Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-10-16
AN ADDRESS TO VOTERS
The National Civil Service Reform League
Condemns Mr.. Bryan's Utteranoes.
Says They Indicate That II He 10
to the Spells System.

The National Civil Service Reform
League, by George McAneny. secretary.
has sent out the following address to the
voters of the United States:
| Tie National Civil Service Reform
League, by the unanimous vote Of its exec
utive committee, calls attention to the
declarations of the Chicago convention. and
its candidate, respecting civil service re-
form.
TIE platform opposes life tenure in the
public service" and favors fixed terms
of office, and such an administration of the
civil service laws as will afford equal OPP
portunities to all citizens Of ascertained
fitness" Mr.. Bryan in his convention
speech thus explains this declaration:
What We oppose, in that plank, Is the life
tenure which is being built up at WASH
ington. which excludes from participation
in the benefits the humber members OF
our society" In his letter OF acceptance
he adds: "A permanent off1ce-holding class
is not in harmony with our institutions. A
fixed term In appointive offices, except
where the Federal Constitution now pro-
service to a larger number of citizens.
without impairing its efficiency.
No Life Tenure Being Built Up.
The statement that life tenure is being
built up at Washington Is wholly false.
All persons in the classified service are
subject at all times to dismissal, the only
Limitation Of law being that they cannot
be removed for refusal to render political
service or to contribute to campaign FUNDS
The policy of fixed terms Of Office" de-
manded by both platform and candidate,
would result in a clean sweep OF all pub
lie officers and employes--competent and
inefficient. faithful and unfaithful alike; II
involves the periodical displacement OF
trained servants, the substitution OF those
who are inexperienced. and the complete
destruction OF business methods In the
conduct of the government. Bitter exper-
fence has shown the confusion and dis
order attendant upon such changes.
Excludes No One.
Mr.. Bryan says of the present system
that 'it excludes from participation In the
benefits the humber members Of our So
ciety.' The present system excludes no
one who can prove. after competitive trial.
that he is best fitted for the duties Of the
office to which he aspires. 1t Is one OF the
chief advantages Of the merit system that
the humber members of society have equal
opportunities with the most influential In
entering the public service. All enter the
service on equal terms; all must depend for
advancement on fidelity and efficiency. No
favoritism nor political influence Will Sc
cure admission or promotion. No plan could
be more essentially democratic. It Is sig
nifcant that of those passing the examina-
tons, 20 per cent have been educated In
the common schools and 1S per cent in
academies and business schools, while of
the L. per cent having college education
the greater number are candidates for po-
sitions requiring scientific training.
What Mr.. Bryan Can DO.
The platform and the declarations Of Mr..
Bryan in his letter indicate that there is to
be complete partisan reconstruction Of
the civil service with the restoration Of the
spoils system.
No new legislation is necessary to accom-
plish this result. The mere election of
President who will modify the civil service
rules in accordance with these principles
will restore the spoils system as 1t existed
during the worst periods of our political
history, with its evils greatly multiplied.
owing to the growth and complexity Of the
government service.
The merit system has been slowly and la
boriously evolved out Of the necessities of
our public service and the conditions Of our
political life. 1t has added greatly to the
economy and efficiency OF adrnntstra-
ton. 1t has given a new incentive to
opened a new career to industry and ca
pability: and, more than all, 1t has removed
from our politics much Of the temptation
to corrupt and mercenary conduct.
Positions Of Public Trust.
The subordinate places in the government
have become for the first time positions Of
public trust, instead Of rewards for parti-
san service. The merit system. the product
of a generation Of progress. will. II the
principles of the Chicago platform be en-
forced, be destroyed at a single blow. the
business of the government will be thrown
back into chaos, the cost Of Its maintenance
will be increased by many millions. and the
"spoils SYSTEM" one Of the gravest perils
which has menaced our government since
the civil war, viii again threaten the integ-
rity and permanency Of our institutions.
The platforms of both the republican and
the national democratic party. as well as
the declarations Of their candidates. give
explicit assurance that in the event Of the
success of either the existing system will
not only be maintained. but extended
wherever practicable.