Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-12-04
MIR. WINDOW ON CIVIL SERVICE.
He Says the Beneficial Influences Of the
Law are Clearly Apparent.

On the question of the civil service law Secre-
tary Window, in his annual report, says:
1t is my belief that the personnel and
efficiency Of the service have been in no way
lowered by the present method of ap-
pointments to clerical positions in the
department.. The beneficial influences of
the civil service law in its practical
workings are clearly apparent. Hav-
ing been at the head of the department both
before and after its adoption, / am able to
judge by comparison of the two systems and
have no hesitation in pronouncing the present
condition of affairs preferable in all respects.
Under the old plan appointments were usually
made to please some one under political or
other obligations to the appointee, and the
question of fitness was not always the control
ling one. The temptation to make removals,
only to provide places for others, was
always present and constantly being urged
by strong influences, and this restless and
feverish condition Of departmental life did
much to distract and disturb the even current
Of routine work. Under instrumentalities
which are now used to secure selections for
surance of mental capacity. and also of moral
worth, as the character of the candidates is as
certained before examination.
The manifold duties of the department require
the closest application on the part of the Sec
Rotary and his assistants, and the freedom from
places that are within the classified service,
and the saving of valuable time hereto
fore devoted to the distribution of
minor patronage, are OF very great
advantage, and enable these officers to devote
more thought to the important questions of adj
ministration constantly arising. The clerks re-
celved from the civil service commission
usually adapt themselves readily to the duties
they are called upon to perform, and rank
among the most efficient in the department.
This department has for the past twenty
years conducted examinations, under its own
regulations, for promotions in its service, and
employees have been advanced from one grade
to the next highest only after having passed a
standard examination intended to demonstrate
their capability as compared with those who
have already reached the higher grades and to
test their familiarity with, and proficiency in,
the special work upon which they have been
engaged. This system of promotion has
worked satisfactorily and reaches beyond the
ascertainment of individual excellence. Clerks
have the fact constantly before them that to
crafty a laudable ambition for ad vance,
ment they must always be prepared, as
the opportunity for promotion may
come at any time, to submit to
tests which will disclose their aptitude, their
diligence and their knowledge OF the class of
work they have been performing. 1t keeps
the service in better form and relieves the ap-
pointing power of much persistent persuasion
from outside sources to elevate clerks who are
lily prepared to fill the higher grades.
Among the few positions in the de-
partment excepted from the operation of
the civil service law are the special agents,
whose duties are very important and require
abilities of a superior order. 1t has therefore
been thought best before appointment to sub
ject the selected applicant to test Of his fit
ness for the place, and this has been done dur
ing the past few months with excellent results.
The ACCESSIBILITY of pursuing the same course
with chiefs of divisions is having serious con-
sideration at this time