Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-03-26

indicates those in Office when the civil service
act took effect to be replaced by the appli-
cants examined under it in from eight to ten
years. Every one of these examinations have
been open to all alike, without regard to
political or religious opinions.
No complaint has been made to the COM
mission BY any person examined or desiring
to be examined that any discrimination has
been made on religious or political grounds,
or that he has suffered any prejudice by res-
son of his afflistion with anv church, party
or faction. The sdherents of each of the
great parties being nearly equal in number,
IT would seem to be a just inference that
about 1000 republicans and about 1000 dem
ocrats have secured places in the public SER
vice under the civil service act
As bearing upon the probability of discrim-
ination, and also on the character and capac-
ity of those appointed under the rules, it may
be stated that during the past year, the six
months probationary term, of the 35S ap-
pointees TO the departments at Washington
and most of them appointed under the last
administration expired during the year ended
the 10th of January last, yet every one of
them except II has been given permanent
appointment, and one of the IL not at first so
appointed has been restored. The report
Also SAYS that 1t seems to be thus proved by
experience that the examinations are so aie-
quate test of business capacity that only
about one out of forty of those who are ap-
pointed are rejected after trial of six months
in doing public work. This includes all the
rejectons if there have been any for political
reasons
In regard to the character of those appoint
ed, the report says. only about one in sc of
those appointed have been removed There
are more than IA, 900 places subject to exam
nations. including $50 in the departmental
service at Washington, 2573 on customs ser
vice, $500 in the postal service and several
additional postotices are likely to come un-
der examinations during the current year.
Political assessments have been in a consid
cradle measure suppressed. The solicitation
and pressure tor appointments have been
greatly limited The members of Congress
have been relieved from much annoyance.
Those administering the government have
had their time much less taxed BY ofice-seek-
ers than formerly and have consequently had
much more time for doing public work. The
partisan activity in the departments is much
less than it was before the civil service act
was passed. Each of more than l4,000
places subject to examinations is, the report
says, so much taken from the spoils to be
disposed by patronage mongers and so much
added to the prizes to be won by most worthy
applicants. The report shows how the exam
nations strengthen the school system of the
country and that the general results have
been as salutory in New York and Massachu-
setts where the system is now established as
in the federal service. The commission de.
clares IL has no patronage and no power to
grant favors. The growth of the sentiment
favorable to the new system is declared to
be rapid.
Concerning the President and his cabinet
the report has this language: Under all
circumstances and in every part of its work
during the past year, not less than in prev
lous years, the commission has had the cor
dial and unswerving support of the President.
In no instance has the commission had occa-
sion to complain of any lack of friendly sup
port on the part Of any head of department
but on the contrary it has had decisive evil
dence from each to enforce the rules in good
faith. President Cleveland has neither al
lowed their application to be diminished by a
single office nor consented to the appoint
ment of a single officer in violation of the
rules"
The commission expresses the views of the
President and of members of hi. cabinet IN
declaring that the enforcement of the new
system thus lar has so eminently demonstrat-
ed lts Denenclai enects IN various wavs ii
should no londer be regarded as exerimental
but as part OF the established policy of the
government.
The report in conclusion states that only
larger force for the commission and ade-
quate appropriation are needed to enable ex-
aminatons of appropriate kind to be extend
ed not only to smaller postoffices and GUS
toms offices but to the railway mail service,
ministers to the District of Columbia, to in
ternal revenue officers, to consular service.
to promotions and wherever else they NAV in
the light of larger experience be thought
useful.