The Topeka state journal., 1899-12-05

all of the executive civil service not
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 included was found to result
in friction and embarrassment. After
long and very thorough considerable it
became evident to the heads of the de-
partnents responsible for their ef-
nclency, that in order to remove these
difficulties and promote an efficient and
harmonious administration certain
amendments We're necessary. These
amendments were promulgated by me
in~eXecutive order dated May %, 1899.
The principal purpose of the order
was to except from competitive exam
inatiOn certain places involving fiduc-
iary responsibilities or duties of a
strictly confidential, scientific, or execu-
tive character, which it was thought
might be better filled either by nom
competitive examination or in the dis
cretiOn of the appointing officer. than
by open competition. These places were
comparatively few in number The or
der provides for the filling 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 ap-
proved by the president, similar to
those which have produced such admir-
able results in the navy yard service
All the amendments had for their main
object more efficient and satisfactory
admins ton of the system of appoint
nentS esta blished by the civil service law.
The results attained show that under
their operation the public service has i'm
proved and that the civil service system
which heretofore Subjected it to lust critf-
cism and the administrative officers to
the charge of unbusineSs-like methods in
the conduct of public affairs. 1t is be-
heVed that the merit system has been
greatly strengthened and its permanence
assured 1t will be my constant aim in
the administration of government in our
new possessions to make fitness, charac-
ter and merit essential to appointment to
office. and to give to the capable and de-
serving inhabitants preference in appoint
mentS.
WAsHINGTON's ANNIVERsARY.
The fourteenth 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. contin-
ually increases and enriches- We may
justly hope that in the years to come the
country may be even more potent for good
than in the century which is drawing to
in many parts of the country the people
will htungly observe this historic ami
VerSary.
Presented to this congress are great op-
portuniues. With them come great re-
Sponslbi1ueS. The power cOnfided to us
increases the weight of our obligations
to the people and must be profoundly
sensitive of them as we contemplate the
new and grave problems which confront
We We can % not err ey righf M htePPTetsfioh 9PT 3iSG
Of the peoples will and of duty can not
fail to insure wise measures for the well
fare of the islands which have come un-
der 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
ness to God for manifold blessings and
mercies for which we make reverent ac-
WILLIAM NTKINLEY
Executive Mansion, December 5, 1899.