The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-03-22
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
The Democrats Throiten to Rise in
Revolt Against II.
EXPERIENCE AND PIDELIT Y
VIII Govern Appointments, So IL Is Said,
Irrespective of Politics-This scares
the Hungry Onice-seeker - Other
Washington News and Gossip.


ior places which has been witnessed ever
since the Inauguration OF Mr.. Cleveland
continues; nor has there been any diminu-
ton of ardor among the applicants or their
friends The Democratic senators and
representatives, however, are very much
annoyed and chagrined at the peculiar
situation of affairs. The president re-
ceives all comers, greets them cordially
and listens patiently, but gives no en-
couragement. Their applications and
papers are received and referred, with the
information that when these cases are
reached they shall receive attention and
consideration. The same treatment is ac-
corded by all the secretaries. This studied
do-nothing politeness is the most harrow
Ing part of the experience of the senators
been accustomed to
Receive Special Consideration.
They have now made up their minds that
the politicians are not in it, except so far
ms the president is willing to recognize
them. At the executive mansion they APP
pear to accept the situation gracefully.
But, oh, how different when they get back
10 their hotels and quarters, where the air
Is blue with their imprecations. Post
master General Bissell and Secretary
Hoke smith accidentally, in a social way,
met Civil Service Commissioner Roosevelt
day or two since. These gentlemen had
never met the civil service reformer. Af-
ter pleasant introduction the subject of
civil service at once became the chief topic
Of conversation.
Mr.. Roosevelt remarked that he hoped
I,.N tI.,
able to steer clear of the difficulties and
endorsements Of its predecessor The
secretary of the interior replied that he
hoped before his administration was ended
that the classified service would extend
To n Much Greater Number
of the higher clerks and officials than it
does now. He thought il the appointments
TO office could be arranged so as TO about
equalize the political representation, and
If this could be agreed upon as fixed
policy, it would not be long before politics
would be eliminated from all the depart
menes~sf the government.
Then" said he, when new secretary
comes into control, his entire time would
not be consumed day after day and week
after week in listening to the appeals for
Office. The secretary would have time TO
give consideration TO the public business.
if the administration is able TO accomplish
this il will have done great work in the
advance ment of the service OF the govern
ment, and at the same time would prevent
on every recurring change of parties a
rush of applicants for office"
These ideas Of the departmental civil
service are not intended to apply to the
chiefs of departments and assistants or
..s LII.
the offices are part of the administration
and should be in political affiliation with
the party in power. All employees below
these grades are not officials have no dis
cretionary authority and serve in clerical
capacities under the direction of their SUI
periors. This class constitutes the actual
working force of the departments in all
details of business, and therefore Secretary
Smith thinks should be
Recognized and Retained
on account of their experience and fidelity,
irrespective of personal views on politics.
Postmaster General Bissell, who was one
of this trio, gave his entire assent TO the
utterances of his cabinet colleague, and
added: "The elimination Of politics from
the postal service is a condition greatly
to be desired. The presidential appoint
ments as the term of the incumbents ex-
pire every four years, should be in sym
pathy with the politics of the administra-
tion, but in their selection the people of the
community in which the Office is located
should be consulted. BY this means a
better, more responsible and efficient class
of men could be secured.
"When the Democratic party is in power
the people, irrespective of politics, would
naturally be called upon to support the
most efficient and popular Democrat for
the postollice in their midst If the Re-
publicans were in power the same rule
would apply. In this manner the frequent
Objectionable
Political Strikers and HeeIers
of ring of politicians, backed by a sem
ator of the state or representative of the
district, who secure these places with the
connivance of the department and In de-
fiance of the wishes of the better ele-
ment of the community, could not sue
coed"
These proposed reforms in these two de-
partments, herein set forth in more detail
than has been hitherto admitted, even by
the civil service reformers in the cabinet,
are likely to create revolt in the Demo-
cratic lines. IL is not the feast to which
they were invited to participate. The
clamor of the hungry and thirsty has not
yet been heard in the fulness which may
be anticipated few months hence.