New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-18
THE MERIT SYSTEM UPHELD.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
REFORM LEAGUE.
Mr.. sCHURz REELECTED PREsIDENT-cA1ILNG
FOR THE FUIFTIMENT OF REPUBLICAN

FOR THE FULF1IMENT OF REPUBLICAN
PLEDGEs-PRAIsE FOR MR. MKINLEY.
Cincinnati, Dec. 1.-THE National Civil Service
Reform League to-day reelected Carl Schurz
president by reclamation. The other officers
elected follows:
Vice presidents-Chare Francis Adams, Boston;
Henry Hitchcock St: Louis; Henry Charles Lea.
Philadelphia; Augustus R. Marlborough, New
York; Franklin MaSveagh, Chicago; ] Han Pleas
York. William Potts. New-York. and Archbishop
p; }: Ryan. Philadelphia.
Treasurer-A. S. Frissell. New.York.
Executive Commqittse-cari schqr1. New;York.
Bana Sksn SorW5 s
Baltimore; Everett p. Wheeler. sllas W. Burt. Ed
Glider. William Potts and DoTmah b. Eaton New
York Morrill, Wyman, r., Cambridge; William
R1ay HGsk G1Ss1} Ind ScHs
son. Philadelphia. and John W. Ella. Chicago
The report OF the treasurer. A. g. Frissell OF
New-York. showed receipts t,24 IS: disbursements.
ISIS ST. balance on hand. 1876 10.
The report OF the Committee on Resolutions
presented by It's chairman. Charles J. Bonaparte OF
Baltimore, was adopted. as follows:
First-The National Civil Service Reform League
assembled In this, its seventeenth annual meeting.
reminds the country OF the specific and emphatic
pledges Of the last Republican National Convention
thoroughly and honestly to enforce the present
ton wherever practicable. The League confidently
expects from the President and demands from
every Republican Senator and Representative a
faithful fuhlment of this distinct and solemn
pledge.
Second-The League denounces any attempt on
the part OF Republican members Of either house of
Congress TO repeal the law or embarrass It's ad-
mnstration, or any modification OF ts provisions.
except to the end that the merit system OF seec-
ton for public officers and employees may be e1-
tended, and personal or partisan favoritism In
their choice thoroughly eradicated: and
declares such attempts not only unpatriotic and
unwise. but gross and shameful breaches Of party
faith, Of which no man OF honor wonld be guilty.
President Mckinley forbiddng removals in the
classified service unless for good cause and after
due notice to the person accused a wise and Just
measure, iuy Endorsed by an enlightened pubic
opinion. and 1t demands for this order fair con-
strucuon ana praGea cav no. T ay
obey or seek to evade Its provisions.
FOurth-The League respectfully urges upon tho
President, and upon those members OF his Cabinet
and Of either house Of Congress who also desire
pointment in the Federal service. the Importance
OF an unfinchng resistance TO the impudent de-
concession TO demands inspired by such motives
will greatly encourage these and increase their
pressure more diGicult in the future.
Flfth-The League calls attention TO the fact that
the Federal Government has sought in the resolu-
lions OF its State conventions TO qualify or eyade
as to Civil Service reform the results OF the late
elections have clearly indicated the disapproval OF
honest and patriotic citizens. The League further
recognizes with pleasure the steady and rapid
growth OF sympathy with It's principles ana purr
cans Of all classes. .
Sixth-The League Indignantly stigmatizes the
mendacty with which the enemies Of good govern
ment and pure politics, both In and out Of Con.
tho merit system and their persistent repetition or
gross and ridiculous falsehoods. clearly and IRE
Qucntly exposed. insults at once to the lntelll-
gence and the conscience OF the American people.
Seventh-The League demands that the employees
of the Census Bureau be selected for merit and
fitness to be determined by fair, practical and thor
ough competitive examinations under the direction
OF the Civil Service Commission. with the warning
example q the last before It's eyes. II pro-
tests aga .nst any enactment which may prevent
or inDede such selection involving scandalous
waste Of money and sacrifice OF the country z
interests 1t were better to have no census at all
i'm 1900 than one taken by incompetent or unrust-
worthy political protegts, selected according 10 the
well known methods Of so-called practical politics.
Fiehth-Tte League renews its previous declara-
tions in favor Of the repeal Of the law prescribing
four-year terms for many Federal offices, the cx-
tension OF the merit system TO the consular service
and the municipal Civil Service OF the District OF
Columbia and the consolidation OF outlying with
vocacy OF Civil Service pensions az part OF the
merit system which contempates such pensions
no more than did the system OF appointments ana
removal by favor prevailing before the merit sys-
which an assured tenure during efficiency affords
10 public servants should enable them by the excr'
else OF the frugalty and forethought displayed by
all prudent persons 20 provide out or their current
| earnings for the ordinary contingencies ana IN
FIRMLY Of old age.
| sneeches we're made by Henry Hitchcock. OF St
! Louis on THE Republican Party and Civil Ser
| vice Reform; by Edwin Burritt Smith OF Chicago
on 1.-THE Legal Situation: The Kight 10 Iompete
! narte whose topic DO the American People
| va M Civil Service RefOrmY