New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-23
CAMPBELL'S RESIGNATION.
1T WAS REALLY OFFERED SOME TIME
BEFORE ELECTION

FALSE IMPRESSION CREATED BY THE RE-
DUTIES AND SMALL sALARY-ouAL-
FICATIoNs FOR SUCCESSFUL
SECRETARY OF THE CIVIL
SERVICE COMMISSION.
Within the last few days the fact has leaked out
that william j. ID. Campbell, secretary OF the Brook
Ign Civil Service Commission had resigned. The
impression created BY the publication OF this fact Is
that Mr. Campbell waited unit, after the erection.
and then in view Of Mr.. Wursters success. decided
to give up his office A city official heard to
say day or two ago:
We'll. Campbell has had to go. He knew there
use OF his trying to hod to his office
after Mayor schieren went out and Mayor Wurster
ame In. So he decided to get out"
This impression is Incorrect. The truth IL that Mr..
Campbell offered his resignation to the Commission
several weeks ago but for obvious rea sons II
deemed best no. 10 make II public unit, after the
result Of the election known. The resignation
has not yet been accepted. but II is probable that 1t
will be- Mr. Campbell is proceeding that as
sumption, and making arrangements TO engage in
other business. He has been secretary OF the Civil.
Service Commission for eight years Just why he has
decided now to resign is not known. But IT Is plain
that the defeat OF Grout and the election OF Wurster
have had nothing to do with it. II is known that
OF $3.50 was not sufficient remuneration for his
services but his attempts Increase have
not been successful
When the present Civil Service Commissioners as
sumed Office il fe.t by some Of them that Mr.
Campbells place should he filed by another man.
because ne had been appointed by a Democratic
Mayor and kept in office by Democratic influence II
also believed that the affairs OF the Commission
had not been managed with scrupulous regard for
strict non-partisanship and that Democrats had In
some way secured advantages in examinations and
| ratings But careful examination of the records
and OF all the evidence that coud be obtained
showed that the secretarys had been straight
and that no suspicion could be attached to him. At
that time the office directly under the control OF
the Mayor, but OF course Mr.. Schieren would not
assume the responsibility OF replacing Mr. Campbell
when the Civil Service Commissioners had convinced
themselves that there reason for not allow
ing him to retain his Office.
Mr.. Campbe..s res-gna ZION at this time Is Vo.un-
tary and IL ia understood be his intention to es-
taDA'h school Tor the nstruct0n OF PEI sons W
wish 10 fit themselves to take Civil Service eXamina-
tons
Who will be chosen as Mr.. Campbells successor
IL yet matter oi doubt, though II IL UNDERSTOOD
tns Commssioners IKE place is one watch Involves
good deal OF hard work and II Involves Ike 80
furthermore. must have intimate knowledge OF
the laws and decisions relating to the Cvll service
secretary Of Commission is subjected. II may De
stated that last year $500 men applied for appoint
1
Der than 200 got their names on the eligible III T.
| About half OF them rejected for physica de-
fects; others failed pass the athletic examine on
others were unable to write legioy some showed de-
hciency in general knowledge and 50 on through the
st Yet I'm the nattira! course OF things every one
| of those cast out aid the blame Oh that man
! Campbell" though many Of them ne never saw
at al,
| 4 we-nformed citizen who has special know edge
OF the work OF the office said: The VINO holds
that pace must only have a large store or
| knowledge and be prepared 10 work night and diy.
but he needs to have the ntegument OF rhnoceros
! 10 withstand the criticisms that viii be hur-ed a.
| him There Is no more thank.ees office under the
CITY government. For thing. the salary Is total
| Is inadequate. y properly equipped for dis
| charging It's duties needs to have about rs mucn
| special knowledge as the Corporation Counsel, who
receives a salary OF $1,000. At all events the secre-
tarv OF the Civil Service Commission ought to rank
with the highest paid deputy in any OF the city de-
partments: that Is he should have a salary OF at
least 5, o0D year and II is doubtful. in my judg-
ment, whether even that salary would secure the
right man for the pace And at present there Is NJ
| prospec. OF any increase beyond $3.50 as the mod
| est appropriation asked by the Commission was cut
/ down somewhat by the united wisdom Of the mem
/ bers Of the Board Of Estimate"