Evening star., 1899-12-05
THE CIVIL SERVICE.

The Executive order OF May O. 1896, ex-
tending the limits OF the classified service.
brought within the operation of the civil
service law and rules nearly all OF the exec
utive civil service previously classified.
Some OF the inclusions were found wholly
illogical and unsuited to the work of the
several Departments. The application OF
the rules to many of the places so includ-
ed was found to result in friction and en-
barrassmert. After long and very careful
consideration it became evident TO the
beads of the Departments responsible for
their efficiency. that in order to remove
these difficulties and promote an efficient
and harmonious administration certain
amendments We're necessary. These amend
ments were promulgated by me in Execu-
tive order dated May %. 1899
The principal purpose Of the order was
to except from competitive examination
certain places involving fiduciary responsi-
bilities or duties Of strictly confidential.
scientific. or executive character which Il
was thought might better be filled either NV
noncOmpetitive examination. or in the dis
erection of the appointing officer, than by
open competition. These places were com
paratlVely few in number. The other Dro-
Nfdes for the filling of a much larger num-
Der of places, mainly in the outside service
OF the War Department, by what is kuoUn
dS NhS IteIStTdllOh system, under
lions 10 be approved by the President. sim
llar to those which have produced such
adnlraD e results in the navy ward service
All OF the amendments had for their main
OBJECT more efficient and satisfactory a1-
mlnlstration of the system OF appointments
established by the civil-seryice law Tba
results attained show that under theIr an.
Grafton the public service has improved
ana that the civtl-service system is relieved
of many Objectionable features which bere-
tofore subjected it to just criticism and the
administrative officers to the charge ~
unbusinesslike methods in the conduct Il
public affairs. II is believed that the merit
system has been greatly strengthened and
its permanence assured. II will be nv
constant aim in the administration Of GOV
ernment IN our new possessions TO make
htness, character and merit essential 10 an
pointmeRt to office, and TO give TO the cana
BILE and deserving inhabitants preference
in appointments.
The l4th of December will be the Ons
Hundredth Anniversary OF the death OF
Washington. For a hundred years the Re-
pubic has had the priceless advantage Of
the lofty standard of character and
conduct which he beGueath he'd TO the
American people. II is an Inheritance
which time, instead of wasting, continually
increases and enriches. We may justly
hope that in the years TO come the benig-
nant influence Of the Father OF his Coun-
try may be even more potent for good than
In the century which IS drawing to a close.
1 have been glad to learn that In many
parts Of the country the people will fitting
ly observe this historic anniversary.
Presented to this Congress are great op-
portunities. With them come great respon-
The power confided to us In
creases the weight of our obligations TO the
people, and we must be profoundly sensible
OF them as We contemplate the new and
grave problems which confront us. Aiming
only at the public good, we can not err. A
right Interpretation of the peoples will and
OF duty can not fail to insure wise measures
for the welfare of the islands which have
come under the authority of the United
States, and inure 10 the common interest
and lasting honor OF our country. Never
has this Nation hae more abundant cause
than during the past year for thankfulness
to God FOR manifold blessings and mercies.
for which We make reverent acknowledge
ment.
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion,
December 9. 1890.