The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-06
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.


The executive order of May 6, 1896 ex-
tending the limits of the classified serv-
ice, brought within the operation of the
civil service law and rules nearly all Of
the executive civil service not previously
classified. Some of the inclusions were
found which were illogical and unsuited
to the work of the several departments.
The application of the rules to many of
the places so included was found to re-
suit in friction and embarrassment. After
long and very careful consideration, it
became evident to the heads of the de-
partments. responsible for their eff
cheney, that in order to remove these
difficulties and promote an efficient and
harmonious administration certain amend
ments were necessary. These amendments
were promulgated by me in executive
order dated Nay 20, 1899. The principal
purpose of the order was to except from
competitive examination certain places
involving fiduciary responsibilities or
duties of a strictly confidential, scientific
thought might better be filed either by
non-competttive examination, or in the
discretion of the appointing officer than
by open competition. These places were
der provides for the filing of much
larger number of places mainly in the
outside service Of the war department,
by what Is known as the registration sys-
TEN, under regulations to be approved
by the president similar to those which
have produced such admirable results in
the navy yard service.
EFFICIENT APPOINTMENTS AIMED
AT.
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 civil serv-
ice system is relieved of many objection
able features which heretofore subjected
it to just criticism and the administrative
officers to the charge of unbusinesslfke
methods in the conduct of public affairs
1t Is believed that the merit system has
been greatly strengthened and It's perma-
nence assured 1t will be my constant
aim in the administration of government
in our new possessions to make fitness
character and E-erit essential to appoint
ment to office, and to give to the capable
and deserving inhabitants preference in
appointments
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 advantage
OF the lofty standard of character and
conduct which he bequeathed to the
American people. 1t is an inheritance
which time, instead of wasting, continual
" increases and enriches. We may Just
~ hope that in the years to come the
oenignant influence of the father of his
country may be even more potent for
good than in the century which Is draw
ing to close. I have been glad to learn
That in many parts of the country the
people will fittingly observe this historic
anniversary.
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES OF CON
GRESS.
Presented to this congress are great
opportunities. With them come great
responsibilities. The power confded TO
us increases 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 insure
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
Goa TOT manifold blessings and mercies.
for which we make reverent acknowledg,
ment. WILLIAM McTyTNTT nv Te
executive Mansion, Dec. 5, 1899.