Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-27
THE DISTRICT AND CIVIL SERVICE.
The Pressure the Co,nmIssioners for
OMEGA Change That w ould Re Welcomed

The Pressure on tn. Co.nmI..ioner, for
Ofnee-A Change That Would re Welcomed
Expressions made to STAR reporter by
officials at the District building indicate that
there is no measure that would be more heartily
welcomed both by the Commissioners and the
clerks than action placing employees of the mu-
nicipsl government under the conditions pre-
scribed by the civil service law.
Commissioner Ross said, "I know Of no
fsirer field for application and enforcement
of the rCles of the civil service system
than the District of Columbia Its
interests are strictly business interests
as are those OF any banks or private cor
porstions. An Efficient service can only be
maintained BY appointments based on cap
ability and on promotions earned by meritori-
ous work The graduates OF orr high
schools are a worJhy sort from which
candidates coGlI be selected. / have had
the pleasure OF Judging their qualifications in
the city pos, Office. We have sOn,e now in tbs
District employ. They have generally proved
Of bureaus and Of departments should
be exempted from the classified ser
vice, as well as all who have financial RESPONSE
bIity. i believe that the system would be a
marked Improvement upon that now in vogue
TIE PKEssURE FOR oFFIcE
1t would be impossible for any one not con-
nected with the District government to sppre-
ciate realize the amount OF pressure that is
brought TO bear upon the Commissioners
for positions. Not dsv passes that
half dozen more men. and
sometimes women. too, supported by
members Of Congress and Senator's and even
cabinet officers. appear before the Commits
sioners to urge their claims for appointment
The members Of the appropriation and Dis
~-a-e l.
receive much consideration. and when
ever they personally appear before
the Commissioners and urge the appointment
of their constituents 10 Is generally DONE
Only few DAYS ago the Commissioners
importuned by the chairman of an
influential committee 20 maze a place
for a man he was interested in. There was no
vacancy at the time, but position was soon
found BY increasing the per diem force in one
Of the Offices and the man appointed The
Commissioners are so accessible to Congress
men, both by reason of the location
of the scene Of their duties and
the necessity upon them of being in
almost constant communication with some of
the committees of Congress, that they cannot
escape the pressure for office which Congress-
men are forced by the opportunities of their
constituents TO bring to bear whenever there is
an Office available.
The need for the protection of the civil serv-
ice law Is. perhaps. more apparent in the engi-
neer department than in any other branch Of
the local government. This is especially SO
regarding the inspecting branches To OBJ
tain good men the Commissioners of course
have TO pay good salaries. and il is TO these
places that the Congressman direct most of
their energy. IL Is not every man who can be
inspector. Few ever attain the knowl
edge necessary for the inspection of the con-
struction OF concrete pavements. as 1t
requires years of close observation and
experience 10 gain this knowledge Yet not
wtthstanding all this, Congressman press for
these places. Upon this inspection de-
ponds largely the nature of the work
which will be done and the expenditures
by the various departments connected with
street improvements Is one of the largest
items taxpayers are obliged to pay. The in
spector who has charge Of this work. it is held |
should be not only capable. but true TO his
trust In the sewer department the utmost
vigilance and sagacity Is requisite. for the in
spection insures the proper execution OF the
work, which once completed and covered up
VIII never show lis imperfections but by acci- |
dent.
CLERKS WOULD LIKE 1T.
The clerks OF the District government want
the civil service badly. They claim that when
vacancies occur the line of promotion is not
followed and men from the outside may, by |
reason Of their great influence, step in and |
take the places which rightly belong 10 them.
1t Is well known that the Commissioners are !
unanimous for civil service in the District gov
eminent Capt Ros-ell said to a STAR re- |
porter that II would be good |
thing. especially for the engineer de-
psrtment, although he would much prefer in
the appointment Of his inspectors and assist
ants men who suited him and who after an
examination r-'Oyed the nlselyes practical, able
and euergetI;. 1t Was not always the man who
could pass civil service examine
ton that made the best inspector; for it re-
CURED . large amount o. experience. which |
could only be gained by constant devotion and |
association with the work to make u good /
inspector.