The Dickinson press., 1896-12-12
among The agencies destined to cleanse ou,

among The agencies destined to cleanse our
politics and improve. economlxe and elevate
the public service. There are now In the
competitive classified service upward Of
81 600 places. More than half of these have
been included from time to time since
!, March !. 1873. A most radical and sweep
Ing extepsion was made ly executive order
dated May U, ISM, and II f0urth-class post
masterships are not included in the state
ment 1t may be said that practically all
positions contemplated by the civil service
law are now classified. Abundant reasons
exist for including these postmasterships.
based upon economy, improved service and
the peace and quiet OF netshborhOods. II,
however. Obstacles prevent such action at
present. l earnestly hope that congress
will. without increasing postoffice appropri-
ations, SO adjust them as to permit I'M
proper cases 81 consolidation OF these post
offices. TO the end that through this process
the result desired may I" Il limited extent
be accomplished.
The civil service rules as amended during
the last year provide for IL sensible and
uniform method OF promotion. basing elli-
glbllity to better positions upon demo:-
strated efficiency and faithfumess. The alb
sence OF fixed rules on this subject has been
an intirmity In the system more and more
apparent as Its other benefits have been APP
! preciatel. The advantages Of civil service
methods in their business aspects are too
| well understood 10 require argument. Their
application has leconle necessity 10 the
executive work OF the government. But
those who gain positions through the Op-
| Grafton Of these methods should be made to
| understand that eie nOn-partisan scheme
| through which they receive their appoint
| menls demands them. by way OF reciprOc-
ity, non-partisan and faithful performance
| of duty under every administration and
cheerful fidelity TO every chief. While they
ct,n tn IsNpo
| their rights OF citizenship and to support
through their suffrages the political beliefs
| they honestly profess, the noisy. pestilent
and partisan employc who loves political
| turmoil aud contention. or who renders lax
and grulgins services to the administration
not representing his political views, should
be promptly and fearlessly dealt with in
| such a way ns to furnish a warning to
| others who may be likewise disposed.
The annual report Of the commissioner
will be duly translated. and I commend the
important matter they have in charge to
the careful consideration Of the congress.
lnterstate Commerce.
| The interstate commerce commission has,
during the lust year. supplied abundant evi.
dence VI its usefulness and the Importance
Of the work committed to its charge. Pub
lie transportation Is universal necessity,
and the question OF just and reasonable
charges therefor has become of vital i'm
portance. not only to shippers and carriers,
but also ~ the vast multitude Of producers
and consumers. The justice and equity Of
the principles embodied in the existing law
passed for the purpose Of regulating these
charges are everywhere conceded, and there
appears to he 40 question that the policy
thus entered u:'vn has a permanent place
In our legislation. As the present statute
when enacted was, In the nature of the
case, more or less tentative and expert
mental, 1t was hardly expected TO supply
complete and adequate system. While Its
wholesome effects are manifest and have
amply jlGstified Its enactment, 1t Is evident
that all desired reforms in transportation
VI. thods have not been fully accomplished.
In view Of the judicial Interpretation
which some PROVISIONS OF this statute have
been received and the defects disclosed by
the efforts made for its enforcement its re-
| vision and amendment appear TO be essen
tiai to the end that 1t may more effectu-
ally reach the evils more desired to be cor
rcc:ed. ! hope the recommendation of the
commission upon this subject will be
prompt. and favorably considered by the
| congress.