Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-09
REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT
Administration of Local Affairs Dis
cussed.
SEVEN DEPARTMENTS FAVORED
Would Extend Civil Service Rules to
Cover Minor ofices-Proposes a
Municipal Council.

President Roosevelt today made
public without action a report pre-
pared by James B. Reynolds, to-
pether with his recommendations, re-
earding the administration OF the at
fairs of the District of Columbia.
This is the final one of Mr.. Rey-
nolds' reports on the affairs of the
District made in conformity with
the Presidents instructions, who
said: Il wish your investigation to
terminate in definite. practical rec
concentrations to me in reference
to the city's present needs and most
notable defects measured by the
highest standards of good admins
tration in this country and else
where"
Mr.. Reynolds recommends the
serious consideration of the substi-
tuition of single chief executive for
the present board of Commission
ers, with liberty given to the Presi-
dent to consider the advisability OF
the appointment of successful and
experienced MAYORS of other cities
to the position.
Mr. Reynolds summarizes his recon-
mendations as follows:
l. The extension of civil service to cover
all minor offices in the District of Columbia.
2. The creation of the Office of governor
at salary of perhaps $4,000 per annum.
3. The creation of departments OF health,
police and fire, buildings and public works,
street engineering, charities, corrections
and housing and labor. These departments
should be conducted by commissioner at
salary of perhaps 5000 per annum.
4. A municipal council composed of the
above named commissioners should consti-
tute a public assembly for the passage of
ordinances regulating the affairs of the
District.
5. A citizens committee of 100 to repre-
sent all general civic interests.
Mr.. Reynolds Report.
The President has made public, without
action, the following report on affairs in
the District of Columbia, by Mr.. James
Bronson Reynolds:
WASHINGTON, D. c., April %, 1907.
1 present herewith my final report on the
affairs of the District Of Columbia. 1 sent
10 you last August my report on public edu-
cation in the District which was forwarded
under your Instructions, to the board OF
education. The main points of the report
were approved by the president of the
hoard and the sunerintendent NJ adu
IN your formal instructions to me you
wrote. II hereby request and authorize you
TO act adviser Cor special commissioner
TO me. TO investigate social conditions in the
city Of Washington and the administration
of the city government wish your
investigation to terminate In definite, prac-
teal recommendations to me- in reference
TO the clty's present needs and most notable
defects measured by the highest standards
OF good administration in this country and
elsewhere"
1t was my original plan to present a de-
tailed program relating to the various fields
OF municipal activity. Ny study of the
situation. however, as well the pressure
OF other work. determined me to make my
suggestions of more general character.
l wish to acknowledge most cordial and
courteous cooperation from the District
Commissioners in my work i have also
profited by the assistance and advice of
many of the leading citizens of Washington
both white and colored, who have given
much time to aid me. and who have ex-
pressed deep appreciation of your desire to
improve conditions in the capital city.
Very respectfully,
JAMES BRONSON REYNOLDS
Civil Service.
No satisfactory standard of efficiency in
the administration of the affairs OF the Dis.
trict of Columbia can be secured until all
minor officials are selected on merit and
their retention in Office and promotion de-
pend solely on the quality of service rem
dered TO the government. The District Com
missioners on their own initiative have Sc
cured the examination by the national civil
service commission of all applicants for the
police and fire departments Medical off,
GERS and expert accountants accepted
only after u thorough competitive examina-
ton. The Commissioners have also an
nually appealed for the extension of the
clVA service law to cover all minor en-
ployes of the District, but this request has
not been granted by the Congress.
The growth of the city and the increase
or the number of its employees gives each
year added emphasis to the appeal of the
District Commissioners for a well-regulated
civil service. The general arguments In
favor of the merit system are so we'll known
and have so often been approved by you
that need not repeat them. I recon-
mend that legislation be secured which will
place all minor District appointments under
the national civil service commission.
Executive Administration.
The present administration of the affairs
of the District of Columbia by three Com
missioners has the advantage of the init
mate association and frequent conference
of three executives of equal rank But Il
has the inevitable defects of divided re.