Norwich bulletin., 1912-04-05

SzuU,UVO would De saved annually ana the efficiency of the service greatly tn- creased by the adoption of such a plan. Internal Revenue and Customs Offices.
 Large expenditures are made for sal- aries of political appointees in ternal revenue and customs
 In both services 8 direct savir aries and an indirect econor
 increased efficiency would
 transfer of such offices to the ci;,s-.--- l service.
 Other Local Offices.
 In the other field services the saving which would result from the classihca- tion of the local officers under the de partments is not as marked or prob ably capable of as exact estimation as in those mentioned, but there fig no doubt that substantial savings would follow. It is not to be doubted that where DO saving would result the classification of the local officers would increase the efficiency of the service. It would be desirable also to place all marshals, deputy msEshals and assistant attorneys in the clRssi- fled service, although but little direct l economy would result Supervising inspectors in the steamboat inspection service and the members of the field service in the bureau of fisheries should be placed in the classified service. CSmmission's Report on Local Offices.
 The report on methods of appoint ment submitted to me by the cOmmis- sion, which covers fully the subject of appointments by the president by and with the advice and consent of the sen ate and recommends that various local officers, such as pOstmasterS, collectors |. of internal revenue, etc. and heads of bureaus in the departmental service, be included in the classified service, is transmitted herewith (appendix No. D. The report and recommendations are l approved by me.
 Legislation Needed to Establish the
 Merit System.
 In the interest of an efficient and eco nomical administration of the vast business of the government urge the necessity for the inauguration of this l important reform and recommend that the necessary amendments be made to the laws governing appointments, such amendments to take effect not later than July 1, 1913, so that there may be secured to the people the benefits to be | derived from conduct of their affairs l by officers selected on a merit basis and devoting their time and talents solely to the duties of their offices.
 Consolidation of Lighthouse and Life
 Saving Services.
 The commissions report (appendi, 1 No. 2 recommends that the life say ing service of the department of tl4 treasury be discontinued as a separat organization and that the maintenan. and operation of the life saving st tiOns of the country be made one Of t.. duties of the bureau of lighthouses the department of commerce and lahm I concur in this recommendation art urge that the necessary legislation fo carrying it into effect be enacted.
 Both of these services are organized and maintained for the same genera ! purpose-the protection of life and property endangered along the coasts and other navigable waters. Both maintain stations along the coast. which are located for the most part in close proximity. Both have sub stantially the same business problems to meet in locating, constructing and maintaining these stations; in recruit ing the personnel, in manufacturing or purchasing equipment; in purchasing, housing in depots and distributing sup. plies; in operating q field inspection service, in maintaining telephonic and other means of communication. in dlg- bursting funds, in keeping proper books of accounts and in rendering reports showing financial and other ransac- tionS. The maintenance of two sep arate services. as at present, means 8 duplication of organization in respect to all of these operations. The rec 0mmendation of the commission does not contemplate any essential change in the work of the life saving stations. It is for the transfer of the business management of these institutions to the bureau of lighthouses. That bu- reau, being fully organized for the ad- ministratiOn of stations of this char acter, will be able to direct and man age these stations with comparatively little addition to It's present force and equipment. The commission estimates that, in addition to the advantage that will be obained through having these two services operated by the same or ganlzation, a direct economy will be secured of at least S1OO,o0O annually and that the saving will greatly ex- ceed this sum after the first year.
 Revenue Cutter Service.
 The report of the commission on the revenue cutter service tappendix No. 8 Represents Q detailed investigation of the history, organization and -Activi- ties of this branch of the government service and It's relations to other serv-' ices. The conclusion Is reached that all of the duties now being performed by this service can be performed with equal efficiency by other services and that a great economy will result by having these duties so performed. Tho commission accordingly recommends