Omaha daily bee., 1896-11-24
A pRnELr1RLN RErnRM.

A feature of the report of the sccre-
tary of agriculture which should com
mand wide attention is the statement
regarding the advantages of the applica-
tion of civil service rules in the depart
mcnt. The fact that more than $1,000,
600 of the appropriations of the last three
years have been covered back into the
treasury the secretary states is due in
Il very large degree to the extension of
the classified service, which now in
cludes every important position in the
Agricultural department and the econ
omy thus effected has not been at the
expense of efficiency. on the contrary
it is said that the reports from the
chiefs of bureaus and divisions since
the classification are unanimous in
praising the enhanced value of the serv-
ice rendered by their assistants aud
employees.
This testimony, so far as the matter
of efficiency is concerned, can undoubt-
cdly be supplemented by the experience
of all other departments of the govern
ment. The simple explanation is that
the merit system secures Il higher
standard of ability and fidelity Those
who obtain appointments under that sys-
TEN, having assurance of permanence
for proved capacity and the faithful
performance of duty, with opportunity
for promotion, very generally put forth
their best efforts The retention OF
their positions depending upon their efli
,.in and H1alitU thnV naturally "a
anxious to do their work well. This
was not the rule with government en-
ployes under the spoils system. Those
who secured appointments through the
influence of politicians, with little re-
gard to ability and character, were for
the most part Indifferent as to how they
performed their duties. Their reliance
was upon their political efficiency and
the liberality of their contributions to
campaign funds. Consequently there
was more or less looseneSs in the bust
ness of all the departments of the gov
ernment. thorough efficiency in the ad
ministration of public affairs being out
of the question, because there was
neither the intelligence nor the fidelity
necessary to obtain it. Now
the political pull is no longer avail
able, except rs to n comparatively few
positions, while no employe of the gov
crnment can be required to deliver up to
n campaign committee Il part of his
salary as the price of his position. And
while there is Improvement in business
efficiency there is also Improvement in
the moral character of the public
service 1t is more honest and freer
from scandal than formerly. In short
the application of civil service rules
has brought reform in all reSpects-in
economy, in efficiency, in integrity and
in moral tone.
The danger of a departure from this
system was averted by the result of
the late election. Had the popocratic
party been successful it would have re-
stored the spoils system, to which it
was committed by its platform ana
which it would have found imperatively
necessary in order to satisfy the de-
mnnds of the politicians. This was,
therefore, not the least of the dangers
that We're averted by republican success.
1t is entirely safe to say that the Nc
Kinley administration will continue the
civil service rules now in operation and
probably extend them as it shall be
found desirable or eXpedient. There
will be no retrogade movement in this
NATTER Whatever is done regarding
the reform will be to advance it. It's
demonstrated benefits are unquestion-
able and no party can now interfere
with it without invoking vigorous
protest from the people who want an
efficient and honest public service.