The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-12-08
ANNUAL MESSAGE.
Continued from Fourth page.)

extending the limits Of the classified
service, brought within the operation
Of the civil service law and rules near
ly all of the executive civil service not
previously classified
"Some of the inclusions were . found
wholly illogical n unsuited to the
work of the several departments. The
application of the rules to manv of
the places so included was found to
result in friction and embarrassment.
Afte- long and very careful considera-
ZION IL Eecame evident to ia a of
the departments, responsible for their
efficiency, hat in order to remove
these difficulties and promote an eff
cient and harmonious administration
certain amendments were necessary.
These amendments Were promulgated
by me in executive order dated May
%, 1899.
1.-THE principal purpose of the order
was to except from competitive ex-
animation certain places involving
strictly confidential, scientific or exec
utive character which il was thought
might better be filled either by nom
competitive examination or in the dis
erection Of h appointing officer, than
by open competition. These places
were comparatively few in number.
The order provides for the filling of a
- aSiAo vi RAo@0S AA6&A
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 hose which have produced such
admirable results in the navy yard
service.
"All of the amendments had for
their main object a more efficient and
satisfactory administration of the sys-
tenn of appointments established by
the civil service law. The results at
tanned show that under their opera
ton the public service has improved
n that the civil service system is
relieved of many Objectionable fea-
lures which heretofore subjected it to
just criticism and the administrative
officers to the charge of unbusinesslike
methods in the conduct of public af-
fairs. 1t is believed that the merit
system has been greatly strengthened
and it's permanence assured. 1t will
be my constant aim in the administra-
ton of government in our new posses
sions to make fitness. character and
merit essential to appointment to Of
flee and to give to the capable and de-
serving inhabitants preference in APP
Pointments.
ANNIVERSARY OF WASHINGTON'S
DEATH.
1.-The 14th of December will be the
one hundredth anniversary of the
death of Washington. For a hundred
years the republic has had the price
less advantage of the lofty standard
of character and conduct which he
bequeathed to the American people. 1t
it an inheritance which time, instead
of wasting, continually increases and
enriches. We may justly hope that in
the years to come the benignant inf1u-
ence of the father Of his country may
be even more potent for good than in
the century which is drawing to a
close. I have been glad to learn that
in many parts of the country the peo-
pie will fittingly observe this historic
anniversary.
ABUNDANT CAUSE FOR THANKS
GIVING.
Presented to this congress are
great opportunities. With them come
great responsibilities. The power con
fided 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 prob
lens which confront us.
Aiming only at the public good, we
cannot err. A right of 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 authority of the Unit
ed States, and insure to the common
interest and lasting honor Of our u
! try. Never has this nation had more
abundant cause han during the past
year for thankfulness to God for mani
fold blessings and mercies, for which
we make reverent acknowledgement.
civilian M'KINLEY.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 5, 1892"