The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-10
SECRETARY TRACY.

II is not often that we have occasion 70
speak of any member of the present admins
tration in terms of very high commentator
in spite of the fact that. with ono or two e1-
ceptions the members of the Harrison cabi-
net are all men of far more liberal and en-
lightened views than the narrow-minded ana
self-centred man by whom they were APP
pointed 10 their present position and who
presides over their deliberations.
In many respects the course of Secretary
Tracy has been such as TO elevate him some
what more in public esteem. irrespective Of
party affiliations. than that Of any OF his assO-
ciates. He has devoted himself assiduously
but quietly to the duties of his Office, and has
shown an active zeal in advancing our naval
interests in every branch Of the service. His
graceful telegram to Mr.. Whitney upon the
launching Of certain government vessels,
which had been begun during the tenure of
that gentleman in the Naval Secretaryship'
will be recalled as an instance Of his generous
readiness 10 acknowledge any superior claim
to credit which may have belonged to his
predecessor. though political opponent.
BY far the most honorable incident in Mr..
Tracy's career o. Secretary Of the Navy how
ever was the address which he delivered on
wednesday evening at the first dinner of the
Republican Club Of Massachusetts, in the
Music Hall in the city of Boston. This adj
dress was directed at the evil system which
has prevailed for many years in the general
administration Of our nayy-yards. but more
especially in the manner Of selecting and
changing the employees. Coming from an
official associate Of Mr. Carkson,
who introduced tho worst form Of
partisan politics into the Postoiiice
Department. and from subordinate Of Mr.
Harrison, who, in spite Of his public profes-
sions in favor Of Civil Service reform. has al
lowed It's fundamental principles 10 be
trampled under foot without Offering the
slightest remonstrance, the speech Of Mr..
Tracy will excite as much surprise as admira-
ton. Every word that he uttered should be
written down in letters Of gold.
For fifty years" said he, the question Of
employment Of labor at the nayy-yards has
been the one weak spot in naval administra-
ton. Whatever the party in control Of the
government, it seems hitherto to have been
powerless to exclude political influence in the
employment of navy-yard labor. 1t is not
enough, apparently, that the mechanics and
workmen in the Government shops should be
Republicans or Democrats they must wear
the collar OF the ward bosses who run the To-
cal political machine The practice is a
source of Generalization to any party that at
g., :. Il to Ia.
ment service, and debauching local and Ma
tioral politics it is an ulcer on the naval adj
ministrative system, and propose TO Gu: 1t
out.
The details Of the system which | propose
10 adopt are now being prepared, and in
short time will he in full operation. Ipropose
in carrying out this new system so to regulate
it. that three ends shall be secured: First. free
and open competition; second, employment
upon grounds of merit. 10 be determined by
non-partizan experts engaged in and response
bic for the work; and third, absolute publicity
of every detail And having begun in the way
have indicated, DO not propose to stop until
the principle Of efficiency and worth is the only
test of navy-yard employment / am satisfied
| lhht such system VIII ue III INC interest,"
not only of the work. but Of the workmen;
that il can be carried out 50 thatit will remove
not only all machine politics from the navy
yards. but all suspicion of machine politics;
that the economy and efficiency of the work
will be promoted. while tho community will
be sure that navy-yard in its milst,
instead Of being a focus Of local political in
trigue, is the place of employment Of a body
of independent and self-respecting working
men, whose only road to promotion lies in
/ good work and in whom sickness. Incidence
or bad habits will surely lead TO discharge"