Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-28

advantage. The Dockery law had given
them the opportunity to make a large
number of reductions and dismissals in
the interest of their partisans. In putting
that law into operation in the Treasury
Department no democrats were reduced or
dismissed, but all promotions were given
to them. No republicans were promoted,
but all reductions and dismissals fell 10
their lot. But this was not sufficient for
their purposes So they reminded President
Cleveland that public office is a sacred
trust" and that he was the great apostle
of civil service reform: therefore. he should
not hesitate to enlarge the scope of civil
service rules. Thus entreated. the Presi-
dent proceeded to place under the protec-
ton of civil service regulations thousands
of positions, after they had all been filed
with democrats appointed for partisan rea-
sons.
These measures were secured with a full
appreciation of the injustice inflicted upon
worthy and competent republicans. with
but little hope that a republican admins
tration would permit them TO stand. and
for the openly avowed purpose of putting
the republican party in a dilemma. IL the
republicans dared to redress grievances. or
remedy the injustice done. the democrats
would at once claim that the republican
party had proven false to its professions
and was taking backward steps In civil
service reform.
in regard to dismissals is I'm itself right.
and, IL put into operation. under proper
circumstances, and at the right time. would
be a step forward in genuine civil service
reform. The proper time to make radical
changes in civil service regulations is not
the beginning nor the end of a term. but
the middle of the term. II this rule I'm re-
gard to dismissals. rs matters now stand.
is enforced. it will simply confirm and per-
petuate all that the democratic politicians
during the last four years have done to
strengthen and rehabilitate the spoils sys-
tenn. and discourage the true friends of
impartial. genuine reform No democrat
worthy of his place. and who has gained
his promotion by merit, should be disturbed
The new rule should protect him and all
others who procured their appointments
ice commission, IL no good reason can be
given for their dismissals. But there are
thousands Of places which have been filled
through partisan influence and given as
rewards for party service, without the ap-
pointees submitting to any test of fitness,
and yet these positions are covered by the
new rule. The rule is made to apply to
positions subject to competitive examina-
TONS" But these appointments were made
before President Cleveland placed the po-
sitions under civil service rules. These
places should be excluded from the opera
ton of the rule for dismissais until they
are filled by competitive examinations. UNI
der the civil service regulations. During
the last term of Mr.. Cleveland the grossest
oughly competent republican clerks and
promoting incompetent democrats TO the
higher classes. And there they are today.
smiling compacently and securely sneer-
ing at all impotent attempts to redress the
wrongs of outraged republicans. The in
justice perpetrated by partisan malice
should be first corrected. and q practical.
uniform system of promotion for merit
devised and enforced. before the new rule
in regard to reductions and dismissals is
applied to these cases. Otherwise demo-
cratic politicians win continue to reap all
the partisan advantage they have gained
by making civil service reform a hollow
mockery. First correct far as possible
partisan injustice. enforce a just plan of
promotion for merit alone. then enforce
the new rule for dismissals. Thus applied
the new rule Win become a righteous one
hailed with joy by all genuine civil service
reformers, and should stand for all time
as the only solid foundation for a Just sys-
tenn Of public employment. adding increased
luster to the fame OF Its distinguished
author, remaining forever q lasting monu-
ment OF the fidelity OF the republican party
to civil service reform OBSERVER.