The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1908-03-20
THE MERIT SYSTEM.

The merit system comprises: First,
That plan of appointment to public
Office which Is based upon the merit
or fitness of the applicant to per-
form the duties of the position APP
piled for, ascertained by open COM
petitiye examination or tests; Sec
ond, That method Of promotion in
the public service which Is founded
upon proved efficiency and ability in
the discharge of duty and service;
Third, 1t includes removals, which
are based upon actual inability or
efficiency to perform the functions
of the position occupied; and 1t Is a
system In which appointments, pro-
motions and removals are alike made
without regard to political or parti-
san considerations.
The civil service Of the nation, and
the several states, in marked con-
trast with the rest of the public SER
vice (Which is either military or
naval), for many years failed to en-
Joy the beneflcent advantages of
such merit system, but instead
thereof, there prevailed a system of
I. favoritism in which appointments,
promotions and removals were all
made as rewards for partisan SER
vice, or fidelity to the fortunes OF
some political boss, and without any
special regard to fitness for the du-
ties performed.
BY means OF the federal statute
known as the "Pendleton BIZ the
national civil service has largely
been brought under the operations of
carefully framed merit system;
similar laws have been enacted for
the states of Massachusetts and New
York.
Under the Spells system the head
of department instead of being
free to exercise his own Judgment, Is
practically forced to select those who
have the most political influence, and
to pay but little If any regard to their
ability or fitness. Under the merit
system the appointing officer is not
only enabled but obliged to select for
appointment or promotion those who
will give the public the best obtain
able service.
Under the Spells system each APP
pointment makes more enemies than
friends. Under the merit system no
unsuccessful applicant can complain
of anything but his own deficiencies.
Under the Spells system the offices
are almost monopolized by men of
small capacity and few scruples, and
the most desirable class of employees
are unwilling to apply. Under the
merit system the examinations are
open to every citizen and the best
are eager to compete because their
employment. retention and promo
ton are made to depend solely upon
their merit and fitness, and because
the work is honorable, the pay is GER
tain, and the opportunities for ad-
vancement are many.
Under the Spells system the Offices
which the people pay for are con-
verified into brides and rewards for
the use of corrupt and demoralizing
methods by INSCRIPTIONS men. I'm
der the merit system the public Of
fees can only be secured or retained
by superior efficiency and proved in
tegrity.
Under the Spells system elected Of
ficials must devote themselves to the
peddling of offices and the division of
patronage. Under the merit system
they can give their time and ener-
gies to the legislative or executive
duties for which they have been
chosen and by which they can best
serve and secure the gratitude and
esteem of their constituents.
The merit system means fair play
for all applicants.
BY it the door is open for all upon
the same terms. 1t is American, 1t
is Democratic, 1t is Republican.
On the other hand no man can be
appointed under the Spells system no
matter how intelligent. how fit, un-
less he has "oplitical pull" This
means the favor of some influential
politician who assumes the right to
quarter upon the public service his
adherents and supporters, and re-
ward them for personal favors out
of the public treasury
Such a Spoils system creates and
fosters a privileged class In the pub
lie service, without regard to quail
fication or eficiencya privileged
class whose permanence In office de-