New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-10
DISCUSS MERIT SYSTEM.
President Criticised and Defended
by Civil SerUice ReformerS.

Washington Dec. 9.-At the final session of the
National Civil Service Reform League to-day
President Roosevelt criticised for the eXemp
tons in the service through executive orders made
by him in the last three years Nelson 5. Spencer.
a former member of the Municipal Civil Service
Commission Of New-York City. made an attack
the course pursued by the President, which was
applauded by many OF the Civil Service reformers
present. The President was defended by ex-Com-
missioner Fouke, vino declared that the country
to be congratulated on having a President
who actuated by considerations of justice as
well OK law.
Mr.. Spencer declared that the logical consequence
of continuance of the present practice of making
exemptions is the restoration of the condition OF
affairs which existed before the passage of the
Civil Service act. Under such practice it is not
possible, he said, for the puuc to belle re that IT
is treated fairly The number of applications made
to the commission for special exceptions goes to
prove this. In answer to an inquiry as to the
Der of these applications refused Commissioner
Cooley had said their number legion and
that hardly day passes that some one does not
come with a request for special exception of
some kind The whole system. Mr. Spencer said
becomes the subject of just suspicion.
Mr. Fouke declared that the constitution pro-
Vded for just such emergencies in appointments by
giving discretionary power to the executive Would
the gentleman abolish the pardoning power ne
asked.
Richard Henry Dana commended the President
for having exempted persons appointed to tAe pub
lie service specifically rather than the positions
class. He had been opposed TO executive ez-
emptions. but had become converted afte. talk
with Commissioners Proctor and Foulke several
yet rs ago
The report of the council committee was sub
One Of the resolutions recited the regret of the
league at the frequency with which the President
had directed the Suspension of the Civil Service
rules. After a prolonged discussion. in which oh
lection was made to the resolution on the ground
that 1t reflected on the President. il was amended
so as to omit mention of the President. and was
the recent dismissal of James a. Dumont INSPECTOR
OF hulIs at New \ DIRK. whose removal followed the
investigation into the Slocum disaster. as an evil
dence OF the tendency to make special exemptions
considerable opposition to this developed 1t was
pointed cut that Dumont was not examined for his
place ar New-Yock to whihh he was reduced from
boat service This part of the resolution was adopt
ed by a close
Other features or the resolutions congratulate the
country on the steady and effective support given
t. civil Service reform by President Roosevelt.
including his attitude in regard to violations
and maladminiStratiCn by empOyes OF
vice system to States and cities not now under
Civil Service rules or law favor the repeal of the
ucn Of the principle of tenure of Office during good
behavior and efficiency the rejection Of al veteran,
preference bills. ard the adoption OF a Civil Service
rule against pernicouS political activity by federal
ofuceholders: urge extension of the competitive
classification to all Offices involving the DOIiry
OF the administration and not subject to contirma-
and, so far practicable, fourth class postmasters:
the recognition of the tact that the postoffce IS
purely business department and should be divorced
entirely from politics. and the extension of the
merit system to the consular service.
The league reelected most of its present officers
the principal exceptions being the addition of Her
Boston, and Thomas y. Strong Of Portland Ore
to the list of vice-presdents.