The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1885-01-19
The PrnssInn Own seryIce.

Civil-Service Reformers in America have
universally taken the Civil Service of
Great Britain as their model, and many of
their mistakes have resulted from the
attempt to fit our American institutions
into the lready-made mould brought from
England. Undoubtedly "The History of
tho Civil Service in Great Britain" by
Hon. Dorman b. Eaton, who, more than
anyone else, can claim to be the father OF
cur Epresent reformed Civil Service, had
more influence in creating popular feel
ing favorable to the proposed reform than
any other publication. Great Britain's
Civil Service is generally looked upon to
be about as near perfect as human in
stitution can be. But they who have
made study of Civil Service in Germany
and especially in Prussia know that the
principles of a perfect civil service are
better realized The chief features of there
the Prussian civil service are thorough
preparation for the work to be performed,
which comprises an education as complete
as that afforded by any American college;
selection and promotion based only on
merit; small remuneration but permanent
positions, and a life pension when in
capacited by age for longer service.
An article in the February number of
Lippincotts Magazine" by Mr.. Alfred
L. Lee, calls public attention to the subject
just now. The writer says:
Tho Civil'service system OF Prussia is the
most perfect In Its way, OF any In Europe. It
is a growth, rather than creation, sprInglng
from md harnOnIglpO ~ al nj
political condition of the people. Existing
undor and fostered by an absolute monarchy,
II Is nevertheless independent Of the kingship
and defiant OF arbitrary interference. While
q hundred thousand United states ofllce-
holders are dependent upon the will OF the
President tO, and may be removed at his
caprice, the ruler OF Germany, though an abso.
lutte despot, cannot remove a clerk or post
master except for cause. The best onlclal
under our Government may be displaced
without notice and without reason, but the
most Indifferent Prussian functlonary may,
II accused or disturbed, appeal for investiga-
lion and protection TO an neutrality-suspicious.
dent and impartial tribunal.
The primary basis of the Prussiau Civil
Service" he continues, sis not birth or
rank, but education" Aud the prescribed
course of study which the candidate for a
civil service appointment must undergo
comprises the nine different grades OF
classes Of gymnasium, in each of which
he must remain one year. This is equlva-
lent to the training given by an ordinary
American college A searching examination
takes place at the end of each year. When
the gymnasium course has been completed
general examination is held upon all the
lubiects passed over. At this stage the
students quit the gymnasium for the uni,
yeisity or 80 out into the world. II tht
candidate passes this examination success
fully he is given certificate authorizing
him to aspire to the career of govern
ment official. But the candidate is moi
yet ready to enter the governments en-
ploy,
He must first go to a university and pur,
suo course of study for three year,
which comprises law, diplomacy, history
and political administration. Having
finished his university course successfully
the aspirant goes before board Of govern
ment officers and undergoes an exAmina
! tiOn, after which, II successful, he receives