The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-12-06

Of the civil service law and rules nearly
all of the executive civil service not
previously classified.
Sons 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 30 included was found to result
In friction and embarrassment. After
long and very careful consideration It
became evident TO the heads Of the de-
partments. responsible for their efii-
cheney. that in order to remove these
difficulties and promote an efficient and
harmonious administration certain
amendments were necessary. These
amendments were promulgated by me
In executive order dated May 20. 1899.
The principal purpose Of the order
was to exempt from competitive exam
ination certain places involving lldu-
ciRry responsibilities or duties u
strictly confidential, scientific, or exec
utive character, which II was thought
might better be filled either by nom
competitive examination. or In tho dis
erection OF the appointing officer, than
by open competition. These places
were comparatively few In number. The
order providing for the filling OF q
much larger number Of places, mainly
in the outside service OF the war de-
partment, by what Is known as the
registration system under regulations
to be approved by the President, SINH
lar TO those which have produced such
admirable results In the navy yard SER
vice. All OF the amendments had for
their malE object more efficient and
satisfactory administration OF the sys-
TEN OF appointments established by the
clVl service law. The results attained
Oh I.,e a
public service has improved and that
the civil service system iS relieved Of
many objectionable features which
heretofore subjected 1t to Just criticism
and the administrative officers TO the
charge OF unbusinesslike methods in the
conduct Of public affairs. II is believed
that the merit system has been greatly
strengthened and its permanencs as
sured II Will be my constant aim in
the administration Of government In
our new possessions to make fitness.
character, and merit essential to APP
.polntment to office, and to give to the
capable and deserving Inhabitants pre-
ference in appointments.
The 18th Of December will be the Tooth
anniversary Of the death OF Washing
ton. For hundred years the republic
has had the priceless advantage Of the
lofty STANDARD Of character and con-
duct which he beQueathed to the Amer
lean people. It is an inheritance which
time, insteRd OF wasting. continually In
creases and, enriches. We may Justly
hope that In the years to come the be-
nignant influences Of the father Of his
country may be even more potent for
good than In the century which - draw
Ing to close. have been glad to
learn that In many parts OF the country
the people will fittingly observe this his
torIc anniversary
Presented to this Congress are great
opportunities. With them come great
responsibilities. The power confidei tn
US increases the weight Of our onllga-
lions to the people, and we must be pro-
foundry sensitive OF them as we con-
template the new and grave problems
which confront us. Aiming only at the
public good, we cannot err. A right in
depreciation OF the peoples will and Of
duty cannot fail TO insure wise meas
ures for the welfare OF the islands
which have come under the authority OF
the Unitel 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 God for
manifold blessings and mercies. for
which we make reverent acknowledge
ment
tSigned)
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion December 8. 49,