New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-11-26
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL
ENGINEERS OF PUBLIC WORKS.

ENGlNEERS OF II BLlC NohhS.
THE PROPER WAY TO SECURE THE RIGHT MEN
FOR IMPORTANT PLACES.
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: A recent editorial in The Tribune under
the title of "A Practical Test" called attention
to the importance of the appointments which must
be made b. the incoming Governor. and especially
for the position OF Superintendent Of Public works.
The remarks there made are applicable TO con-
siderable number OF public Offices, not only Of the
State. but also OF the United States and Of muni-
cipaltcs and the of public works to the tax
payers is very largely determined by the compe-
tence Of their incumbents.
The Identification and securing OF the right man
for such place. if the appointing officers or APP
pointing bodies only knew the way. would not
usually be difficult. The real obstacle to getting
the round pegs into the round holes is the fact
that these officials have too generally been them
selves men seeking the Offices. and not men sought
for the office by their fellow-citzens. as most
competent and Trustworthy. This difficulty is al
ready much less than formerly In many parts OF
the country; and the large cities, for example,
usually place IN the Office Of CRY Engineer which
corresponds to the supcrintenlencies of public
works OF the States well-known and capable engi-
neers. with d professional record behind them
that makes their fitness matter. rs rule, be
You'd Gues,ion.
When al engineer is wanted for such an import
ant position as presently b. nllci the State
other way, by consultation with the present and
the past officers Of the great engineering society.
which includes in its membership. with hardly
an exception. the most trustworthy and expe-
rcnccI and talented men I'm that profession. The
lists Of these officers, found in the annual cata-
iogues of member published by such societies. Is
itself a list OF the most desirable men for such
work
II the United States Treasury Department needs
architect TO nh one Of the most responsible
positions in the gift Of the Government, one can
always be found. both competent and honest hy
similarly consulting The leading members of the
association OF architects II mechanical engineers
are needed by the Navy Department in reinforce
mcni OF the critically threatening soon to become
disastrously- small body Of the Engineers Corps
OF the Navy. by the Governor OF the State. or
the Mayor of the city. to constitute boards Of
supervision or OF direction Of construction. in their
special province. exports win records 3I hoNorhDe
and successful practice. extending back for many
tho membership OF the Society Of Mechanical En-
gincrrs. while the Electrical Engineers can supply
systems of transmission Of electricity for It's va
rious applications. All these associations include
branches Of the constructiv" profession IN active
NE and there IS no reason or "Ncuse for me la!l-
ornmcnt Itself. 10 obtain men Of national ana n
l2nai rrputauG2n ior ,hay sac S,ch mon
AMI make usual and reasonable computation Tor
continually giving the State their services at rates
fixed by law. which are ahsurlly smali fractions
of their regular and readily collected charges;
They woulI Usually were the compensation offered
even considerably bclo" that received IN private
practice gladly render service 70 n" fovernW"nt,
20 their native STATE or 10 their Fellow cltizenS AT
As one who has for many years been 4 member
Of "A considerable uuub,r OF such associations
AT hone aui abroad ~ho has held all the oilioe-
thoroughly familiar with their composition an tn.
that can safely assert mat; "rre The rae @a
COMPENSATION even moderate 10Y sue" M" a7 81