The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-05-01

except upon certiieatiQn Of the Commission. 1t
is interesting to note also in this connection that
under date of January 81, 1897 the Comptroller
in effect confirmed his decision Of July %, 1896,
and held, further, that the appointing officer was
unable TO continue appointment beyond the
time authorized by the Commission. because to
haze done So would have violated the civil service
rules above quoted, and which have the force OF
law, referring TO quotations from the rules re-
quiring the certificate of the Commission for APP
pointment. II is believed that il accounting
officers should take the action which seems to
be contemplated by these decisions very few,
if any, illegal appointments would be made
Unjust Practices.
Referring to the assignment of unclassi-
fed persons to the performance of CLASH
fed duty, the report continues:
Moreover, this practice is clearly unjust to
citizens who take the examinations provided for
entrance TO classified positions, and who have a
right to expect that classified duty will be per-
formed by persons appointed through these ex-
aminations 1t is an equal injustice 10 that
class Of our citizens vino are fitted and willing
TO perform unclassiied labor, but who are not
qualified or do not desire TO compete for the
classified positions. The Commission therefore
regards the assignment OF unciassihed employees
to the performance of classified duty very
serious evil, and earnestly recommends that such
action may be taken will insure its positive
discontinuance.
The question of the apportionment of
appointments at Washington among the
several States and Territories accord
| ing to population is carefully dis
cussed and attention called TO the
fact that reinstatements and transfers
are equally chargeable, under the law, as
appointments to the States in which the
persons who are transferred or reinstated
claim legal residence.
The report states that the positions of
office deputy marshals and of clerks in
ba nf
classified by the Department of Justice
under the order of the President OF May
G. 1896
The report states that the internal reve-
nue. bureau has continued to hold that COL
lectors may appoint deputies without COM
pliance with the civil service law and rules,
and in many cases has acted accordingly,
and in consequence some deputy collectors
Of internal revenue have been appointed
during the year without regard TO the
civil service rules. This action of the
internal revenue bureau has apparently
received the tacit approval of the depart
ment.
1t is recommended that the President
direct the classification of the force en-
ployed in the Library of Congress and the
offices under the government of the Dis
trict of Columbia, provided that ii IS de-
termined that he has authority under the
law to take such action, as vacancies IN
these positions could be readily filled with
little, if any, addition 10 the work of the
Commission. The Commission has always
believed it practicable and desirable that
the larger part, at least, of the force en-
ployed in taking the Twelfth Census should
| be appointed in accordance with the pro-
| visions of the civil service law The at
| titude of the Commission was set forth
! in a letter TO Senator Lodge, of the Senate
! Committee on the Census, which Will ap-
! paar in II a apnpndiy the report,
Colonial CiciI Service.
In discussing appointments in our re-
| Gently acquired territory, the following
| language is used:
II will not be satisfactory discharge of our
| duties 10 give simply better government to
these islands than the government which we re-
placed, but must give government equal 10
the best. The Commission thinks it proper to
publish in the appendix 10 this report an authen-
tic account of the colonial governments. We
will Learn the following valuable lessons from
a study of these governments:
fiTst-That they are not disturbed by political
changes in the home government. the tenure
being determined by good and efficient service
only.
stcond-That the men sent TO govern colonies
are selected because OF special fitness ana are
promoted, generally from the smaller colonies
TO the larger, after demonstrating ability 10
| deal with difficule problems
! Tbird-That the officers charged with the col
/
duties are promoted TO those places after faithful
and Efficient service in minor grades, and are
never appointed reward for political SERVICES
/ at home; that the clerkships in the customs
/ and other services filled by open competitive
examinations; that the pay is commensurate with
/ the duties performed, and that persons in the
I colonial service are prohibited from engaging In
/ business enterprises in the colonies.
1t will he that Spain has lost her colonies
through application of the patronage system
of government, and by contrasting her misgoyern
/ Inent with the excellent government OF Holland
and Great Britain will that one is expen-
sive and forces the home government TO maintain
! large armies to keep in subsection the natives
while in the other the government is economic
cslly administered, the people contented, and
only a small military force Is necessary. For in
stance SPAIN with two hundred thousand men,
was not enabled 10 keep in subsection the Island
! Of Cuba, with a population of million and a
( half; while England in Jamaica has quoted. by
| good government, more turbulent population,
and only keeps in the important garrisons OF that
| island less than 800 British soldiers.