Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-05-01
Mr.. Theodore Roosevelt Speaks of
His Coming Departure.
GRATEFUL TO THE EVENING STAR
Praises Its Course in Behalf of De-
cent Politics and Government.
PROGRESS OF THE REFORM

Mr. Theodore Roosevelt sent his resigna-
ton as United States civil service com.
missioner to President Cleveland yester-
day. The Evening Star several days ago
exclusively published the direct statement
that Mr. Roosevelt had determined upon
this course in order to become one of the
four police commissioners of New York. at
the earnest solicitation of Mayor Strong
and the friends of the reform movement
in that city.
Mr.. Roosevelt at the time of this an
ncuncement declined to talk for publica-
tion but this afternoon he was not averse
to giving his views upon the progress Of
civil service reform since his active official
connection with its benefcent extension
through the civil branches of the govern
ment his expectations regarding its future
as well as few words regarding his pro-
posed course in the important office he is
about to assume.
Mr. Roosevelt greeted The Star reporter
with hearty cordiality.
Il want to take this opportunity of say
ing publicly he remarked, now heartily
l have appreciated the consistent manner
in which The Evening Star has backed up
the commission and the cause of civil
service reform and decent government
during the six years 1 have been here in
Washington. It has been gratifying to me
In the extreme, personally and officially.
We'll, az to the rest, there isn't much
for me to say, continued Mr.. Roosevelt.
Il have been almost exactly six years in
office and leave with the greatest reluct-
ance but it is a great satisfaction to think
of the work that has been accomplished in
those six years. The classified service is
more than double the size it was six years
ago and year by year. in spite of the short
comings in individual bureaus and offices,
we have seen a steady growth in the rigid
enforcement of the law, taking the service
as a whole"
In nf no
Il leave the commission in excellent
shape and l am confident that all danger
OF any backward movement about the re-
form has long since gone by. 1t is en-
phatically a movement in the interest Of
decent politics and honest government, and
it's opponents so inevitably represent all
that is basest and most evil in our public
life, that the people of the country are
sure to support the reform if they only un-
derstand what the fight really is.
"One thing 1 would like to say, and that
Is l think the civil service commission
not only strive to be upright itself, but
actively endeavor to secure enforcement of
the law by every head Of department or
bureau, and not submit quietly to any ag-
gressive movement by the foes of the sys-
tenn. No matter VINO makes the attack, II
ne is of Importance sufficient to merit :t
he should be promptly and sQuarely met.
His Course ms Police Commissioners.
'As to my course as police commission
err" said Mr.. Roosevelt, pleasantly, Il do
not think there is anything further to say.
have already announced that, while I
am a republican, would allow no political
or other sentiment that might be cherished
by a member of the department 10 have
anything to do with his official position.
The same strict and honest attention to
duty that is required in any other properly
conducted public or private business will
certainly be expected of the employees of
the police department Of New York.
snail leave Washington in two or three
days. and will certainly regret it most
keenly."
Mr.. Roosevelt was appointed civil SER
vice commissioner six years ago, being
then the recognized leader of the move
.ment in behalf of civil service reform. the
courageous and militant spirit he had dis
played in its behalf while q member of the
New York legislature having drawn to him
the attention of believers in the pure and
honest administration Of public affairs all
over the country.
He succeeded John H. Oberiy of Illinois
and at once began that aggressive activity
in behalf of the practical progress of the
reform which has characterized his course
ever since. Since his term of service began
he has had as colleagues on the commission
Messrs Eaton, Thompson, Edgerton john
son, Proctor and Lyman, the two latter
gentlemen still being members of the body.
ommissiOner Lyman Won't Talk.
One OF the New York papers published an
item this morning, declaring that President
Cleveland had demanded the resignation Of
Commissioner Lyman. The latter official
this afternoon declined to either affirm,
deny consider the subject in any man.
ner The samo paper stated that Mr..
Roosevelt had recommended Bellamy Storer
of Ohio to President Cleveland as his sue
oessor. This is not a fact. 1t is said that
MIR. Roosevelt, in conversation with the
President, mentioned the name of several
republicans OF prominence who are stalwart
adherents Of the cause Of civil service re-
form, and that Mr.. Storer's name was
among them None of Mr.. Storer's friends
believe, however. that he would even con-
slider accepting the position If offered 10
him.