The Oskaloosa herald., 1904-12-29
EXAMINATIONS
ARE CRITICISED
CANDIDATES REFUSE TO AccEPI
ACTION OF BOARD.
APPEAL TAKEN TO AN EXPERT
Principal j.. T. Beard, of lnternationa
School Of Mines, Says Men Should
Have Certificates or An
Explanation.

TWO Oh LQO l0du1Lb gdpOlS ~ DSS
Moines, but for some reason that has
not been explained it was not given
space. One Interested.
Since the meeting Of the State
Board of Examiners FOR Mine Inspec-
tors last March in Des Moines, and
the examination Of candidates which
took place at that time, we have re-
ceived numerous complaints with re-
spect to the fairness and justice of
the examination. AS we occasionally
receive a similar complaint from some
d%isgruntled party, we did not give
the matter more than passing atten-
ton at the time, knowing that the
| dissatisfaction of unsuccessful candi-
dates in examination is a matter Of
frequent occurrence. When, however,
it happens as in this case, that similar
complaints and charges are received
from four or five Of the unsuccessful
candidates of a state examination
| supposed to be held under the civil
service rules and regulations, there
must be some reason other than per-
| sonal dissatisfaction.
To make u position clear in the
matter, we will quote briefly from
some of the letters received, bearing
on the results of the examination and
the position taken by the examininS
board in relation to the marking or
papers. Let it, be understood that
what the writer has 70 say in refer
ence I this matter IS In the interest
of the Civil Service control Of all
state examinations, and looking espe-
cially to the lives and health of min
ers. That too much Importance can
not be attached to the examination
and appointment OF nine inspectors,
not only in Iowa, but in every mining
state and country, is evident when we
reflect that recently within a period
Of less than three months a total of
upwards of 500 lives were lost in four
mine accidents. 1t IS a serious mat
ter to appoint incapable men to this
position, and likewise a serious mat
ter to exclude by a loaded examina-
ton or any other means, men who
are capable and well fitted for filing
this position. IA
One of the letters received from a
candidate at the examination, states
that it's writer was informed by one
of the board Of examiners that three,
If not four, of the candidates passed
the required percentage fairly and
~squarely according to his knowledge
and judgment; that they received a
mark Of zero from certain board mem
bers for correct answers, or the claim
that a wrong formula, or a formula
different from the one used by the
board had been employed. Another
letter states: 81 regret to have to in
form you that I failed to pass the re
quired percentage before a board Of
examiners, for the reason, as far as
| can learn, that they did not want
any new candidates to complicate the
situation of the appointment of the
board of inspectors. The action of
such examining boards certainly does
not encourage honest and ambitious
men to try the examination; but in
stead, it Is a great drawback.
"The candidates papers on file in
the state house should be examined
by a competent person or persons, and
If found to be rated %correctely no
complaint can be made; but, if it is
found that the rating is incorrect, the
law should take it's course. All candi-
dates for examination have a Just
right to impartial treatment by the
examining board, and all successful
candidates have a just right to stand
before the governor al applicants for
the position of state mine inspector;
then the governor may use his judg-
ment in regard to whom he should
appoint. l do not care to write in de-
tail on this subject, but l should be
pleased to learn your opinion as to
the correctness of my answers"
These and other letters received,
drew out the heart Of the writer of this
article to take up the matter in con-
demnation OF. any unjust work that
may have been done In the examina-
ton of candidates on a state examin-
alton such as is required by law in
Iowa. / can state with pleasure, that
during the six years l was secretary
Of the State Examining Board in
Iowa, every examination held wa con.
Quoted purely and simply on a Civil
Service basis, and every applicant re-
ceived the rating to which his an.
swers were entieled on this basis. No
complaint was ever made to the ex.
aiming board by a disappointed can.
didate without being met in the most
frank and open manner by all Of the
members of the board.
The writer has, therefore, made a
very careful personal examination mot
only of the papers or some OF the can.
didates, but of the manner in which
the examination was conducted, and
is informed as follows, quoting from
letters received: Il regret TO DE com,
PEELED to admit that while in former
examinations the answers OF candt
dates received a mark according &c
| tha knOwladga Ruch answarq CONWAY.