The San Francisco call., 1897-09-08

held responsible for the acts of one whom he
had o voice or part in appointing. such is
not the case, and inasmuch as your article in-
vites an expression Of opinion, as civil SER
vice advocate submit the following:
| CLEAN from investigation that the indi-
vidual defaulting in the case at hand was not
civil service appointed. He was the per-
sonal appointee OF eX-Postmaster Baekus, held
by ex-Postmaster Bryan on his own personal
responsibility, and therefore the civil service
laws had not, in the slightest measure, any
thing to do with his appointment or reten-
tion.
An inquiry and investigation will demon
strate that The classified civil service does not
include IN ose positions OF a strictly account
ing and financial nature. and that In those
cases OF quasi-hnancat character included
in such class .fcation there is nothing TO pre-
vent, and, in fact, bonds are insisted upon.
The truth of the first recital is evidenced by
the position of cashier of the Custom-house,
and the recital as to bonds is borne out by
the occupants OF the money order aud stamp
departments of the postoffice in which de-
partments bonds are exacted running IN favor
of the postmaster.
The intimation that an academic test is not
proof OF character may be admitted, but it
must also be stated that no application for an
examination can be made, unless the names
OF several citizens are appended, guaran tee
ing and vouching as TO the character and in
tegrity of the app icant.
Furthermore, the statement that an appoint
ing officer is deprived OF the liberty OF appoint
ment is true only in a small degree. The
civil service law provides that the names of
tut tllTec HISueSt eliSlUieS 6ndIl Dt TO
the appointing officer, and from such certifi-
cation he shall make his appointment. This
allows of his making his own selection.
The history of the conduct and faithfu
ness of officials so selected will bear more than
favorable comparison with appointments
made, 1t can De said. OF men entirely unkown
to an appointing officer, but suggested and in
many instances dictated from political
sources.
There has never existed on the part of civil
service advocates desire to i'll any manner
set a premium on dishonesty, but on the con-
trary they have always been gu ided by de-
sire to in every possible manner surround the
selection OF officials with care, and having
once been selected, projected in their tenures,
Ii they be honest and faithful, regardless OF
their political affiliations or religious belief.
The official SO protected necessarily is inde-
pendent in the exercise OF the right of sui.
frage, for it matters not to him which poIiti-
cal party Is successful. he has voted on the
questions and policy of his country as his own
resources and judgment have dictated,
The institution of civil service laws and
rules in the United States, considering the
great nun Der of those it affects, cannot by the
most optimistic be presumed TO be perfect in
all its details, but It's practical application
will demonstrate what amendments or
changes are necessary TO perfect 1t.
The proof OF the capaciiy and taithfulness of
civil service Office holders is a part OF the
record of all the departments OF The Govern
ment, and it will continue 10 reflect credit on
its originator and those VINO espouse it as
long as those clothed with authority to en-
force its provisions do SO sincerely and faith
fully. Respectfully submitted,
September 4, 1897. D. J. O'LEARY.