The National tribune., 1906-07-26

1t1E NA1lONAL lhl6UNE.
as appointments and removals are
more to which faction the employe be-
longed than to any qualifications the
applicant might possess.
Some time ago. at the request of the
President. Commissioner Greene. of the
Civil Service Commission, visited the
Western District of North Carolina and
made careful examination of condi-
tfonS there and of the personnel of the
Internal Revenue force. Upon his re-
turn he reported in favor of taking the
matter out of politics and basing ap-
pointments and promotions upon merit
exclusively. Instructions were given
that tho order should be prepared, and
orders were at once issued to the Col
lector not to make appointments or re-
movals on political grounds.
Meanwhile the trouble in the other
district continued to grow. Recently
one of the officials of the Commission
was sent into that territory to make an
investigation. His report has not yet
been formally submitted, but it is un-
derstood 1t will be in line with the pre-
vious recommendations OF Commission
er Greene.
There are Sc Collection Districts in
the United States. and in each of them
conditions frequently arise that cause
the Administration annoyance. Espe-
cially is this said to be true in South
ern districts, in States solidly Demo-
cratic. where the Collectors and theiT
subordinates constitute the Republican
machine of the State. This naturally
results in friction between the faction
that Is in office. and which almost in
variably uses the office as a means to
perpetuate their political power.
The Civil Service Commissioners ad-
vance the argument that il these Col
lectors of Internal Revenue were shorn
of their power there would not only be
better administration of the affairs of
their Office. but that harmony between
all elements would be restored and bet
ter government and better citizenship
would result. Under existing condi-
tions this officeholder is the political
boss of the territory under his control.
debating not only the men who shall
fill all the Federal offices, but naming
the delegates to State and National
Conventions. without giving the rank
and file an opportunity to have voice
in affairs, all of which the Commission
ers, when they talk privately. say is not
conducive to the best order of things.
Under these Sc Collectors of Internal
Revenue there are 996 Deputies. 1t Is
not the intention to disturb these men.
on the theory that the Chief, charged
with the duty Of administering the Of
flee, and under bond to the Government
for the faithful performance Of his du-
ties, is entitled to the personal selection
of those officials Immediately under
him. in whom he must impose implicit
confidence and trust. These Deputies
frequently are placed i'm charge of the
office. and being the personal represen-
tatives OF the Collector, would, as is the
Collector himself, be exempt from the
Civil Service law.
Passing down the line in the grade of
however, there are in the
field force of the Internal Revenue Bu-
reau 134 clerks. II messengers or jani-
tors. 10 dfstillery surveyors. 10 revenue
agents; 246 gaugers. at not to exceed IS
a day; 122 storekeepers, at not to ex-
ceed 81 day. and 2.011 storekeeper
who are paid from 81 to SIS a.
day. according to the class of work as
signed them.
President Roosevelt has ordered the
Civil Service Commission to prepare an
order placing In the Civil Service all the
employees Of the 6ternal Revenue in
cluded in the Western District of North
Carolina, with the exception of the Col
lector and his Deputy 1t is probable
that like order will be issued with
regard to the Eastern District. where
the conditions are similar. Politicians
the country are now won
dering whether this is the forerunner of
Presidential orders that Will result in
putting all employees of the Internal
Revenue Service under the classified
service 1t Is known that the Civil Ser
vice Commission is favorable to this ex-
tension. and IL the President accepts
the advice of Gen. John c. Black and
his associates there will be no more ap-
or removals in connection
with this great revenue collection
agency based on political favoritism.
Mrs. C. C. Augrr. widow of Gen.
Augur. died at Evanston, H.. July Is,
and was buried at Arlington July 21.
Gustavus Flowers was one of the ap-
pOintees Of the late Senator German.
and for IS years had been Postmaster
In his town of Nanjemoy, Nd. His
father had been Postmaster there be-
fore him for so years. Sixteen years
ago he was appointed night watchman
in the State, War and Navy Building,
and served very faithfully until last
week, when, having reached the age of
SO, he was discharged as superannuat-
ed. The blow broke his heart. and he
died within a few days.
The Department of Agriculture Is
taking hand In The fight against ty-
phoid in Washington 1t believes that
II is spread by flies, and experts from
the Department are now in consuIta-
ton with the District Commissioners
with reference to the better cleaning up
of the city. especially the stables, SO as
to diminish the fly nuisance.
Representative F. B. FuIkerson, of
Missouri. leaps into fame in a most in-
way. He was a whistler of
local repute. and now his talent has
gained National reputation. Last Spring
when Senator Warner came to Wash
ington there was a special meeting of
the Missouri colony in Washington at
Carroll Hall in his honor. The pro-
gram had been made up that all the
new Republican members from the
State should be called upon for an i'm
promptu speech, and, of course. the
praises of old Missouri were sounded to
the skies. When 1t came Fulkersorl's
turn there seemed as IL there was moth
Ing left for him to say, and some one
that he give an exhibition of
his talent as whistler which he did TO
the great surprise and delight of the
audience. The fame of this spread
a abroad. and In the hiIarity preceding
the adjournment OF Congress Fulkerson
was frequently In demand, and his war
BILE made the chamber reverberate with
sweet. strange musie. Since that time