The Washington times., 1894-05-09
The Peoples Forum.
RESPECTFULLY SUGGESTED.

RESPECTFULLY SUGGESTED.
A Method of Civil Service for the Govern.
ment Printing Office.
To the Editor of THE TINES:
offer the following essential basis for ex-
tending business methods to the control Of
the Government Printing Office. To my
mind it contains a practical and sensible
illustration Of sound system for beneficial
operation in that great national workshop.
Being in direct consonance with the line of
civil service in the only branch of the govern
ment not at present controlled by that law, I
respectfully commend the same to Mr.. Bene-
dict, the new Public Printer, for con-
sideration and adoption. This basis
affords prospective for elaboration
needed to cover the details required
to make the printing Office thoroughly
practical in business way, the force efficient.
and bring about reform and benefit to the
public service. l suggest that the matter, as
presented, be submitted to board say of
two practical printers, two bookbinders, and
one pressman. all Of whom shall be named
for skill and intelligence, and that this board
submit detailed report for consideration,
analysis, and adoption. 1t would be the duty
of this board to establish the ratio OF appoint
ments due each congressional district in the
the census figures CT 1890 defining congress
sional apportionment. There being 356 men,
bers of the House, exclusive OF territorial
delegates, will allow OF about seven appoint
ments to each congressional district when
the force is maintained in that Office at $500
people. The system submitted, as will be
observed, carries the principle of superior
efficiency, merit. and worth to the public
service as safeguard to the superior work
man and draws a line adverse to political
interference. 1t thus closes the door Of non
practical interference with very practical
branch Of the government, and places the full
responsibility upon public servants Of their
own acts.
mode OF SECURING APPoINTMENTs
Those desiring to enter this branch of the pub
lie service, being qualified by citizenship, may
submit their applications for same through
United States Senators from their respective
states or members of the House of Representa-
tives from congressional districts where they re-
side, TO the Public Printer. Applications TO be
filed and applicant TO be notified stating also re-
may not elect, from duties illustrated, to accept
or decline the position when the service may de-
mand increased force.
On the part of the Government Printer the
demands for additional assistants must be the
requirements OF the service, all applications
being held in abeyance subject TO same. 1t be-
ing fully understood, further, that neither ap-
pointments nor dismissals shall be governed by
political affiliation or belief.
PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENTS.
When necessary requirements demand Of the
Public Printer that additional help or employees
are required in the department under his con-
troll, he shall cause the applicants file to be
notified, giving reasonable time for reply that
they may enter upon probationary duty at a
specified date; that the term of probation, say
for thirty days, more or less, 10 be to attest
qualifications (as had been stated when nling
application. At the end Of period of proba-
tionary service, the candidate 10 be notified Of
rnf nr fhnf tn,,
qnired, placing fully upon the applicant the
responsibility of his qualifications as against the
standard absolutely required and illustrated to
him previous to entering upon the duty
II is understood that the list of applications on
file with the Government Printer shall be taken
up and acted upon by him in notifying addi.
fional, new. or increased assistants, upon the
plan that all citizens OF the United States are
equally entitled TO consideration-all else being
equal-and that preference be given in proba-
tionary appointments to sections of the United |
states having the least number Of representa-
tives in this branch OF the public service
2-coNDucr OF THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING
OFFICE
GENERAL RULES.
To promote the general welfare of this branch
of the public service, as well as to extend de- |
served recognition and favor TO faithful sery- |
ants, the following regulations will be in force on
and after r--, ls9
The foreman of each department will be re- |
quired to report daily the efficiency, merit de- |
merit. or points of non-qualifcation Of each |
employe or public servant under his supervision |
on blank TO be provided, this duty, made |
imperative upon the foremen, to be discharged |
fairly and impartially in each individual case |
Reports to be transmitted 10 the Public Printer
at the close Of each day and by him caused to be |
inscribed upon q Book of Rating Ito be pro-
vided) daily. Reports TO be filed for reference,
and Book of Rating to show general average
The following special points Of demerit win |
govern the making of reports: Absence from |
service without leave or acceptable excuse: dis
sipation and consequent neglect Of duty; willful
neglect OF duty during hours Of service; violation
of provisions of civil service law; willful mis-
chief, calculated to harm Others malicious de- |
struction of government property: failure TO |
maintain standard Of workmanship either in |
quantity or quality: stealing from the Office; re-
yeallng OF executive business passing under OBJ |
etc.
The following points of merit will also govern |
the making of reports: Faithful attention to |
duties, conducted in an intelligent manner; |
special merit indicated for special work: special
observance, care and attention for public prop |
erty etc.
The aim OF the basis of the methods control |
ling the Government Printing Office is the recog-
milton of zeal, ability, and merit in individuals
as az commentator Tor promotion or retention in
the service, and that feature TO be enforced re-
gardless of extraneous influences. In the ex- |
ercise, also of the rights of citizenship, to be
thoroughly divested of any question as to poli- |
tics or religion.
EMPLOYMENT FOR WORK OF CONGRESS
During the session of Congress large number |
or workmen are necessary for the service be- |
yond the requirements at other periods of the |
year. To provide for that emergency the Public |
Printer has more or less applications on file for |
place. II opens an avenue 10 provide for this |
element first, and thereafter 10 give employ |
ment to many, If need be, who were there pre- |
viously, good workmen, but furloughed because |
of lack of work
For the purpose of enforcing the provisions Of |
the foregoing and to fall within that of the civil
service law. as is understood, il must have ex- |
ecutive sanction and direction, extension |
to further classified service Let me suggest,
then, a board for its control as follows:
The Public Printer-Chairmnn and chief ex- |
ecutive.
An appointment Clerk-Secretary and keeper |
Of records.
Foreman of Printing-Advisory and executive. |
Foreman of Binding-Advisory.
Foreman Press Room-Advisory
The position of appointment clerk to take the |
place of the present time clerk, the duties Of the
latter to be transferred to the former.
The recognition of the civil service law may or
may not make this change more or less sub