New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-07-03
REFORM IN NAVY YARDS.
DEMOCRATIC ABUSES THAT SECRETARY
TRACY HAS ABOLISHED.
THE INTRODUCTION AND SUCCESSFUL APPLiCA'
TIoN OF COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS
LABOR FREED FROM PoIITr-
rBr TELEGRAPH TO THE raIBuNEl

Washington Julv c-Among the many reforms
in the Civil Service initiated and carried out sce 'ne
beginning Of President Ifarrisons Admlhistraio" Ae
has been more practical and beneficial than that winch
provides that appointments and promouoh OF enp'oyes
In Navy yards shall be based upon merit ana
soon after he into office secretary lra'y ui'
covered that the condition OF affairs was such DIS ="
demand thorough and vigorous measures.
II was a fact well known to Naval officers ana al
other persons conversant with the administration OF
the Navy yards that under the methods In vogue
during the preceding Administration abuses had taken
firm root which destructive to the interests OF
the Government and oppressive to the worKmen them
selves Capacity and efIcincy had been made suDor'
dnato 10 the demands OF political "bosses TO suon
An extent had hi, a1use been carried that officers IN
charge OF public work found themselves virtually
deprived Of authority to secure its prompt or proper
performance on account Of the dctation and inter-
ference OF local Democratic poll icians, who were
almost Invariably sustained on appeal to the anonon
ties Mt Washington.
As soon "a he had made himself thoroughly familiar
with the existing condition OF affairs, secretary tracy
took steps TO correct the abuses; TO de'hrohs 'ho
bosses, and place the service n business fooun8
The regulations framed by him, which have Decn
strictly enforced are in accordance with the ia"s "c
provide that labor at Navy yards shan De e1poye'
with reference 10 the skill and efficiency only OF inc
persons employed: that naval employees snail not 90
required 10 contribute money for political purposes or
be removed on account OF political opinions and
that in the employment OF aborers preference snail
be given TO honoraby discharged soldiers and sailors
who shall possess the necessary qnalihcatiohs' Ia
general orders the Secretary directed all persons con-
cerned to carry out the letter and spirit OF the FORE
going provisions Of the Revised statutes Upon con-
sultation with naval officers and Others whose Only
Interest IN the matter reated 10 the proper protection
Of the laborers and the faithful performance Of work
BY them and after careful personal observation curing
his visits the various Navy yards, secretary Tracy
Issued orders dividing employees into three classes,
namely unskillcd labor. skilled labor. and men In
charge and appointing boards Of commissioned officers
Of the Navy whose duty IL was to inquire into and
decide as to the and fitness OF applicants
Upon the recommendations Of such boards Of impartial
officers laborers have been and now employed az
Navy yards.
Under the same regulations and whenever a
vacancy occurred on the rolls Of the Navy yards the
tact. together with the conditions under which men
were employed BY the Navy Department, received
due publicity, and competitive examinations were
held. which CONDUCTED With reference exclusive
ly the requirements Of the places 10 be filed,
primary preference being given 70 faithful applicants
who had received bodily injury in the discharge Of
public duty, and who still capable of doing
satisfactory work. These open 10 all corners
who were citizens Of the United States, Under tho
regulations discharges OF aborers can be made only
By order OF Naval officers IN charge OF the DEPART
ments, and upon the approval Of the commandans
Of a Navy yard. and these officials have the good
II public service constastly I'm mind and gov
erned solely by desire 10 have the work well and
faithfully done. the retention Of laborers depends
upon their qualifications only, and not as hereto
fore upon the dictation and power Of local poiu
clans
II Is a fact which be verified BIZ reference to
the records Of the Navy Department. and by the in
divaua testimony OF officers and others stationed at
or connected with Naval stations both tho
Atlantic and the Pacific that after thorough,
pr,ctcal test the examination If for employ
ment has been honest and free from political control:
TINT those men have been employed under the
gurcments Of the regulations referred to: that they
have been retained In employment upon the sole
condition that their qualifications were such as 70
secure a prompt and proper performance Of public
work, and that the results of the system have been
beneficial and satisfactory TO the laborer and the
navr, service.
II II true. II IS not that secretary Tracy.
nid.d the ability and energy Of Assistant secretary
soley, had performed no other act To Improve the
Character and Increase the efficiency of the Naval
service this one meritorious and successful effort To
divorce labor from political tyranny and give 10 IL
environments OF Independent and security. would be
sufficient TO deserve the gratitude and respect OF all
fair minded men. who admire honesty In motive and
courage In execution on the part OF public officials