The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-02-13
Civil SerXice Rules

To the Editor Of the Indianapolis Journal:
1t Is a matter of the smallest concern
what any one thinks of this or that, but
OF exceeding Importance that one be right
in what he proposes and does. This truth
is as applicable to communities and gov
ernments as it is to individuals. Innova-
tons in anything antagonize some, but in
novations that are right in themselves soon
find general favor because the are right.
1t is but fair and the truth to say that the
pending rules the phrase civil service
does not appear in them) for the city gov
eminent have but one essential thing or
purpose in them. They are simply a formu-
la for finding and securing efficiency in the
service. There is nothing else in them.
Whoever objects on any other account
probably does not know what the ruels are.
Can there be anything wrong in laying
down rules by which efficiency shall be Sc
cured? 1t was the want of such rules, in
a large measure, and want of efficiency in
the service that brought about the change
last year. The city charter had not been
complied with and in this regard ignored.
Considering the matter from a purely par
~ standpoint, it ought to be humiliating
to confess that Republican applicants for
appointment are likely TO fall below the
standard and below their political opponents
in capabflity. That is what they do when
expressing fears that they may not prove
Capable Wnen put 10 the test. The object
lesson now afforded at Washington ought
to be reassuring on this point. Let us have
the conviction of our boasts of compare
tive capability or stop boaSting. The fear
of the rules on the part of Republicans has
only one Illustration in political history.
That occurred in the campaign of 1856,
when the party wagons were mounted with
pretty misses in white, bearing banners
with the notices 'Save us from niger hus-
bands" People who are incapable need
neither salvation nor appointment
The national Republican platforms, and
State as we'll. have for the past dozen or
more years declared for such rules. The
Journal and other Republican papers have
published strong and numerous editorials
in the same behalf. 1t ought to be no sur
prise now that whole communities of peo-
pie have come to believe they were sincere
and right and act upon that conviction.
Especially so since a test of such rules have
long since proven their wisdom.
l would like TO say in this connection also
that not only the charter provision in re-
spect TO such rules will probably be OBJ
served in good faith, but that other laws
are likely to be enforced regardless of what
party il helps or hurts, not vindictively,
but in a true and manly spirit, in the COM
was what the 5000 majority meant last Oc-
tober and are sure to continue TO think
that way. The only antagoniSm or fric-
ton or trouble that can arise must come
from those who think differently. And
then there can be no uncertainty in the
issue to those who faithfully stand by the
law. Adherence TO law and order cannot
bring disaster TO a community or a party.
but opposition to them has many times done
so, and may again.
JOHN B. CONNER.
INDIANAPOLIS. Feb. IL.