The Washington herald., 1909-04-11

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the bill providing for the thirteenth and
subsequent censuses- Nearly hve hours
were devoted to debating its provisions
much Of the discussion relating to the
civil service feature
Senator La Toilette. chairman OF the
Committee on Census. had charge Of the
measure, and explained its provisions,
and he patiently explained them all
There were many colioquies in one Of
which Senator La Toilette. after hearing
Senator Galllnger, OF New Hampshire,
complain he had been beset by oflce-
seekers. told him he was singularly free
from such troubles. and urged M Cal
linger 10 come over and join the re-
formers.
I am afraid the remedy the Senator
proposes would be worse than the dis
ease. replied Senator GalHnger.
Passed as Recommended.
The bill was passed substantially in
the form in which It came from the Sen
ate committee.
An amendment submitted by Senator
Bailey. OF Texas. TO strike out the sec
ton which provided that appointments
should be made from eligible registers
made up as the result OF competitive
examinations was defeated.
The amendment reported by Senator Ia
Follette's committee. requiring that ap-
piicants for appointments 70 any position
In the government service should show
al least one year OF domicne immediate
ly preceding the examination ia the State
or Territory 70 which they are accredited.
vas adopted. This feature OF the bill
which Affects all applicants FOR govern
ment positions In the civil service. has
I created vide CONSERVATION among resi-
I dents OF Washington who are seeking
( places fl the government service. and
Z who claim legal residence in the States.
Consideration OF the bill gave rise 10
an exciting debate on the merits Of civil
/ service. Senator Bailey. OF Texas. moved
I 10 strike out the section OF the census
7 bill. which directed that competitive
tests under the civil service law should
I be applied 70 applicants for positions in
I the Census once, and 70 substitute the
paragraph in the census bill passed by
l the last Congress. providing noncompeti-
tive examinations and keeping appoint
meEts outside OF the civil service. The
item offered as a substitute by Senator
Bailey was the cause Of President ROOse-
veits veto OF the bill
After attacking the administration OF
Z the civil service as a humbug. Mr
Bailey declared President Roosevelt. who
had characterized Senators as "spoils-
men in his veto message, had always
found II agreeable 10 suspend the civil
service rules and put his own friends
into Office
He recited an Incident OF legislator in
one OF the States who procured the pass
age Of a resolution heaping fulsome
euiogy upon Mr.. Roosevelt, and then
when his term as legislator expired had
his friends write 20 the then President
inclosing the resolution and requesting an
appointment for its author.
A Roosevelt Incident.
President Roosevelt sent for the legis-
lator. directed a Cabinet officer 10 find
place for him. and re is now drawing
salary Of s. a day" said Mr.. Bailey.
'If any Senator doubts the story" said
Mr.. Bailey. 'let him inquire OF the Sen
ator from West Virginia. M Scott
Mr.. Bailey declared the administration
OF the clvi service was a colossal hum
bug. The party boss had been dethroned
and the departmental boss enthroned.
''As between the two infinitely prefer
the former" ssid the Senator.
Mr.. Bailey said President Taft had been
quoted as saying he would veto the bin
II the civil service feature was omitted
He declared President Taft was making
a serious mistake IN trying 10 cOerce
Congress.
II he starts out on that policy, the last
seven years through which we have
passed VIII be as a holiday compared
with the four years to come" said he.
Senator Lodge replied briefly He as
serted that President Taft had made no
threats. but Congress should take notice
OF Mr.. Tafts attitude toward civil
service The Senator declared that in the
opinion OF former Director OF the Cen
sus. the spoils system had cost the gov
ernment S2.o0o.ooO for a single census.
Reduction Of Salary.
Senator Dillingham;. OF Vermont. called
attention to the fact that the bill re-
duced the salary Of the Director 500 be
low what Il was for the Director OF the
last census
Mr.. La Toilette replied the salary OF
the last Director. as originally liked. was
IS 600, but il was afterward raised By
special act 10 S7,5oo The Senator from
Wisconsin deplored the tendency TO raise
salaries OF the higher grades and ignore
the claims or clerks The salary OF
s, 600 a year year Mr.. la Toilette pro-
nounced 10 be ample, and Senator Dill
lingham did not press the matter Of IN
creasins II
MANY "JOY RIDERS" CAUGHT.