The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1890-05-30
Civil Service Reform.

In an interview Mr.. ClarksOn gave utter
ance to the following opinions on the policy
of Civil Service Reform, which were deemed
SO important that they were wired from
Chicago to the New York Tribune. The
| opinions he expressed are those long enter
tanned by us, and it gives us more than
ordinary pleasure to place them before our
readers and commend them to their thought
| full consideration:
The Evening Post says: "The Govern
ment of the United States is political, not
| business machine" said Assistant Post
master-General Clarkson, i'm reply to ques-
ton on CIVIL Service Reform here to-day.
IL know that there is general belief that
the reverse is true, but the belief is incOr-
rect. To my mind, were it true it would be
one of the worst things that could happen
to our government. The genius of our po-
litical progress lies in the active interest
taken in our government by the people.
That this interest should be kept alive and
aroused to an even greater extent than at
present is most essential. Essayist who ell
Joy formulating theories for an ideal gov
eminent admit that their cherished systems
can come only through the political activity
of the people. Now, to keep the people
active court must be made to their personal,
individual interest. Let them consider that
there Is not only public but personal adj
vantage to be gained. Then they will work.
And for working they will be rewarded"
"Then you do not think this country
would be better off with such Civil Service
as England possesses?
''Most assuredly do not. What Per-
petuate an Office-holding class CT which
every individual member upon arriving at
the age of sixty shall receive pension
Never! What incentive would there he for
such class to work? What aim in life
would be theirs, save to hang OH by the
very easiest method possible? Their am
bitten would die for want of nourishment
and their value to the country decrease.
Il believe that continued service i'm the
government employ is bad for any man, and
after certain period all the public servants
should be sent back to the people to renew
themselves. / believe that each Office
should have a fixed tenure to preserve the
respect of the occupant, and il the occupant
desires a second term let him show by his
work that he Is entitled to it."
Would you abolish Civil Service examin-
ations ?"
'sNO Every man should be examined.
But he should be examined by the official
in whose employ he is to be. Is such q
principle not good In business? Is not an
employer more able to ascertain the fitness
of an applicant to perform the class of work
that belongs to his department than a man
who not only has no interest in, but no
knowledge of, what is required in the De-
partment in question?
"Do you think, Mr.. Clarkson, that the
business of our Government is carried on as
satisfactorily as that of England, where
official place is not affected by change Of
administration ?'
"Yes; much better. The business of our
Government Is transacted more accurately
and at lower percentage of loss than any
other public or private business in existence.
And why ?" the speaker asked abruptly.
Because of the fact that there is rotation
in office; because it is patriotism more than
money-seeking that actuates the men who
take an interest in our political life,n