The Washington bee., 1907-11-02
VIII It Be Remedied2
RACE PREJUDICE IN THE DE-
PARTMENTS.
COl0Ted Clerks Ignored - White on6
C0IOred Schools Discussed -
BFHce'S Libel.
From the Colorado Statesman.

NCdilJ l"O years ago IICSlOCutfNOOSC-
Welt, in his commeGdabIe desire to lift
the public service out of time-worn ruts
and place it upon plane of higher ef-
fciency, appointed commission to ex-
anime into the work and methods of
work in the different departments of the
Government, the grading and compen-
Sation of employees and other details af-
fecting the efficient work of the great
Federal machine.
This commission, composed of high
officials of the various departments, with
Assistant Secretary of the Treasury
Keep at its head. after assiduous and
untiring efforts in the performance of
its duties, has now completed its labors;
and results and recommendations, it is
understood, are now in the hands of
the Executive.
A brief preliminary review by the pub
lie press summaries the conclusions that
have been reached by the commission,
as commencing in general way the
operations of the Civil Service, but crit
icising in unmistakable language the op-
portunities for favoritism in the estab-
lished methods of advancing employees
to higher grades in the departments.
The recommendations, it is under
stood, will operate 10 fix a standard and
thereby reduce the prerogatives which in
this connection have hitherto lodged
with special officers.
Such a reform will doubtless be hail
ed with much satisfaction by the large
number of Negro employees in the vari-
Gus offices of the Government.
The discrimination and injustice whic"
have been their portion have been so
long in operation that those in authority
seem to feel that the Negro is a thing
apart and that as such they are bounti-
fully we'll paid with a minimum of sal
ary, for the same work for which the
more favored class receives a third or
half as much again.
The fault is not with the Civil Ser
vice idea, but with those VINO nave beeH
placed in the position to interpret, and
are supposed to fairly execute the same.
Many of these are those whose educa-
ton. environment and social history are
such as to preclude the possibility of
an equitable consideration and treatment
of Negroes, when in competition with
and emulation of their white fellows.
A higher standard is set for these,
an with faithful, conscientious effort,
diligent application, and pronounced eff
ficiency (for this is conceded to Negro
employees of the Govemment) they have
grasped the situation and proved them
selves equal to all requirements; still
their progress, save in rare instances, IS
as a snai's pace when placed against this
rapid stride OF a fleeing hare.
Evidences of this are not wanting ia
most departments, and as an illlustra-
ton may be cited the case of young
man of brain and worth and a graduate
in law. He was appointed as laborsr
some ten years ago, and by examination
has been eligible to a clerkship for sew
eral years, yet men of the other race
who have been appointed and become
qualified since have long ago been plac-
ed on the roll as clerks while he is still
eft to wait and hope.
Another was appointed to a messen-
gership fourteen years ago, within few
months of the entrance upon duty Of
severa white men at the same grade
and salary. One of these men IS now
enjoying a salary of $1,000, the others
are receiving $1,000; he, $1,000.
He is reported as efficient, in all re-
spects worthy, and has been repeatedly
recommended for advancement by his
immediate superiors.
Again it is almost icredible that in
ten years FIVE Negro clerks in one de-
partment, each of whose rating IS fest
class in every particular, should have
received total increase Of only 5000,
while one white clerk alone had this
amount added to his salary at one fell
swoop, being jumped from $500 70
81, 300.
In view of these facts does it not
seem that the recommendations of the
Keep Commission, affecting these mat
tiers, are both timely and important?
The Government is unequivocally
committed TO the policy of the Square
Deal" and cannot view with compla-
cency the unfair distribution of its re-
/ yards among worthy servants, Of what
; ever race or class they may happen TO
| be-
The conservative element of the Negro
citizens Of the District are much con-
cerned over recent developments in the