New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-16
THE REGENTS AND IRE CIVIL SERVICE.
DISPUTE CONCERNING APPOINTMENT OF AN
INSPECTOR OF THE FORMER BODY.

A DI SPUTE CONCERNING APPOINTMENT OF AN
INSPECTOR OF THE FORMER BODY.
Albany June Is (specaD.-There is a lively dispute
between the Civil Service Commission and the Office of
the Regents Of the University. 1t grew out Of the
appointment Of inspector by the Regents, and was
intensified on the part of the Commissioners by the fol-
lowing advertisement. signed by John B. Riley as
chief examiner, which appeared in newspapers all
over the State;
the place OF inspector of academies high schools ana
COLLEGES to secure eligible list from which two APP
versty will be held at the office Of the Civil Service
Commission in Albany, Thursday, July .. 1871, be-
ginning 10 O'Clock a. m. Salary, $500 per annuil
The Regents deny that they have asked for such an
examination while the Commissioners bound one
shall be held The difference about in this way
Some time ago officer Of the Regents went to an
officer of the Civil Service Commission and, rectng
the duties of inspectors under the Regents asked under
which schedule such officials should be classed. The
Civil Service officer answered that the places were con-
fdental Ones and should be non-competitive. Acting
upon this view. an inspector appointed by the
Regents. Then the Civil Service Commission called
the attention Of the regents 10 the matter cling them
that the Office competitive
Chancellor Curtis replied in long letter. holding
that the places were Of confidential nature, and
therefore should be classed under Schedule A. 1t
seemed TO him that the inspectors fall strictly under
the confidential class, being the immediate salared
representatives OF the Regents in the personal vista
ton of the institutions Of the University distributed
through the State which the Regents, who are I'M
salaried supervisory officers, cannot personally visit
They have in confidence all charges Of mismanage
ment Of every kind such false returns for annual
reports false claims in order TO allotments Of
public money, the improper granting Of degrees
diplomas certificates and credentials also allegations
of misconduct and immortality upon the part Of prin
cpals and students, and any charges requiring In
vestgation by the Regents. who are responsible for
such supervision. They represent the Regents at ed
ucatlono4 meetings and informal conferences, taking
part, In behalf of the University, In debates,
making public addresses to teachers, pupils and par
ents and endeavoring TO stimulate public Interest In
education; and by personal intercourse with school
officers they qualify themselves to furnish the Regents
with knowledge necessary to intelligent comprehen
sion both Of the general sentiment and Of the specific
situation, which will enable the Regents wisely to
frame their ordinances and fulfil their trust.
To the Chancellor the proper discharge OF such duues
seemed not only TO Imply peculiarly confidential fela-
tons with the head Of the Office which the officers
serve hut qualifications OF experience, tact, sagacy
and courtesy, which can be determined only By
responsible personal acquaintance, and not by any
scheme Of competitive examination however carefully
those who best fitted for the duties described would
be seldom situated " desire TO enter into COM
petition for the appointment and that inspectors
be placed In schedule a. Al the Regents office u Is
said that tie salary attached 10 the advertisement Is
more than will be paid. At the recent meeting Of the
taken by Chancellor Curtis and urging that the Offices
be placed in schedule 4.