Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-10-03
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
Proceedings of the National League a
Boston.

Proceedings of the National League at
Boston.
BosFoN. October 2d.-Ata meeting of the
General Committee of the National Civil
Service League to day it was voted TO in
crease the Executive Committee by four.
and Edward Carey, Charles Collins and
William D. Foulke, of Indiana, and Rich
ard II. Dana of Cambridge, were the new
members elected At a business meeting
there was fair attendance of members and
a few spectators. Hon. George William
Curtis was unanimously chosen President
for the ensuing year.
Charles ]. Bonaparte Of Baltimore read a
paper on the Relation of Civil Service Re-
form to Other Reforms in which he said !:
at is the function of civil service reform
to provide for all other reforms. To expect
to get solutions TO such problems as the
tariff, currency and pension system otter.
from such men as make up the bulk
of either house of Congress or to deal wisely
with labor and liquor questions through
such men as make up our Legislatures and
CITY Councils is as irrational as to expect
figs from thistles."
a long discussion was had upon the
proposition to print the different papers,
some gentlemen taking exceptions to por-
ton of their contents and Directing to their
going on record apparently as being sane
toned by the Association.
A resolution was finally adopted that the
Executive Committee be directed in pre-
pairing papers for publication to prefix a
note that the Lesgue is not responsible for
the views therein expressed.
The Comm ittee on Resolutions presented
a lengthy report, which was unanimously
adopted. The League coDgratulates the
country that an attempt to nullify the re-
form law during the present session was
defeated in the House; that the law was
defended by distinguished members of both
parties. The League recognizes the fact
that thirty two thousand places ia the
public service are now filled upon free and
fair competition of merit alone, while
Commissioner Roosevelt gave assurance
that 90 per cent. of the clerks so appointed
under the last Administration have been
retained.
1t recalls with satisfaction the action of
the Attorney, General sustaining the Civil
Service Commission in revocation of the
appointment made in defiance of the re-
form law and the indictment of persons
for receiving political contributions. 1t
commends the exculpation of the Civil
Service Commission by the House Com
mittee, and congratulates the country upon
the choice of Commissioners by the pres
ent Administration. While according the
national Administration the greatest credit
for whatever advances the House Com
mittee made, the League finds ii necessary
TO remind the country that the pledges made
by the successful party at the last election
had been disregarded. The reform sys-
tenn has not been extended. The express
purpose of reform has not only not been
observed in all executive departments, but
often violated.
The removal of Postmesters for no other
cause than political opinions or party affilia-
tons resulting in partisan devastation of
an important branch of the public service
is breach of faith with the country, and a
grave offense against pure politics and the
interest of an efficient public service. The
important duty of taking the census should
have been committed 10 officers selected be-
cause of fitness and with no regard to politi-
cal or partisan considerations.
The League urges friends of reform to
press upon public attention and on Con-
gress the repeal of the laws precribing fixed
terms of office, which were designed to
facilitate partisan changes without odium
express and positive removal.