The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1893-05-22
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
A Remarkable Statement as to Mr.. Cleye-
lands New Scheme.
Especial t. N. Y. SUM-

lOpGcldl y w L. I1uhsJ
That new rulings are contemplated,
preliminary to a complete reorganiza-
ton of the working force of the depart
ments, the Treasury especially, seems
more than probable. This, it is believed,
is one reason why so few departmental
changes have been made. Those that
have been made are on line consistent
with the new rules that are said to be
preparing.
Mr.. Cleveland, it is reported, conte M
plates new extension of the civil service
idea, little less than the complete wiping
out of the present system and the substi-
tuition of some main features of the Eng
fish system.
For tliis purpose legislation will be
needed; and yet considerable progress is
possible under the present laws.
Mr.. Cleveland's experience, more es-
pecially during the last two months, has
set him thinking, and he has thought
like a man disguised with the idea of
public patronage in return for political
services. 1t is reported that in his own
mind he has advanced considerably tow
ard the plan of employing in the govern
ment service only those who are best
qualified, regardless of political consid-
erations. The qualifications ale to be
ascertained by n Board not less removed
from partisan influences and considera-
tons than the Supreme court The
service is to be arranged in grades, and
10, IN ,Inc ~, 1,1,c
ness world, whereby fitness, moral, in
tellectual and physical, will be taken
| into the account; politics never.
| With making appointments, save those
| of foreign ministers and certain high Off
cials nearest to tho executive, the Presi-
dent will have nothing to do; and the
tenure will virtually be for life and good
| behavior. Provision will be made for
constant supervision of the service with
a view to keeping it up to the highest
standard in all respects
! Mr.. Cleveland has seen and thought
enough, he believes, to qualify him to
make to Congress, when it meets again,
extensive recommendations looking to
changes that will separate the servants
| of the government from politics. and re-
lieve the executive branch from what, in
his Judgment, has become positive
scandal and an injury in every light.
Mr.. Cleveland is convinced the time has
come for reforming altogether the prac.
tice of appointing men to Office on party
grounds, and is giving his best study to
the subject of reforming the evil.
| 1t is understood the President has per.
suaded himself that what he intends to
| recommend, will command the requisite
strength to put through Congress law
that will permanently reform out of ex.
istence a number of evils which, in his
| Judgment, threaten the welfare of the
| Republic; and he believes the reform
will shed renown on his Administra-
ton.
Mr.. Cleveland is considering this ques.
ton with the aid of members of his cabi.
4 net, and at the same time he is consult
! ing with Democrats and Republicans as
| opportunity is afforded General Schurz
as I am informed, was made acquainted
with the Presidents purpose on his re.
cent visit to the White House. On the
degree of support this enlarged civil ser
| vice reform may recei' in advance OF
the meeting of Congress will depend moi
little Mr.. Cleveland's recommends.
ton and action.
The opinion prevails to a considerable
| extent that recent experience, which haf
| so impressed the President and brought
him to think earnestly, will also bring
favor to the proposed system from botf
/ political parties.