The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-10-04
NOT LIKE OTHER MEN.
A Civil Service Reformer Whose Self-
Appreciation Is Comprehensive.

A Civil Service RefOrmer whose Self-
Appreciation Is Comprehensive.
BosroN, Oct. 3.-At meeting of the gen
sral committee of the national civil service
league yesterday, it was voted to increase the
executive committee by four, and Edward
Carey, Charles Collins, and William D.
Foulke, of Indiana. and Richard H. Dana,
of Cambridge. were the new members
elected. At the business meeting there was
fair attendance of members and few
spectators. Hon. George William Curtis
was unanimously chosen president for the
ensuing year. Charles J. Bonaparte, of Bal
timore, read q paper on the relation OF
civil service reform to other reforms,
in which he said it 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 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 PROPOSE
ton to print different papers, some gentle
men taking exceptions to portion of their
contents and Directing to their going on
record apparently as being sanctioned by
the association. A resolution was finally
adopted that the executive committee be
directed in preparing papers for publica-
ton to prefix a note that the league is not
responsible for the views therein expressed.
The committee on resolutions presented a
lengthy report, which was unanimously
adopted. The league congratulates the
country that the attempt to nullify the re-
form law during the present session OF con-
gress was defeated in the house: that the
law was defended BY distinguished members
of both parties. The league recognizes the
fact that $4,000 places in the public service
are now filled upon free and fair competi-
ton by, merit alone, while Commissioners
Roosevelt gives assurance that " per cent.
of the clerks 80 appointed under the last
administration have been retained. 1t
recalls with satisfaction the action of the
attorney general sustaining the civil service
commission revocation of appointments
made in defiance of the reform law and
the indictment of pc rsons for receiving po-
litical contributions: commends the ex :
PLANTATION of the civil service commission
before the house committee and congratu-
lates the country upon the choice of the
committee by the present administration.
While according the national administra-
ton the greatest credit for whatever ad-
vances have been made the league finds it il
necessary to remind tne country that
pledges made by the successful party at the
last eIeCtlOn nave Deen OlSreNafQeO. lO{
reform system has not been extended; the
spirit and purpose of reform have not only
not been observed in all executive depart
ments, but often violated. Laws a
variance with reform Legislation
have not been repealed. nor has there beer
any proposition for repeal. Against thit
contempt of pledges the league records it.
unqualified protest. The removal of post
masters for NO other cause than politica
opinions or party affiliations, resulting il
partisan devastation of an importan
branch of the public service, is breach o
faith with the country and q grave offens
against pure policies and the interest Q
efficient public service. The importan
duty of taking the census should have bee
committed to officers selected because 9
fitness aud with no regard to political 9
partisan considerations.