The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-12-06
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
McKinley's Reasons for Knucklins to the
Spells Clamor.


The executive order of May 6, 1896,
extending the limits of the classified
service brought within the operation of
the civil service law and rules nearly all
>of the executive civil service not pre-
viously classified.
Some of the inclusions We're found
wholly illogical and unsuited to the
work of several of the departments. The
application of the rules to many Of the
places so included was found to result
in friction and embarrassment. After
long and very thorough consideration it
became evident to the heads of the de-
partments responsible for their eff
cheney that in order to remove these diff
ficulties. and promote an efficient and
harmonious administration certain
amendments We're necessary. These
amendments were promulgated by me
in an executive order dated May 29,
1899. The principal purpose of the order
was to except from competitive exam
nation certain places involving fiduci-
airy responsibilities or duties of strict
ly confidential. scientific or executive
character, which, it was thought, might
better be filled either by non-competi-
tive examination or in the discretion or
the appointing officer than by open
competition. These places were com
paratively few in number. The order
provides for the filing of a much larger
number of places, mainly in the outside
service of the war department, by what
is known as the registration system,
under regulations to be approved by
the president similar to those which
have produced such admirable results
in the navy yard service.
All of the amendments had for their
main object more efficient and salts
factory administration of the system of
appointments established by the civil
service law. The results attained show
that under their operation the public
service has improved and that the civil
service system is relieved of many OBJ
jectionable features which heretofore
subjected 1t to criticism and the admin
istrative officers to the charge of un-
businesslike methods in the conduct OF
public affairs. 1t is believed that the
merit system has been greatly strength
ened and it's permanence assured. 1t
will be my constant aim in the admin
istration Of the government in our new
possessions to make fitness, character
and merit essential to appointment to
office and to give to the capable and de-
serving inhabitants preference in ap-
pointments.
The Death of Washington.
The 14th of December will be the one
hundredth anniversary of the death OF
Washington. For a hundred years the
republic has had the priceless advant-
age Oh the lOIly Slo1iooiN ~ "a liz
and conduct which he bequeathed to
the American people. 1t is an inheri-
lance which time, instead of wasting,
continually increases and enriches. We
may Justly hope that in the years to
come the benignant influence of the
father of his country may be even
more potent for good in the century
which is drawing to a close. I have
been glad to learn that in many parts
of the country the people will fittingly
observe this historical anniversary.
A Word to Congress.
Presented to this congress are great
opportunities. With them come great
responsibilities. The power confided to
us increases the weight of our obliga-
lions to the people and we must be
profoundly sensitive of them as we
contemplate the new and grave prob
kems which confront us. Aiming only
at the public good we cannot err. A
right Interpretation of the peoples
will and of duty cannot fail to insure
wise measures for the welfare of the
islands which have come under the au-
thority of the United States and 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 thankfulness
to God for manifold blessings and mer-
cies, for which we make reverent ac-
acknowledgement.
WILLIAM MKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 5, 1899.