complained because the rules did
not prevent his removal. l asked how
many men were in his division and he
said 1870. asked how many had been
removed and he said five. l asked how
many he thought would have been re-
moved if the civil service law had not
been in existence, and he said $50.
There is fair illustration of what the
law is doing. If you can't put your man
in, you don't want to put the other man
out"
"what about Kellarp"
'He has received his place, is serving,
and is likely to continue to serve. 1t is
perfectly well understood that he is not
to be interfered with if he discharges
his duties faithfully"
What is to be done about the attack
ON him?"
$50 far as the commission is concerned,
nothing more is to be done. We inves.
tigated the matter as it affected the rules,
and enforced them. As it affected the
law we have nothing to do with it. If il
can be proved that there was conspiracy
against Kellar, it would be criminal
offense. 1 do not wish TO express an
opinion as to whether or not it was con-
spiracy. 1t is evident that something
was wrong. But Secretary Manning
made short work of it,"
"How do you regard the working Of
the lawp ?"
mo obstruction is put in the way of
the commission by any member of the
administration. There have been per-
sons put into minor positions who are
antagonistic to our work, it il true, but 1
think they are more and more learning
that the President and his entire Cabinet
intend to have the law enforced"
In speaking about the New York col
lectorship Mr.. Eaton expressed surprise
that Mr.. Hedden should be away from
his post so soon after taking office. He
paid high tribute to ex-Collector Robert
sons executive ability, his frankness and
good judgment as man, and his strict
adherence to civil service reform in the
conduct of the Office.