New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-01
THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.
ABsURDITY OF THE CHARGES AGAINST 1T on
ACCOUNT OF YOUNG RAUMs CASE.

Washington May 81 SpeciaD.-The active enemies
Of Civil Service reform and the newspapers which
support them throwing mud at the Civil Service
Commission on account OF the alleged sale Of ap
pointments and promotions by son OF the Com
missioner Of Pensions. Why they should do this is
mystery in view OF the facts. II the charges against
young Raum are true, what do they signify Why,
that a Government employe, not appointed after
Civil Service examination, in collision with another
Government employe not appointed after such an ex-
animation appointed caused to be appointed, for
pecuniary consideration, third man TO place with
which the Civil Service Commission had nothing what
ever do that subsequently these three Government
employees entered into conspiracy to have the third
one promoted for pecuniary consideration and per
suaded a fourth Government employe TO personate
the third I'm an examination before the Civil Service
Commission that this false personaton was soon after
ward detected by the Civil Service Commission; that
the facts were promptly reported to the heads Of the
proper departments and the third and fourth parties
to the alleged conspiracy were dismissed from their
places Probably 1t is safe to say that none Of the
parties engaged in this alleged conspiracy is friend
of Civil Service reform.
That the false personation quickly detected
and exposed by the Civil Service Commission and
punished would TO enttle the members Of the
Commission to praise instead Of censure. 1t shows
that they are not only faithful, but alert and ef-
dcent in the discharge OF their duties So thorough
was their investigation that 1t not only conclusivey
showed the guilt Of Johnson and Smith, but In their
judgment made out prima facle case against young
Raum which seems to have been regarded by the
Attorney General strong enough not only 10 de-
mand his displacement but TO justify the subTnls-
sion OF the evidence 10 the United States District
Attorney for his consideration and action. The
Treasury messenger who, according to Smiths testi
mony, acted as the intermediary between himself and
young Raum after refusing to answer a question on
one day, answered II on the following day by a
denial that he had received any money from Smith
for young Raum, but Smiths testimony seems TO have
been corroborated by circumstantal evidence which
produced impression strong enough to induce the
action which has been taken. The fact that Smith,
after the exposure Of his guilt, and when he knew
that he could not remain in the public service asked
II there was no way by which he could recover the
500 which he had paid for his original appoint
ment and the $50 which he had paid for his promo
ton, would appear to indicate that he had told the
truth rs well as that lie felt that his investment
had turned out TO be losing one, through no fault
OF his own.
II may be added that other investigations which
are understood to be In progress In Tie Pension
Bureau are not based, far be ascertalned,
upon allegations against who entered the public
service by and after examination by the Civil
service Commission. II Is also pertinent 10 add
that II the discovery and exposure OF false persona
ton and conspiracy had been made by officials OF
the Pension bureau, Instead Of by The Commission,
II the latter, having made the discovery had tried
TO hush the matter up screen the oienders there
would be some sense in the performances OF the
enemies OF civil Service reform, which. In view Of
the facts, are utterly absurt.