New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-06-27

cOrrECTOR ROBERTSONS RETIREMENT.
William II. RobeItson's term as Collector Oh
the Port of New-YOTk expires to-day. IL "li
the professions of the Administration with rtl-
erence TO Civil Service reform were genuine MI
Robertson would be retained in office. ne mas
been honest, capable, efficient. NO pre"'n "
the contrary blows from any quarter. Nor mas
the Office that he has filed been dragged ihto
nolitics An active, energetic, loyal KepuDil-
can Mr.. Robertson has laborel necessarily out
of his Office for the welfare of his party. IN his
office he has labored necessarily for the welfare
of the country. There can be no higher type
Of public official. The record bears out TINS
praise of the retiring Collector. lie came mo
office nnder exceptionally difficult anu tryins
circumstances. branded by the scLi-assertNc
friends of Civil Service reform as poitici"n
from whom no good thing could be expected
In four wears he has collected nearly
5000. 600 600 of revenue. The cost OF TINS col
leciion 10 the Government has been constantly
Iessened under his watchfulncss. During his
fern the rate of collection has not only been
less than for any preceding four years, but Tor
tbo last wear it has been one-fourth OF one pei
cent less than for any previous year III the
history of the Office. =,
In the matter of Civil Service reform MT.
Robertson is able to show remarkable page Oh
history. He has not been loud and pretentious
in his professions, but ne has been ear
nest and persistent in his efforts to carry out the
shirt of the reform rs well rs the letter OF the
Civil Service statute. In four years his removals
in n CORPS Of some ] 200 employees have num-
bered only twenty-eight. These were all for
nanIaet Of 6utY
dishonesty At period not remote the anhlaI
removals exceeded 200. Beginning III the
early part of the first year of his service, where-
ever vacancy occurred from death, resigna-
ton. or removal, and the services OF an olhclai
could be dispensed with, Mr.. Robertson omitted
TO fill the vacancy, continuing this practical
method of reducing the force up 10 the
present time. In his recent letter 10 oecre-
tarv Manning, who had asked for report as 10
rbether the Customs Service here could DC re-
duced without detriment to the public necessl-
ties the Collector was able to say emphaticaly
that no further reductions could well be made.
In fourvears the force has undergone reduction
Of seventy employees, with corresponding an
nual saving of 500, 900 to the Government
The manner in which the Collectors duties
have been performed is worthy OF notice. Inc
door of his Office has always swung open.
Every man having business with the Govern
ment has had prompt access to the Collector
and could always obtain prompt decision upon
any matter submitted. No merchant in New
| York is able to say that any other merchant OBJ
| tanned a privilege conce ss:on or ruling that
was not open also to him. With such a record
Mr.. Robertson can retire from the Office with
the confident knowledge that his services have
met with public approval. Mr.. Cleveland will
do well if the man he selects for Collector shall
be able to present as excellent balance sheet
| four wears hence