The times., 1899-12-06
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
Explanation of the Executive Posi-
zion

Explanation Ot the Executive Posi-
Iion.
The Executive order Of May 6, 1896. ex-
tending the limits Of the classified service.
brought within the operation Of the civil
service law and rules nearly all OF the ex-
ecutiye civil service not previously class
flied.
Some Of the inclusions were found wholly
illogical and unsuited to the work of the
several Departments. The application Of
the rules 10 many of the places so included
was found to result in friction and en-
barrassment. After long and very careful
consideration it became evident to the
heads of the Departments, responsible for
their efficiency, that in order TO remove
these difficulties and promote an efficient
and harmonious administration certain
amendments were necessary. These amend
ments were promulgated by me in Execu-
tive order dated May %, 1899.
The principal purpose Of the order was to
exempt from competitive examination Ger
tain places involving fdueiary responsible
tiles or duties of a strictly confidential,
scientific, or executive character which il
was thought might better be filed either
by noncompetitive examination, or in the
discretion of the appointing officer. than by
open competition. These places We're com
paratively few in number The order pro-
yides for the filling of a much larger num-
Der of places, mainly in the outside ser
vice of the War Department, by what is
known as the registration system, under
regulations TO be approved by the Presi-
dent, similar to those which have produced
such admirable results in the navy yard
service.
All of the amendments had for their
main object a more efficient and satisfac-
tory administration of the system of 8p-
pointments established 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 is
relieved of many Objectionable features
which heretofore subjected IL 10 just crit
icism and the administrative officers to the
charge Of unbusinesslike methods in the
conduct of public affairs. 1t is believed
that the merit system has been greatly
strengthened and its pcrmanence assured.
II viii be my constant aim in the admin
istratIon of government in our new pos
sessions TO make fitness, character, and
merit essential to appointment 10 Office
and 10 give 10 the capable and deserving
Inhabitants preference in appointments.
Washington.
The 18th Of December will be The One
Hundredth Anniversary of the death Of
Washington. For a hundred years the Re
public has had the priceless advantage Of
the lofty standard of character and conduct
which he bequeathed to The American peo-
pie. II is an inheritance which time, in
stead Of wasting continually increases and
enriches. We may justly hope that in the
years 70 come the beHignant influence of
the Father Of his Country may be even
more potent for good than in the century
which Is drawing 10 a close ] have been
glad to learn that in many parts of the
country the people viii nttngly observe
this historic anniversary.
Congressional Responsibility.
Presented 10 this Congress are great op-
portunities. With them come great re
sponsibilIdes The power connded 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
cannot err. A right Interpretation of the
peoples Will and of duty cannot fail to en-
sure wise measures for the welfare Of the
islands which have come under the au-
thOrity OF the United States, and inure 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 acknowledgment
WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion. December 3, 1899.