The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-06

Secretaries Gage, Sherman and Will
son Reply to the Senate.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 5-Secretary Gage
and other Cabinet officers to-day replied to
the Senate resolution of Dec. IS, calling
on the heads of the several executive de-
partments for information as to what posi-
tions in their respective departments should
be excepted from the civil-service laws
and rules. Although treasury officials are
reticent on the subject, there are good rea-
sons for the belief that the secretary's let
ter is practically in substantial accord with
the views of the President and it is alto
gether probable that in the absence of con-
gressional action on the subject he will
issue new rules which will carry into effect
the changes suggested by the secretary.
Mr.. Cages reply in part says:
Il believe that experience has taught that
the order of May 6, 1886, was too sweep
ing and that there should be taken out
OF the classified service considerable num-
Der of places that were at that time classi-
ned. The most important of those places
are in the internal revenue service. The
difficulties which the department has ex-
perienced in the administration of rules as
they now exist, as applied to the internal
revenue service, have become intOlerable.
| believe that all positions of deputy coll
lectorS of internal revenue should be made
excepted places, subject, however, to nom
competitive examinations. The collectors
who appoint the deputies, are personally re-
Sponsible for the conduct of their subordi-
mates. his responsibility covers not only
the fidelity and integrity of those subordi-
mates in their relation to the government
but extends to a personal liability to those
who may be injured in person or in prop
erty by inconsiderate or malicious tres
pass committed by such subordnates in
the course of their duties. 1t is obviously
wrong that collector. after assuming the
heavy responsibility that he does should
be tied down to an eligible list. | believe
that it is desirable that the collectors be
free to select their subordinates from
among men concerning whose personal
characteristics and integrity they have
knowledge.
Another branch of the service where ex-
perience has demonstrated that classified
ton i'll advised is the custodian Sery-
ice in the public buildings throughout the
country. There are in the service a large
number of low-salaried positions where no
believe that IT wouie be of distinct adj
vantage to take all positions in the Gus
todian force including elevator conductors
firemen, dynamo tenders and employees of
similar character out of the classified
service.
The employees of the light house estab-
lishment have been under civil service rules
since May 6. No Improvement has resulted
but on the other hand vexatious delays
nave occurred in filing vacancies which
fortunately so far have not resulted in Sc
rlouS disaster. For all employees in this
service. save the clerical force, the best
interests will be conserved by removing
them from the classified service l would
also exempt the positions of shipping COM
missioner at the various ports"
would further suggest such moditi-
no eligible register exists, a permanent APP
polntment 10 be made, in the discretion of
the head Of the department. subject 10 a
hoHeompeutive examination by the Civil
be 50 modified as to permit the head of
department TO transfer any r2rsOn in the