Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1897-08-07
CIVIL SERVICE.

cold hard figures, the order means
that the exemptions from competitive
examinations i'll the internal revenue
have been increased from 90 to 2Ie
places. In the customs service 346
positions are added to the exempt
class and $50 places heretofore out
side the rules have been brought with
in them. In almost all of these ex-
empt places, however, the applicants
will be required to undergo a rigid
non. competitive examination. The
other feature is that which makes the
tenure of office permanent, in that it
provides that no one shall be dis
charged except for cause. Charges
must be filed and there must be an
opportunity given for defense. That
is all right. If we are to have a
classified service, the tenure must be
fixed. In other words, one who has
passed the examination and been adj
mitted must not be subject to dis
charge at the will or caprice of a
superior.
But the overwhelming sentiment of
the country - all parties-is positively
and emphatically against the law
which in the minds of nine enths,
at least creates a favored class who
are fixed for life. This feeling is in
tensifed by reason of the fact that
nearly all now in the service secured
their positions at the hands OF the
party to which they belonged. They
were not examined; they were not
appointed because of their fitness, but
by the grace of the influence they
brought to bear upon their Senators
and Members.
Then, again, the system is un-
American. 1t originated in England
and was instituted to provide places
for the illegitimate sons and daugh-
tiers of the nobility. We have no
such class. If there is one thought
that has been inculcated in the mind
of every American, it is that any and
all positions under the Government,
from President down to the common
laborer, are open to all who fit or
qualify themselves to fill those posi-
tons. When it is seen that a favored
few, and their sons and daughters
after them, in perpetuity, possess and
hold those positions, they lose inter
est in the Government and the only
logical result will be that designin G
men-men who are dominated by sor-
did motives-will secure power, and
corruption will become rampant and
anarchy will ensue.
Indeed, many thoughtful men see
in the civil service law the great
est danger that menaces our free in
situations. Go out upon the streets,
visit the farms, ask the sturdy men
who have been the mainstay of our
| liberties, and they at once respond
that they are not interested; that the
Government is nothing to them; that
they do not intend hereafter to both
er their brains about party or politics;
that those who are benefited who
reap the rewards can do so without
their help.
The only ray of hope is the absolute
assurance that the law will be re-
pealed in toto, and that right early,
unless President Mckinley and the
present Congress very materially
modify it. The Senate is opposed
to the present methods and members
of the House, when they return to
the Capital, after having mingled
with their constituents, will be more
than anxious to flee the wrath that is
certain to come unless radical changes
are made during the next session OF
Congre SIS.
The Morgantown Post very ably
and we think very wisely advised the
University Regents not to select a
preacher for president, which reminds
us that about two years ago when the
Herald criticised the management OF
the University, on about the same
lines, the Post said our remarks were
injudicious and ill-timed, or words to
that effect. 1t affords us pleasure to
have so able journal as the Post
come around so gracefully even if it is
some what belated.