New-York tribune., 1911-03-13
MERIT SYSTEMS GROWTH
Civil Service Commission Reports
Year of Marked Progress.
AIDED BY PRESIDENT TAFT
Standard of Efficiency Raised
and Better Service Obtained
Reforms Recommended.

-helOI Ills hcCOIulQCuu
Washington. March l2.-The annual re-
port Of the United States Civil Service
Commission. made public to-day. says that
system has strengthened the public con-
viction that it is indispensable to economy
and efficiency in government affairs. II Is
shown that the examination system tends
10 decrease the number Of employees re-
ouired under similar conditions by raising
the standard II efficiency and az the same
time facilitates the extension Of the gov
ernmental activities 10 new fields by fur
nishng the best practicable means Of test
ing qualifications for scientific, technical
and professional work.
\ better spirit Of cooperation on the part
OF administrative officers and the public is
noted thus rendering Civil Service admins
tration more effective. Economies have
been effected in the use of registers. fewer
persons being examined. although more
we're appointed than in the previous year.
The report shows Ss4.oss persons in M"
executive civil service o22.27s OF whom are
in the competitive classified service. The
number Of competitive classified positions.
which does not include mechanics and la
horers at navy wards. IS shown - have in
creased by 54& On the other hand. an
opinion of the Attorney General. rendered
during the year. that mechanics and Ia
borers AT navy yards are not CLASSIFIED
though they have been so regarded. gives
an apparent decrease hy taking them from
the figures Of the year The commission
urges the classification by executive order
Of these navy ward employees.
Including transfers. promotions and rein
statements. G.5Sj persons were appointed
through examination in the federal service
during the year. while transfers and rein
statements without examination 70 the fed
eral service and appointments through ex-
animation 70 the Philippine service and 70
unskilled laborer positions bring the num-
Der Up 10 i6.2
II Is shown that the large number Of
clerks in Washington required for the re-
cent census we're readily supplied through
the examination system.
. The recent classification by executive Or
der of assistant postmasters and of clerks
in certain first class postoNfces is noted
with satisfaction It being shown that other
like positions have been advantagsously
treated as classified.
The report calls attention 10 the tendency
TO fiji the higher federal places through
promotion of persons in the service and
further shows remarkabl. progress in the
general application Of the merit system
and the acceptance Of this method Of Sc
lection Of the personnel Of government or
ganizations which has been adopted by
s,~
governments.
Recommendation Made.
The commission Joins with the President
and the Postmaster General in recommend
ing legislation 10 permit the classification
Of first, second and third class postmasters
and supports earnestly the President
recommendation to Congress that he he
empowered 10 classify local officers whose
appointments are now subject 10 conirma-
ton by the Senate. favoring the cIassifica-
ton Of all except those responsible for the
policy Of the administration
The commission urges legislation looking
70 increased efficiency in the service, es-
peciaUv a reclassifcation Of salaries in ac-
cordance with the work performed, with
enough grades to insure frequent promo
promotion on merit 10 the higher positions.
In its argument for a reclassification OF
salaries the commission states that the
rresent classification was adopted in 1888
under different conditions and shows the
inequalities resulting at the present time.
such a reclassifcation as that recommended
by the Keep commission, which was re
rorted fayorably TO the House OF Repre-
sentativas By the Committee on Department
Methods, is favored by the commission and
IS considered prerequisite 10 the establish
n.ent Of any Uniform plan Of promotion on
merit. After such a reclassiticat!on the
commission favors promotions in the service
on the basis of efficiency records kept and
harmonized by the supervisory body.
Satisfaction is expressed with the results
Of the application OF the merit system 10
the Diplomatic and consular services by
Presidential order. and the commission is
heartily In accord with President Taft in
his desire. expressed in his recent message.
that the system be adopted By law