The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-12-06

prise a still further proof of its favor and
approval.
The executive order of May 6. 1896, ex-
tending the limits of the classified service.
brought within the operation of the civil
service law and rules nearly all of the ex-
eentive civil service not previously CLASH
fed
Found Illogical
Some of the inelusons were found wholly
Illogical and unsuited to the work of the
several departments. The application Of
the rules to many of the places so included
We're found to result in friction and EN-
barrassment After long and careful con-
slderation 1t became evident to the heads
of the departments responsible for the
efficiency, that in order to remove those diff
lieulties and promote an efficient and har-
monious administration certain amend
ments were necessary. These amendments
were promulgated by an executive oeder
dated May 20 1899.
The principal purpose of the order WIS TO
except from competitive examination cer-
tain places involving iidueiary responsible
ties or duties of a strictly confidential,
scientific or executive character which as
it was might be filled either by non-eom-
petitive examination or in the discretion OF
the appointing officer, than by open COM
petition. These places were comparatively
few in number. The order provides for the
filling of a larger number of places, mainly
in the outside service of the war DEPART
ment by what Is known as the registration
system, under regulation to be approved by
the president similar to those which have
produced such admirable results in the
navy yards service An of the amendments
had for their main object more efficient
and satisfactory administration of the sys-
tenn as established by the civil service law.
1t is believed that the merit system
has been greatly strengthened and Its per-
nanence assured. 1t will be my constant
IN ba I'D nj ct of Government
IL our new possessions to make fitness,
character and merit essential to appoint
ments to office and to give the capable and
deserving Inhabitants preference IN ap-
roin tments.
The 14th of December will he the one
hundredth anniversary of the death OF
Washington. For a hundred years the re-
public has had The priceless aggregate aim
OF the lofty standard of character and con-
duct which he bequeathed to the American
people. 1t is inheritance which time.
instead of wasting, continually increases
and enriches. We may justly hope that in
the years to come the benisnant influence
OF the father of his country may be even
moro potent for good than I'm the century
which is drawing to a close. i have been
glad to learn That in many parts of tho
country the people will fittingly observe
this historic anniversary.
Presented to this congress are great op-
portunities. With them come great respon"
SlDlulleS. Inc power cOnIlued 10 US H.
creaseS the weight of our Obligations 10 the
people and we must be profoundly sensi-
tive of them we contemplate the new
and grave problems which confront US
Aiming only at the public good. We cam
not err. A right Interpretation of the peo-
pies will and of duty cannot fail to insure
wise measures for the welfare of the islands
which have come under the authority of the
United States, ard to inure to the common
interest and lasting honor of our country
Never has this nation had more abundant
cause than during the past year for thank
fulness to God for manifold blessings and
rerees, for which we make reverent ae-
acknowledgements
(Signed) VIM. M klNll1f.
Executive Mansion, December 5, 1889