New-York tribune., 1896-11-19
Flint'S Fine Furniture.
Majestic Sideboards. for Thanksgiving.
Factory Prices.
THE FEDERAL SERVICE.
JOHN r. PROCTOR GIVES LECTURE ON
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.

THE EXAMINATIONS PROVE THAT WOMEN ARE
BETTER SCHOLARS THAN MEN-AN AUDI
ENCE OF REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS.
1t has been said tha, England governs the world
by the perfection of her civil service and the time
has come in the opinion OF John H. froc'
tor when the continued prosperity OF the United
States depends upon the attainment OF like excel
lence In this department. lie said in his paper
read yesterday afternoon before the Woman's
Auxiliary of the Civil Service Reform Association:
Heretofore the country has been so vigorous
that bad legisla;io could retard our
progress. but now the conditions OF our National
life changing. We are assuming worIdwide
responsibilities. and If We wish to be equal to
them We must study the science Of administration
We had market for everything we could
produce. but the British colonies are dsputing
the ground with Every year these colonies
grow greater. the bonds that bind the EmpiH TO-
gether grow and imperial federation
grows nearer; and when England can obtain from
materials for manufacture that she needs Gus:
toms union may be formed. and the Empire VIII
be the formidable Industrial rival that We
have ever had But We need not fear to compete
with it II We secure the fittest and wssst men for
administration sensible American business
basis ..,uos .so ...o. .,,..
examinations are no. fair test for the peculiar
qualities required in many branches of the civil
bs died in tbts waT While anv sxceDfionaI Offices
could be filled by promotion and transfer. We
had a very striking proof once OF the possibility
Of discovering the right man by means OF an ex-
animation IN the Of the appointment OF
statistical expert The position Is one OF the
hardest possible TO fill. and the hardest TO exam,
inc for but We called in a number Of EXPERTS and
made out an examination. and the secretary OF
Agriculture appointed the man who stood highest:
from Edward Atkinson. recommending man
who the writer said had peculiar qualifications
for the position. and who proved TO be the very
Regarding the position OF women in the civil
service. the lecturer made some gratifying state
ments or those who try the examinations z per
cent are successful. while only 81 per cent or the
S %eiVe SALARY Of si.S Year and hfty get $500
More are promoted to higher grades than under
the old regime and these promotions are won N
won a signal and most amusing triumph
library clerk and cataloguer was wanted. ana
the librarian said ne would nave none but men;
Mr.. Proctor explained that the Commission had
no power 10 exclude women. and would not DO T.
and. the three who stood highest would
have to be recommended. no matter OF what sex
they happened to ne. The librarian did not care;
II they women he would not appoint them.
Women admitted to the examination. never:
theess. ana seven passed. while eleven men-aIi
that things turned out as they did
OF a new Administration in regard to civil service
Mr.. Proctor said that he had consulted many
Kim in saving that the law could not be affected
by any such circumstance. The President may use
his discretion as to when offices shall he turned
over for competitive examination. but. having done
this. his power is exhausted.
President Cleveland NJ. Proctor said had broken
all records I'm the matter Of extending the classf-
fed service. having brought $3.50 offices during
the -four years of his Administration under that
Offices the holders of which liable 10 be re-
moved when their Influence went. and. therefore.
those best adapted 10 take them were afraid to
MI them
Regarding the incoming ADMINISTRATION. Mr..
Proctor said that we We're justified In hoping the
best from one who Is the father of the expression
Civil service reform has come TO stay