The San Francisco call., 1904-04-15
PLEDGED TO REFORM.

PLEDGED TO REFORM.
This city has pledged itself by it's charter
to the principles of civil service reform. BY
tiiat same instrument 1t has determined iof
all time its recognition of the absolute justice
and reason OF those principles 1t understands
That the moral and the commercial welfare OF
the community vitality and Immediately
connected with the intelligent and honest ad-
ministration of its governmental affairs. II
accepts as established the rule that the basis
OF all successful government is its admins
tratlon by competent men. 1t holds all these
doctrines axiomatic and is alive to the neces-
sity for their permanent establishment in
actual practice to make its government ef-
fective.
1t welcomes the visit Of these distinguished
gentlemen that II may learn from them where
III our civil service system may be perfected.
This city is an essential and an immediate
part Oh the Union. Inc progress ana welIare
of San Francisco seriously concern the Gov
ernment of the United States. 1t is the aim
or this municipality, therefore. to bring itself
into close touch with the Federal Government,
10 encourage actively and vigorously conditions
that will stimulate the intimacy of San Fran
cisco and Washington that the Federal Gov
measure the guardian of commercial in
terests. San Francisco greets Washington and
attests its attachment and loyalty to the conf
mon government of US all.
Edward Coffee of the Municipal
Service Employees Association was the
next to speak. In part he said
II have the honor of representing a
body of mechanical and clerical en-
ployes, appointed under civil service
rules, namely, after competitive ex-
aminations. The object of this asso-
citation is to promote good feeling and
harmonious relations with the heads of
departments. To protect ourselves as
we can within our right. The 260 mem
bers of our association extend hearty
welcome to Mr.. Cooley and Mr.. Good
win.'
CITY is CLEAN.
Arthur McArthur leader of organ
iZed labor, next spoke. He compared
the present administration with some
of those of the past, very favorably to
the present He said "One needs only
to enter the doors of the City Hall to
smell the change. The methods and
men are cleaner than they ever have
been before" After welcoming the
visitors he concluded.
President Rogers of the San Fran
cisco Civil Service Commission made
strong address, dealing with the great
Improvement in San Francisco politics,
due to the election of officials through
civil service rules and the great de-
crease in position obtained by political
pulls
Afford Cooley was next introduced by
Supervisor Brandenstein. Cooley was
heartily applauded. In part he said:
Mr.. Chairman. Gentlemen: 1 am glad of this
opportunity to talk to to you of & the Ca cause i we
cisco 10 a city that is proud of its nation; L
can assure you that the nation is proud of san
There is no city that has greater opportuni-
ties or more favorable outlook than San
Francisco IL is the greatest commercial me-
tropolis the Pacific Coast, but as time rolls
along it will become even greater than 1t is
to-day. For this reason the people should be
careful of a good administration and realize
their responsibility for the government that
exists at any time.
Throughout the entire United States people
were surprised and shocked to hear f-the re-
cent postoffice corruption, but l am proud to
say that at the head of the nation there was
a man that was honorable and just enough to
punish the guilty and to allow none to escape
SERVICE MEN CLEAN.
1 am also proud to say that not a, single
man of all that were indicted received his po-
sition through competitive examination.
According to the rules of the civil service.
man is not appointed to otnee without NntH naving
fore that were qualified to pass examina-
that If thev did pass someone else with more
political pull than they would be elected.
In the postoffce service letter carriers and
other minor officials have been unable to ever
attain the position of postmaster. They We're
allowed to advance just so far and no farther.
Postmasters elected that were totally ig-
norant of the postal service. cannot
make a good postmaster until he has been
/ am afraid / have been misunderstood on
the subject of labor organization. trades
union is voluntary organization and readily
see where ii has many advantages l realize
the great profits in shorter hours and the
striction of woman and child labor; That the
condition of labor governs the condition of the
country there is no doubt.
ROOSEVELT HONEST.
am stanch adsnirer Roosevelt and be-
lieye the country owes to him the fact that
the law is supreme, and whether he deals
with friend or foe, strong weak. he is
But as for civil service. 1t was commenced
only twenty years ago: and already it is es-
tablished in 125, 900 places. In a few years
more it will cover every place in the Govern
ment service.
Elliott II. Goodwin was the next
speaker In part he said:
1 have come to this city in an unofficial ca
pacity, representing private citizens that want
civil service laws. Great progress has been
made in our cause and, while are greatly
encouraged / feel that there is as much to be
done in the future as there has been done in
the past.
Organized public sentiment is responsible for
the great strides in civil service government.
Since the year 1885,, the civil service law has
been the constant subject OF attack by Congress-.
We have therefore to congratulate ourselves
ON holding ground as we have in the diff
ferent States and cities.
New York and Massachusetts, are the only
States that have already adopted civil service
laws. In other cities. such Chicago Mil
wau1ee. Denver. San Francisco. Portland and
Los Angeles. considerable progress has been
made
Now and again 1 have seen attempts made
to wreck the civil service In New York. and
Governor Black once took great pride in taking
the starch out of the law.
The system we advocate is business sys-
tenn. The first object of civil service law IS
to abandon political influence in the election
of officers III it does not work we'll in any
one place it is the fault of the administrator
and not of the laws.
At the conclusion of Goodwin's re-
marks the meeting was adjourned by
the chairman.