Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-01-05

important of those places are in the
Internal Revenue Service. l believe
that all positiont of deputy collectors
of internal revenye should be made
excepted places, subject, however,
to non.competitiye examinations.
I believe that it is desirable that the
collectors be free to select their subordi-
mates, within the lines which rigid
test of fitness will permit from among
men concerning whose personal charac-
teristics and integrity they have know
ledge. Another branch of the service
where experience has demonstrated
that classification was ill-advised is thu
custodian service in the public build
ings throughout the country. l believe
that it would be of distinct ad-
vantage to take all positions in the
custodian force, including elevator
conductors, fremen, dynamo tenders
and employees of similar charac-
ter out of the classified service.
The employees of the lighthouse estab.
lisnment should be removed from the
classified service, and, as hitherto with
marked success he placed absolutely in
the hands of the inspectors and engi-
neers of the various districts, subject,
as before, to the approval of the light
house board and that of the Secre-
tary of the Treasury. The posi-
toni of counsel before the board
of general appraisers should be
exempt from the civil service rules.
I would further suggest that when no
eligible register exists, permanent ap-
pointment be made, in the discretion
of the head OF the department, sui ect to
non-competitive examination by civil
service commission. l would also
recommend that the rules be go modi
fed as to permit the head OF a depart
ment to transfer any person in the
classified service of one branch of his
department to the classified ser
vice of another branch, with.
out regard to spportionment."
There are good reasons for the belief that
Secretary Cages letter in response to the
Senate's civil service resolution, sent up 10.
day. is in accord with the views of the Presi-
dent. and it is altogether probable that in the
absence Of Congressional action on the sub
ject the latter will issue new rules which will
carly into effect the changes suggested by the
secretary.
MI Benjamin Butterworth, Commissioner
! Of Patents, is reported much improved in
dispatch received here to-day from his daugh.
ter at Townsville Ga.
The bill for the reform of the civil service
1 law, which has been drafted by a special
committee of republican members of the
| House of Representatives opposed to the SIS
tenn in its present forG, makes sweeping
changes III the present system, the most i'm
8 portrait Of which is the establishment Of q
: Ave year tenure of Office for those govern.
ment employees who are brought within the
| terms of the bill The measure limits the
application OF the civil service syst m TO the
departments in Washington and 10 such other
| localities where the total number OF employees
| exceed 25 with the power of removal vested
in the appointing power. 1t is provided,
however, that no removal shall be made for
political or religious causes, aud in case of re-
moval the causes shall be specified and the
papers msde q 1ecorc of the Office.
In statement made to the Senate to-day
| In response to resolution Of inquiry Libr"
rian Young, OF the Congressional Library.
| says that the library staff as it now sta DIS is
| comprised Of 72 men who have had eIpe-
rience in libraries or special training for theiE
work that 20 did not possess this experience
or training before appointment, but showed
| ftness, while seven in minor positions were
named because Of fitness for their humble
La