Evening journal., 1890-10-03

NM/a and the following resolu-
tions were adopted; THAT
T. W. ooEAiA the National Civil Service
Reform league congratulate the country
that the attempt 10 nullify the reform law
during the late session OF congress was
defeated by distinguished members Of both
parties
''The League recognizes tho fact that 81
300 places ia the public service are now
filled Ia fair and free competition by merit
alone The league recalls with satisfac-
tion the wholesome precedents Of the action
OF the attorney general OF the United States
in sustaining the civil service commission
and In causing the revocation OF appoint
ments made In defiance OF the reform law;
also the league recalls with satisfaction
the success of the friends of reform in frus-
trating the attempt in congress to evads
the reform law by securing the appoint
ment of pension examiners without exaani-
nation 1t mentions with pleasure the nn-
qualified advocacy Of the principles of re-
form by many Of the leading journals OF
both national parties.
Concerning Party Pledges
while according to the national ad-
ministration the greatest credit for what
ever advance may have been made In the
application of civil service reform to the
conduct Of public business, 1t Is neyerthe-
less our duty to remind the co untry OF tho
pledges made by the successful party at
the last presidential election, and to note
how far these pledges have been kept The
pledges OF the administration were;
"First-That reform of the civil service,
already auspiciously begun, should be
completed by the further extension OF the
reform system to ell grades OF the service.
s'Second-ThAt the splrit.and purpose OF
reform should ba observed in all execu-
tive departments.
sThird-That all laws az variance with
the subjecb OF the existing reform legisla-
tion should be repealed.
''These pledges have been disregarded.
The reform system has not been extended
Not only have not the spirit and purpose
Of reform been observed In all executive
departments, but they have often been yio-
lated The laws nt variance with reform
legislation have not been repealed, nor has
there been any proposition for repeal.
Against this practical contempt Of pledges
the league records Its unqualified protest
"Fourth-The removal Of postmasters
for no other cause than their political opin-
ions or party affiliations, resulting in a
branch Of public service, Is breach Of faith
with the country and grave offenss against
pure politics and the interest Of an efficient
public service
The Taking OF the Censua
'The league holds that the important
duty OF taking the census should have been
committed TO tho officers selected because
of their fitness, and with no regard to DO
litical or partisan considerations, and II
ssss In the general dissatisfaction through
out the country with the results OF the
census logical consequences Of this disre-
gard Of these principles.
"Fifth-While holding that the power OF
removal should be vested ia appointing
officers subject only to a sound discretion,
the league also holds that no opportunity
for changes In the public service which is
not political for reasons partisan. should
be permitted. II therefore urges all friends
Of reform to press upon public attention
and congress the repeal of the laws pre-
scribing fixed terms Of offica. Places which
are not political, aud which are filed by
appointment, should be vacated, except by
death or resignation, only by the deliber-
ate act of responsible appointing officers
after fair opportunity OF explanation or
denial OF charges.
"Sixth-As a measure Of relief from one
OF the worst abuses Of the spoils system,
the league approves tho principles and OBJ
jects Of the bill introduced into congress
during the present session 70 regulate the
appointment Of fourth class postmasters.
by causing their selection TO be made wish
our regard to political interests aud opin-
| ions.
Competition on Equal Terms
"Seventh-The league resfIirms its un-
swerving fidelity to the American and
democratic principle OF the equal right OF
every citizen to seek and TO compete on
equal terms for appointment to Office,
without the necessity OF asking aid from
party friends or political leaders"
The Buffalo association inyited the