Omaha daily bee., 1911-03-13
WOULD EXTEND THE NEW SYSTEM
Legislation for Number of Improve
ments Requested by Taft.
BETTER SPIRIT OF UNITY NOW
Number of Competitive Classified Po-
HitiOns shows Increase of 5,4OO-
Navy Yards LaBorers
Decrease.

port OF the civil service commission m
report states that the increasing effectiyo-
ness OF the merit system has strengthened
the pubic conviction that II is in5isnor-
SABLE TO economy and efficiency in govern
Hnehtal affairs. It is shown that the ev-
ANIMATION system tends to lessen the num-
Der OF employees required under similar con
ultiohs by raising the standard OF efficienc,,
auu at the same time facilitates the ex-
tension OF governmental activities to new
l'eius by furnishing the best practicable
i'eons OF testing qualifications for scien-
'ii'' technical and professional work
- oetter spirit of cooperation on the
part OF administrative Officers ana ~
puDiio is noted thus rendering civil service
administration more effective Econor,io.
have been effected in the uso 90 ,o,-,,,,.
le"er persons being examined. although
more were appointed than in the nro,,,a7,.
year pieNIous
The report shows 3S4.Oss persons f., a.,
executive civil service, 90. .27S Of whom, ore
In the competitive classified service IT,
NUMBER OF competitive classified positions
"hch does not include mechanics and To-
I oofers at navy yards, is shown to have in
creased by b4SS. On the other hand m
opiiiioh OF the attorney general. rendered
uurins the year, that mechanics and labor
ers at navy yards are not classified. tbougb
'neS nave been so regarded gives an an
parent decrease by taking them from, a.
hsures OF the year. The commission, ,,sos
lhe classification by executive order %
these navy yard employees, showing that
the classification of similar positiops a,
other parts Of the service is beneficial ana
that the navy yard mechanics are perform
ing duties whose classification was eonten-
plated by the rules.
including transfers promotiors s
reinststements there were according a.
the report 1885 persons appointed tbroush
examination In the federal service durin,,
the year, while transfers and reinstata-
fnents without examination to the federal
service and appointments through ex-
animation to the Philippine service and IN
uhskliled laborer positions brings the num-
bed up to 46.2O2
II is shown that the large number Of
CLERKS In Washington required for the
recent census were readily supplied through
the examination system.
The recent classification nv ovo,,,.t,..
order Of assistant postmasters and Of
clerks In certain first class postoffices Is
noted with satisfaction. It being shown tb,,,
other ike positions have been advan-
The report calls attention to tho nro-
nounced tendency to fill the higher federal
positions through promotion OF persons in
the service and further shows remarkable
progress in the general application of the
merit system and the acceptance of this
method OF selection of the personnel Of
government organizations which has been
adopted by more than 200 cities ana Sly
state governments.
The commission joins with the president
ana the postmaster general in recommend
ing legislation to permit the classification
J OF tirst, second, and third class most
masters and supports earnestly the presi
1 dents recommendation to congress that be
/ be given power to classify local officers
whose appointments are now subject to
confirmation by the senate, favoring the
classification of all except those respopsi
bic for the policy of the administration.
The commission urges legislation look
! ing to increased efficiency in the service
especially a reclassification of salaries in
accordance with the work performed with
enough grades to insure frequent promo
tions, some provision for retirement and
promotion on merit to the higher positions.
In it's argument for a Ieclassification of
salaries the commission states that tbs
under different conditions and shows the
Inequalities resulting at the present time
Such a Reconsideration as that recon-
mended by the Keep commission. which
was reported favoraby to the house Of
Representatives by the committee on de-
lpartment methods, is favored by the com
mission and is considered prerequisite 10
the establishment Of any uniform plan of
promotions on merit, After such a re-
Classification the commission favnrs pro-
motions In the service on the basis OF ef-
fcienys records kept and harmoniEed by
a supervisory body.
Satisfaction is expressed with the results
OF the application Of the merit system 10
the diplomatic and consular services bv
presidential order and the commission is
heartily in accord WITH President Taft in
his desire expressed IN mis- recent MESSAGE.
that the system be adopted by law.
The portion OF tho report dealing with
political activity Of employees shows an
increase in the number OF cases investi-
gated by the commission most Of them OF
a minor character, which Is ascribsd to in
creased facilities for detecting violations.
fuller cooperation OF the departments. and
greater public sympathy. rather than a
growth in the actual number. II recon-
mends the extension OF the restriction on
political activity 20 officers now unclassi-
fled
Though the total number OF temporary
appointments increased during the year.
according to the report, there was a
marked decrease in their number in Wash
ington, and the careful administration OF
the rule limited the number 20 such as
were for the good OF the servioe.
1 The value OF the district system whereby
twelve eenters Of adm nistrction and Infor-
nation are maintained each In touch with
the service and the public In It's territory
is shown, the result being increased ex-
pedition, stability, economy and efficiency
IN the service.
CONTINUED on second PsseJ