New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-10
MR.. KNOX AND THE CONSTITUTTON.

Mr.. Charles II. Knox. by the grace Of Mr..
Richard Croker President of the Civil Service
Commission Of this city Ia engaged in prepar
ing new rules TO supersede the diverse regll-
lations Of the former divisions Of the CONSOLE
dated city now in force in the different bor
oughs. He Is quoted saying: 1T was the
policy Of the last administration 10 Iut nearly
all offices in The competitive class We intend
"to draw the line between those who DO purely
clerical work and those who direct the work
"in the various departments"
This IS in line with what has been generally
understood to be the policy of Tammany, and
accords with Mayor Van Wyck's declarations
Of opposition to Civil Service reform. OF
course all the offices possible are going TO be
made subject to partisan politics by n Mayor
who blatantly boasts that he IS machine
man." But 1t might be well for Mr. Knox 10
pick his way carefully In making non-com-
letitive places and recall some sad cases Of the
heartless Interference of the "Corstitushun"
between friends Section Of Article Of the
fundamental law of this State declares that
appointments ard promotions in the Civil Ser
"vice of the State, apd all the civil divisions
thereof including cities and villages, shall be
made according to merit and fitness, to be as
"tons, when, so far as practicable. shall be
competitive Early in his term of Office the
p'esent STATE Superintendent Of Public Works
thought that IT was impraclcable to fill GER
tain offices by competitive examinations, but
be was convinced Of his error by the Court Of
Appeals Somewhat later the Legislature at
tempted to establish political excise machine
with a body Of confidential clerks, but the
ba
was totally wrecked. Mr.. Knox is doubtless
anxious to increase the number of places in
the non-competitive schedules, but he Is tread
ing on dangerous ground.
The Strong administration, as Is we'll known
IS extremely unpopular with Tammany. Mr.
Knox has the example Of his superiors to war
rant him in thinking that because 1t did any
thing is good reason for him to do the oppo-
site. But here, again, there IS danger. Much
as the Strong policy may be detested the fact
that the last administration put an office in
the competitive class and kept II there is pre-
sumptive evidence that II was practicable 10
have 1t there. If for any reason any partcu-
lar place ought 10 be exempt it rests with those
who want to make the change to show the jus.
;lce OF their view by affirmative evidence. The
State Civil Service Commission which has TO
pass upon the City Commissions rules before
they can supersede those now in force will be
fully justified in demanding proof that it is
really impractitable to hold competitive ex-
Gmnatlons for every place exempted. More
over, there are courts which can compel obedi-
ence TO the Constitution, and the burden Of
proof is on him who pleads for an exception to
the Constitutional rule. The competitive sys-
TEN is here TO stay, and It's operation viii not
be confined to merely clerical positions. but will
extend 10 ,rcn who direct the work In various
departments. Mr.. Knox may Low think other
wise but he is not the first man who has sur
rendered TO the Constitution