Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1899-12-08
larger par.,crpar.un m the cno,ce OF mos
Education Is Needed.

The fundamental requirement for tIiese
people, as for all people, Is education. The
citizenship. In the introduction of mod
ern educational methods care, however,
must be exercised that changes be not
racial peculiarities of the inhabitants shall
be given due weight. Systems of educa-
ton in these new possessions founded upon
listing conditions and looking to the future
movement and industrial advancement of
the people. will commend to them in a
free government.
The Civil Service.
Changes in the working of the civil service
provisions are explained, and Of the
changes he says:
illogical and unsuited to the work of the
several departments. The application of
the rules to many of the places SO included
barrassment. After long and very care
full consideration it became evident to the
heads of the departments responsible for
these difficulties and promote an efficient
and harmonious administration certain
amendments were necessary. These amend
ments We're promulgated by me in eXecu-
tive order dated May 80, 1899.
The principal purpose of the order was to
except from competitive examination GER
tiles or duties of strictly confidential,
scientific or executive character. which ii
was thought might better be filled either
by non-competitive examination, or in the
discretion of the appointing officer, than
by open competition. These places were
comparatively few in number. The order
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 system, under
regulations to be approved by the pres
ident, similar to those which have pro-
duced such admirable results in the navy
yard service.
Objects of Amendments.
All of the amendments had for their
main object more efficient and satisfac-
tory administration of the system of ap-
pointments established by the civil service
law. The results attained show tina 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 1t to Just crit
leism 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 permanence assured,
istration of government in our new posses
sions to make fitness, character and merit
essential e:;sa to appointment to office, and to
ltants preference in appointments
The 14th of December will be the one hun
dredth anniversary of the death of Wash
has had the priceless advantage of the lofty
standard Of character and conduct which
ne DeQueatneQ TO the American people It
is an inheritance which time, instead of
wasting, continually increases and en-
riches. We may justly hope that in the
years to come the benignant influence Of
the father of his country may be even more
potent for good than in the century which
IS drawing to close. l have been glad to
learn that In many parts of the country
the people will fittingly observe this histor.
lie anniversary.
Conclusion.
The message is concluded with the fol-
lowing paragraph:
Presented to this congress are great op-
portunities. With them come great re-
sponsibilities The power confided to US
increases. the weight of our obligations to
the people. and we must be profoundly
sensitive of them as we contemplate the
new and grave problems which confront us.
Aiming only at the public good, we cannot
err: right 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
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 thank
fulness to God for manifold blessings and
mercies; for which we make reverent ac-
acknowledgement
(Sigred) WILLIAM M'KlNLEY.
Executive Mansion, December . 1893.